#savannahlander

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We'll coss that bridge ....

(On my travels)

The SavannahLander on the run from Einasleigh to Forsayth. The SavannahLander is a 1960's Railmotor that runs regularly from Cairns to Forsayth on a railway line that was built in 1910. The line was built with manual labour and dynamite where necessary and is in original condition with steel hollow sleepers. The line actually runs in a river bed at one stage, which is why rail travel is suspended during the wet season. Curves are tight and at some stages the railmotor rocks like a boat in rough seas. Despite this,people (including me) line up to ride the line. Wildlife includes rock wallabies and clouds of crow butterflies. Hazards include Prize winnning Brahmin Bulls which take their time getting off the line.

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The Savannahlander

(On my travels)

1960s Railmotor still operating on a track laid down in the 1890s. The track is maintained, however the earth filled steel sleepers laid directly on the ground, with no ballast is the original track design and still in use. This design allows for flood waters to cover the track without washing the lines away. It does however, provide a very interesting ride. Definitely rock and roll. Taken at Mt. Surprise

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The Savannahlander at Mt. Surprise Station

(On my travels)

Just because I like 50 shades of grey.

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The Savannahlander at Mt. Surprise

(On my travels)

Notice that there is no ballast under the tracks. They're laid directly on the ground. The sleepers are hollow steel rectangles, filled with earth. This allows floodwaters (a frequent occurence in the wet season) to cover the line without washing it away.