Episode 26 - 160th Special - People, personalities and the early beginnings of our railways

On 31 July 1865, the first section of railway line opened in Queensland, between Ipswich and what was then called 'Bigges Camp' (today’s Grandchester). The story of our railway is much bigger than just a series of facts, figures, and statistics. It is more than a roll call of railway line openings, introduction of rollingstock and dates of events. The real story of the Queensland Railways was, and still is, about people. 

So – let’s take stock and look back to that beginning – discussing our first Commissioner and his Irish influence, a sparkling member of the Greek nobility, who inaugurated the railway works in 1864, the Scandinavian and other influences on the choice of gauge, and our first locomotives and rollingstock - and the battle of economy over engineering in that origin story. 

We also chat with Arthur, whose own connection with the railway story stretches nearly a third of those 160 years, while enjoying some of Annette's homemade slice - which was quite amazing! 

You can watch the video version of this episode here. 

For more episodes, please search for the 'Queensland Rail History Podcast' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or listen on our website: https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/ourhistory/the-queensland-rail-journey/history-podcast 

Please email your 160th railway questions to our historian Greg: [e-mail] 

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