Around Geraldton in 2004

RailWA

Around Geraldton in 2004

With a record grain crop received across W.A. in the 2003/2004 harvest the number of train operations in the northern wheatbelt centred on Geraldton was expected to produce more trains. When you add in the commencement of iron ore trains from Ruvidini (Near Mullewa) to Geraldton the railscene could get interesting. A few photos from January and February reflect the ramping up of activity around the Geraldton area.

In the last light of the setting sun, ARG liveried DA1575 hauls a loaded iron ore west towards Geraldton on the 8 February 2004. The photo was taken near the Erangy Springs Road.

Comparing this photo with the one above. 1907 was formerly DA1577, after a rebuild it came out with a lowered short end nose. 1907 is seen entering the Port of Geraldton on its first iron ore train on 5 February 2004.

On the 8 February 2004 we headed to Dongara to photograph firstly the coal train, then the mineral sands. Both trains contained multiple unit combinations that are not the norm in the Geraldton area. First we see P2008/P2015 hauling P2002/P2003 on a combined coal and grain train with a few empty iron ore wagons on the back(around 80 wagons). Photo taken south of Bookara.

The second of the trains out of Dongara heading north on 8 February 2004 sees P2007/1907 hauling P2017 and a loaded mineral sands train. The train is about 10km north of Dongara in this photo.

Another day and yet another loco combination. A1513/1907 combine to haul an empty coal train south towards Dongara on 14 February 2004.