Rare and previously unpublished images illustrate the story of the last commercial steam working in Australia, which was active until 1987.

In 'Steam Australia', Tim Fischer takes readers into the fascinating story of steam transportation over ten vital decades of transformation in Australia's history. The book also covers the great named express trains hauled by steam locomotives over the decades, such as 'Puffing Billy', Robert Gordon Menzies or 'The Ghan'. Special topics feature things such as Albury's 'break of gauge' platform (where two state track systems met), the Amiens branch line (running through Pozieres and Passchendaele stations in Queensland), some important characters such as C.Y. O'Connor and many more. The book is illustrated with over 300 exciting images from the superb National Library John Buckland collection of photography, many never seen before. Steam locomotives continue to operate as a key part of rail heritage tourism in Australia, demonstrating the ongoing legacy of these engines. The great age of steam in Australia and Fischer's salute to steam locomotion and all that it has achieved for this country is fascinating and captivating to both train novices and enthusiasts alike.

From its wineries and coastline in the south, to its deserts in the remote north, South Australia is a state of contrasts. Find out about Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, how it can transform from a brittle salt lake into a wetland. Discover how the early colony of South Australia managed to develop without the benefit of having convict labourers, then read about the exploits of the explorers who crossed deserts to find a route to the north of the continent. - Aboriginal history and culture - Maps, timelines, statistics - Historic illustrations - Covers geography, history, economics, government - Biographies of notable people - Australian Primary Curriculum

The first steam locomotives used on any British railway, worked in industry. The use of new and second hand former main line locomotives, was once a widespread aspect of the railways of Britain. This volume covers many of the once numerous manufacturers who constructed steam locomotives for industry and contractors from the 19th to the mid 20th centuries. David Mather has spent many years researching and collecting photographs across Britain, of most of the different locomotive types that once worked in industry. This book is designed to be both a record of these various manufacturers and a useful guide to those researching and modelling industrial steam.

In March of 1994, the state government of Western Australia closed the Government Railway Workshop at Midland, amidst widespread community outrage. This volume records the history of this important industrial facility.