A10 Steam Locomotives
Discover the Legacy of A10 Steam Locomotives
Normanton became the port for wealthy Croydon after gold was discovered, goods, equipment, and people needed to be moved between the Gulf of Carpentaria and the boom at Croydon. The train line, originally intended for Cloncurry but re-routed to Croydon, initiated services in the 1890s and then consisted of five carriages, 68 wagons and two guard's vans.
Three A10 locomotives, built in 1877, were transferred to Normanton in 1888-9 and used for the construction of the line and the commencement of service, but were replaced in 1892 by B class locomotives. A10 locomotives 202 and 204, partially reconstructed, take pride of place in the Croydon True Blue Visitor Information Centre garden.
The original Golden Gate Station was opened in 1891 because it was the site of the deepest and most productive mines of the field and, apart from Croydon, the most populous community in the area.
The "Gate" had a large school, 11 hotels, a police station, 3 butcher shops, 5 general stores and a barber's shop with a billiard saloon. It had a baker, plumber and draper. In 1899 the Station was staffed with a Post and Telegraph Office, an Agency of the State Savings Bank and a porter. It had a goods shed and a staff cottage and signals were installed. The Golden Gate Mining and Town Complex is State Heritage Registered and the place contains extensive social archaeological evidence for future research.
In 1906 a siding was opened from the main line to the Pioneer Mill which was moved to Belmore Creek in 1902. Queensland Rail sold the last A10 (202) locomotive to J. Forsayth who owned the Pioneer Mill and it was used for shunting from the Golden Gate Station until it was abandoned when the Forsayth battery was closed. Locomotive 202 was rescued and has been partially restored by the Croydon Shire Council.
When the gold diminished, the buildings associated with the Golden Gate Station were sold off early in the 1930's and the station was replaced by a siding. The "Gate" siding was removed in 1941.
The innovative and famous engineer, George Phillips, designed a unique steel sleeper system that was not susceptible to flood or termite damage and implemented it between Normanton and Croydon.
George Phillips also designed the original Croydon Railway Station which was destroyed by a cyclone in 1969. Parts of the building were used to construct a temporary station but it also collapsed from storm and termite damage in 2003. The Normanton - Croydon Railway is heritage listed on the Register of the National Estate and on the Queensland Heritage Register and the new Station, built by Buchanan Architects, received a prestigious engineering commendation in 2006.
Today the RM93 called the Gulflander (a 102 horsepower diesel engine motor built at Ipswich Railway Workshops in 1950) carries 2 cars and remains one of the great Australian train rides, taking passengers from the edge of the Gulf of Carpentaria into the depths of goldfield country just as trains on this track have done for over 100 years. It has been the motor power on the Normanton to Croydon rail line since 1982.
Due to the independence, distance and the isolation of the line the locomotives and rolling stock have remained at Croydon and Normanton providing a remarkable physical record of the railway. The railway line was one of the earliest narrow gauge railways in the world and is a remarkably intact and unique example with world heritage and rare conservation value.
Revel in the uniqueness of the Croydon railway, often dubbed as the railway that runs from 'nowhere to nowhere.' The distance and isolation that characterise this line have preserved a remarkable physical record of early Queensland railway locomotives and rolling stock. Today, it stands as the last isolated and disconnected line of Queensland Rail, a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of a bygone era.
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Restoration and Preservation Efforts
Embark on a journey through time at the True Blue Visitor Information Centre gardens, where the A10-202 and A10-204 are proudly on disply. Inspect the result of meticulous (yet incomplete) restoration efforts initiated by the Croydon Shire Council in 1999, with generous contributions from Queensland Rail. The A10-202 and A10-204, along with their tenders and various parts, showcase the dedication to preserving the rich heritage of Queensland's railway history.
National Significance Recognised
In 2014, Dr. Jan Wegner of James Cook University assessed Croydon's A10 collection and affirmed its National Significance. The rarity of these locomotives, their origins, and their pivotal role in shaping Queensland's railway history make them a must-see for enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
Plan Your Visit
Uncover the allure of Croydon QLD as you embark on a journey that transcends time. Immerse yourself in the history of Queensland's railway, explore the A10 collection, and witness the resilience of a community dedicated to preserving its heritage. For travellers seeking a taste of the country with a side of history, Visit Croydon QLD—a place where the past rides alongside the beauty of the Outback.