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The Kingston Mail
A publication of the Australian Railway Historical Society (ACT Division) Edition 43 — 4 April 2008 |
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The Kingston Mail
A publication of the Australian Railway Historical Society (ACT Division) Edition 43 — 4 April 2008 |
Following on from the DVD Scenes on the Michelago Tourist Railway, Lindsay Richmond has released the latest offering from Rank Amateur Video, entitled The Mouse at Work.
Locomotive 3102, affectionately known as "The Mouse" due to her quiet, unassuming, yet hard working manner, is the star of this feature.
It is evident, from the first frames of footage, of the attention that was lavished on this engine, from her gleaming paintwork to the highly-polished dome, trademarks we currently associate with the Society's flagship locomotive, 1210.
Unfortunately, whilst 1210 is, and is likely to remain very much an integral part of the Society's steam fleet, 3102 has long fallen out of use and is very much a shadow of its former self. (Work is expected to start on the restoration of 3102 in mid-2008).
Still, this DVD very much recalls the locomotive's former glory days and we firstly are treated to shots of one of the many trips 3102 made to Farrer, with the then 6 cars of Set 52 in tow, the Bungendore Centenary train and the Bombala trip with 3026.
These will no doubt stir the memories of many Society stalwarts, but for yours truly (who was born after 3102 was withdrawn from Society service), it was a fascinating time capsule to the way things were 20+ years ago. From subtle things like the arrangements of signalling at Queanbeyan, to large and profound changes such as the railway crew (rather than ARHS volunteers) operating the locomotive, every minute not only provides some beautiful steam photography but a snapshot of the way things were.
Of particular interest in this respect is the sequence of shunting at the fledgling Canberra Railway Museum. Here we find the volunteers enjoying the engine whilst shunting various pieces of Society rolling stock in the shed - a TAM, DCC 1040 and an unrestored 1210 (a side note of reference to a future volume to come from Rank Amateur Video - this scene was duly recreated but reversed in October 2006, where a fully restored 1210 shunts 3102 into the shed).
Although some practices, such as the people riding in the tender are not advisable in this OH&S conscious age, it does convey the fun that was enjoyed by all volunteers, something that seems somewhat conspicuously absent in this day and age.
Notes by Lindsay Richmond
In mid-1995, the NSW Rail Transport Museum's 2-8-2 Mikado locomotive, 5910, visited Canberra, and this video opens with 5910 at Mount Fairy. It is then seen at Bungendore, Queanbeyan and approaching Canberra. Explorer diesel rail cars make cameo appearances.
5910 then departs Canberra and is seen on the Fyshwick bank. Then, in a great backlit display, 3016 is shown approaching and working hard. With the setting sun, we see both locos working very hard at the start of the climb into the Molonglo Gorge.
This DVD ("The Mouse at Work") includes the titles "The Mouse at Work" and "Mighty Mikado Meets Mighty Mouse", PLUS a bonus DVD which may include one, or both, of the following titles - "Trackwork on the MTR - Royalla to Hume" and "Troublesome Trolley".
The two main titles run for approximately 56 minutes (in total) whereas the bonus DVD may contain as much as 30+ minutes or as little as 12 minutes.
The price of this package is $27.50, including post and packaging. $20 from each sale will be donated to a worthy ARHS ACT project. (By the way, you don't have to buy this DVD to donate - our Treasurer will accept donations at any time! See Support the Restoration of Heritage Trains).
Order form
Please forward me ______ copies of "The Mouse at Work" DVD @ $27.50 each.
Some copies of "Scenes on the MTR" are still available at the same price.
Please also send _______ copies of "Scenes on the MTR" DVD @ $27.50 each.
Forward your order to RAV, 21 Buckley Circuit, Kambah, ACT 2902.
Total cost of order: ___________
Cheque / money order enclosed (please make payable to Lindsay Richmond)
or debit my credit card 
Mastercard VISA
Number: ____________________________________ Expiry date: ____/____
Name on card:____________________________________ Signature: ________________________
Name: ___________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________
Phone number: ___________________________________
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See also: Other editions of The Kingston Mail