The Junction station of Gladstone had an interesting history, with the mainline between Port Pirie and Cockburn originally laid as a narrow gauge line. In 1927, a southern branchline from Gladstone to Hamley Bridge was converted to Broad Gauge, creating a break of gauge station. In 1970, the mainline to Broken Hill was converted to Standard gauge, forming a triple break of gauge station thanks to our branch to Wilmington. Eventually the Narrow Gauge Wilmington line closed, soon followed by the southern broad gauge branch, leaving Gladstone a much reduced standard gauge siding.
Photos in the gallery were captured during the ‘halcyon’ triple gauge days. Oh, and be sure to check out the NG loco flat car transfers!
SA 5473, Australia
