The train

The Murray Harbour train line which began around 1905 ran within a few yards of our house and buildings. Apart from the convenience of travel it provided for so many people over the years, the train was also a fascinating make up, especially for youngsters who grew up near it. The railway itself was a masterpiece of construction for its day. Of special prominence were the large man-made cuttings sliced out of hilly areas and the high sloping embankments where the land was low. Always eye catching at close range were the steel rails bolted together and generously spiked to the wooden ties on some of which there even remained the marks of earlier narrow-gauge tracks that endured until the 1920s. Rounding out this rugged structure were the rights of way, usually built-up crossings with wide gates for the farmer, the expertly-constructed stone culverts, white whistle posts, cattle guards, high woven-wire fences on either side and the siding where cars were shunted. Walking the track, a common practice for many along the way, had its own problems since the ties were too close fora full step and trying to hit every second tie was just too much. Walking the rails was more of a problem, though only a game for the youthful ones. The right balance was difficult to maintain for very long and soon one simply gave up. Never far from the tracks and train were the ever-visible section men, usually a crew of about four, with their noisy trolley or old-fashioned hand pump car for transport. Both of these vehicles were light enough for the crew to lift off the tracks for parking along the right of way near their