The Midlander (Western Australian Government Railways) Explained

The Midlander
Type:Overnight passenger train
Status:Ceased
First:2 September 1964
Last:28 July 1975
Formeroperator:Western Australian Government Railways
Start:Perth
End:Geraldton
Journeytime:12 hours
Frequency:Weekly
Trainnumber:3/4
Line Used:Midland

The Midlander was an overnight passenger train operated by the Western Australian Government Railways between Perth and Geraldton via the Midland line from September 1964 until July 1975.

History

The Midlander commenced operating on 2 September 1964 between Perth and Geraldton shortly after the purchase of the Midland Railway Company by the Western Australian Government Railways. It ceased on 28 July 1975, being replaced by road coaches.[1] [2]

The northbound service operated on a Wednesday night, returning south on Thursday night. It was operated with refurbished Western Australian Government Railways carriages painted maroon and ivory. These were used on weekends on the Albany Weekender.[2]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Gunzburg. Adrian. The Midland Railway Company Locomotives of Western Australia. 1989. Light Railway Research Society of Australia. Surrey Hills. 0-9093402-77. 47.
  2. Book: Higham. Geoffrey. Marble Bar to Mandurah: A history of passenger rail services in Western Australia. 2007. Rail Heritage WA. Bassendean. 978-0-9803922-0-3. 118, 119.