Bell Branch

The line to Bell was approved by the Queensland Parliament in December 1904 and was built to the north east of Dalby, commencing in 1905. It was built using old 41 lb rails recovered from the sections of the North Coast line and laid without ballast, being buried into the earth. It was the cheapest conventional railway built in Queensland at the time. The line reached the terminus of Bell in April 1906. Only light locomotives were permitted on the line, but it still gradually sank into the black soil. In 1932 the line was lifted and ballasted allowing slightly heavier locomotives.

The images in the gallery are kindly provided by Michael Johnston.