History
The train commenced operating between Port Augusta and Kalgoorlie in 1917 [1] [2] following the completion of the Trans-Australian Railway. [3] It was extended to Port Pirie in 1937 following the completion of this part of the line. [4]
Initially the train was hauled by G class locomotives and from 1938 by C class locomotives. [4] In 1951 it began to be hauled by GM class diesel locomotives.
Originally it only conveyed sleeping accommodation but aside from a period in the 1960s, it was not until 1981 that seated accommodation was provided. [3] In 1964 Commonwealth Railways purchased 24 carbon steel carriages from Commonwealth Engineering, Granville. [5] [6] These were later augmented by stainless steel carriages. [7] [8] It also operated with other rolling stock, de-motored Bluebird railcars being used by the late 1980s.
Following the conversion of the line from Kalgoorlie to standard gauge the Trans-Australian was extended to Perth on 15 June 1969 replacing The Westland . [9] For a time from December 1973 the service ran daily with the Trans-Australian combined with the Indian Pacific at Port Pirie on the days the latter ran. [10]
At this stage the service was operating five times per week, with the Indian Pacific operating on the other days to provide a daily service. This had ceased by May 1977 with each operating individually and the Trans-Australian reduced to three times weekly. [9] [10]
After the Port Pirie to Adelaide line was converted to standard gauge in 1982, the Trans Australian was extended to Keswick Terminal in Adelaide.
In the wake of a recession and cheaper air fares, the service was reduced from two services per week to one in February 1991 with this too cancelled from June 1991. [3] [11]
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