Tailem Bend Trains
Rail enthusiasts, historians and collectors will have the chance to secure a piece of railway history as carriages located at Tailem Bend will soon be on offer by tender in the coming months.
Considered surplus to the Council’s requirements, a decision was made to dispose of the six (6) carriages located adjacent to the railway corridor and old Railway Station in Tailem Bend at the January 2023 Ordinary Council meeting, subject to feedback from the community.
Coorong District Council intends to dispose of six (6) railway carriages referred to as the Accident Train and consisting of a range of both flat open-sided and enclosed carriages. This offering will be a great opportunity for individuals, groups or organisations wishing to secure a piece of rail history for restoration or use as a static display.
Before the tender commences, Coorong District Council is inviting individuals to provide feedback on the proposal to dispose of the train carriages by tender.
Should the proposal be supported, the tender process would be established and advertised accordingly in the coming months.
Interested parties wishing to find out more can view the condition assessment.
Following a period of consultation and subject to final decision by Council it is anticipated the tender will be advertised in the second half of 2023.
Submissions are now closed. With a report to be tabled at a future Council Meeting.
Feedback closed at 5pm on Friday, 29 September 2023.
There are seven independent “carriages” located on the railway track opposite the Coorong Civic Centre, on Railway Terrace. Approach is from Station Drive. The track runs NW to SE.
Summary of Carriage Condition
| Carriage | Description | Length (metres) | Weight (tonnes) | Special Notes | Condition Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enclosed carriage | 11.1 | 30 | Contains miscellaneous loose slings and rigging gear. | Rust in most metal but chassis seems sound. |
| 2 | Timber sided accident Van | 13.5 | 30 | Contains tools and recovery gear | Floor heavy duty salvageable. Chassis sound, some rust and disrepair. |
| 3 | White enclosed Accident Caboose | 15.5 | 28 | Work area, kitchen and bathroom | As above. |
| 4 | Open sided goods wagon | 13.5 | 25 | As above. | |
| 5 | Long flat open sided carriage | 23 | TBC | May require some demolition prior to transport i.e. metal roof. | Chequer plate floor sound. Roof in poor condition (metal). Chassis sound. |
| 6 | Green metal clad enclosed Carriage | 13 | 40 | Miscellaneous items in carriage. | Chassis sound. Otherwise sound for transport. |
| 7 | White timber sided enclosed accommodation carriage | 8 | 10 | Can be transported on tilt trailer. Could be relatively easily restored. Recommend retaining for Community purposes. Contains various loose items. | Floor and chassis sound. Some wood rot and damage. No extensive rust. |
Images of the Carriages
