Railways and Australian Identity

"The powerful headlight probes the darkness; voluminous clouds of black smoke billow from the chimneys, steam erupts from the safety valves, a ruddy glow lights the cab as butterfly doors are jerked open, flashing rods and driving wheels are highlighted by the running lights and overall there is now a triumphant beat." The railway is shown on maps as permanent way, however many lines are now abandoned. But the experiences of rail trips to distant places by train are, to many, deeply remembered e