ANDY’S LONG TRIP INTO THE OUTBACK
Got a story?: Contributions welcomed by Derek Rayner, email: derekinvicta1915@gmail.com
he last steam item discovered during the recent extended tour of the outback to Queensland correspondent, , was a single cylinder Robey portable engine that was missing its crankshaft and flywheel. It seemed to be an early Robey since parts of the forecarriage were made of timber. Several modifications which were visible indicated that it may have been used as a water heater later in its working life. The remains of this engine were seen at Emmet - a small township around 700 miles north-west of Brisbane and more than 300 miles south-west of Capella, Andy’s home town. It’s located on the former Jericho to Yaraka railway branch line, some 70 miles west of Blackall. Like Yaraka, mentioned in Part 3, the station here has survived into preservation and in its vicinity it includes the two tracks and sets of points - plus a home signal and a sand box. Inside the station are stories and photographs pertaining to Emmet’s history. The only other surviving building there is what would have been the place’s General Store. The present owner keeps the shop front ‘in period’, with some related items on display such as the former station platform trolley. However, it has to be said that the solar panels on the shop’s awning do look somewhat out of place.
