Of Speed and Narrow Gauge
In Volume 1 “Off Shed to Blowdown”, we explored recordings of steam leaving the shed, running on mainline and branches, before returning back to the yard at the end of the day. Now, in Volume 2, we can hear steam at speed and steam working hard on narrow gauge.
Steam at speed is something that was once common in regular service, however it was something of a rarity on tours and preserved railways. Occasionally, we would be pleasantly surprised when a particular driver decided to make up time and show us what our trusty steeds could do, some of which are featured here. In addition to setting speed records, one of my other favourite railway subjects is narrow gauge, which is good, considering I live in a state with one of the largest narrow gauge 3’6” (1067mm) networks in the world! That being said, one narrow gauge railway very close to my heart is that of the Victorian 2’6” (762 mm) network, so ably demonstrated by the Puffing Billy Railway from Belgrave to Gembrook.
This disc has nearly 80 minutes of steam sounds, with some of my most recent recordings made on a Sony NH-1 minidisc recorder coupled to a Sony ECM MS907 stereo microphone. I think you will find that some of the recordings made using these are amazing in terms of the clarity and stereo picture (even if I do say so myself!) and if you do have a decent pair of headphones, try listening to the disc with them on. Close your eyes, and you can hear it as if you were next to me while I was recording (as long as you were quiet!). Once again, I hope you enjoy this disc as much as I enjoyed chasing the subjects featured on it.
Tony Weber
Track 1 – BB18¼ 1079 – Morayfield 1990
Track 2 – Puffing Billy G42 crossing NA 6A 14/12/2005
Track 3 – AC16 221A at Blaxland 15/10/2005
Track 4 – PB15 732 – In Cab at Rosewood 1990
Track 5 – BB18¼ 1079 - On Train 1990
Track 6 – AC16 221A at Oakey 15/10/2005
Track 7 – BB18¼ 1079 - Landsborough 1990
Track 8 – Puffing Billy NA 7A Lakeside 14/12/2005
Track 9 – AC16 221A Gowrie 15/10/2005
Track 10 – BB18¼ 1089 - Tennyson 6/11/2005
Track 11 – Kilrie 0-4-2T On Train 20/11/05
Track 12 – Puffing Billy NA 6A Belgrave 14/12/2005
Track 13 – AC16 221A Laidley 15/10/2005
Track 14 – BB18¼ 1079 at Yarongmalu 29/9/1990
Track 15 – Puffing Billy NA 6A On Train Lakeside to Belgrave 14/12/2005
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