Tarlee, Manoora, and Merildin Railway Stations

[@McKav]

The drone footage of the line & surrounding countryside is just fantastic. What a stunning landscape thanx

[@PhillipRowland-r8v]

Brilliant insight into bygone days,history in our backyard,thank you so much

[@Outdoorstype]

Glad you enjoyed it. It's my pleasure.

[@johnmcgeever8291]

Thanks for your video on these stations. Always been fascinated by the design after visiting Merildin station, near where my great granparents lived. And then to later find the style used on other stations.

[@Outdoorstype]

I don't know how they felt about it in the 1800s when it was a pattern design, but it is beautiful. My research is sure to take me down that road at some stage... Thanks for watching!

[@johnmcgeever8291]

Of interest, Chateau Tanunda Winery says 'Tanunda station is built in the same architectural style of Chateau Tanunda as it was a gift from Chateau Tanunda to the people of Tanunda.'

[@Outdoorstype]

@@johnmcgeever8291 Interesting. Thanks for that. Perhaps it was a gift, but I'm guessing you probably can't see the architectural style connection between the two Tanunda buildings either. The link to the Uni SA architects database article about Bonython is in the video description. I'd rate the veracity of that higher than the winery marketing team haha.

[@middle_digit]

It's surprising that there isn't some kind of heritage listing to preserve these buildings. You don't know what you've lost until it's gone. They need to be saved.

[@Outdoorstype]

I think they technically belong to One Rail at the moment. Thanks for watching.

[@FishplateFilms]

Great video Mike! I've been to some of these , back in 2018 when I followed the old line to Peterborough. So sad to see these old buildings just sitting there, but at least a few have a new lease of life. Looking at the per way , it wouldn't take "that" much to get it running again , even for a short Heritage Railway, but alas we just don't have the population for it? Cheers Gregg.

[@Outdoorstype]

Another tourist line would be great but I reckon SA actually punches above its weight. With PRR and SteamRanger we have two world class heritage lines. I think the main problem is the joke of a lease to big rail operators who clearly have zero interest in spending corporate money on unnecessary stuff. I wonder how the Farrell Flat and Stockport station owners sorted it out at their locations, and if the arrangement could be replicated. There are a few lovely neighbors at Tarlee including a nice lady who lives in an old railway house next to the station.

[@FishplateFilms]

@@Outdoorstype All good points indeed Sir! Gregg.

[@Outdoorstype]

I reckon One Rail (or whoever buys them next) would be quite happy to offload the risk insurance on these lines. Just sayin. On the other hand, if the gov takes the lines back, that implies a taxpayer funded duty of care. See the $$ problem?

[@FishplateFilms]

@@Outdoorstype Knowing how much engineering and civil works goes into a rail line , it's a shame to see one unused. Here's a silly idea..rebuild the line in SG and build new communities along it , so they have a ready to go transport links? Gregg 🙂

[@Rhys4AUFC]

Nice. Also Stockport and Farrell Flat have the same buildings

[@Outdoorstype]

Thanks! Yeah, last I checked they were occupied, so I didn't want buzz someone's house with a drone.

[@PeterYoung357]

Another great video. There are terrific books or guides to NSW and Victorian stations but I'm not aware of anything specifically about SA stations, maybe it's in the general history volumes but I don't own them. A comparison of the Bonython designed stations such as Moonta, Tailem Bend and Murray Bridge would be very interesting

[@Outdoorstype]

The Bonython stations are a bit further apart but a comparison video could be on the cards. Cheers for watching. Peter.

[@SprattyD]

When I was up there earlier this year I checked out Tarlee and it is just so sad how neglected and vandalised the station was, these stations are amazing when in good condition and would make for a good little stop off spot for people passing through the towns. But sadly they are wasting away much like what One Rail is doing to all of SA rail they are in charge of. But yeah I was so upset that Tarlee had smashed windows, graffiti tags, used cans of grog and even a bong sitting inside what would have been the waiting area. Bright side is Farrell Flat station is owned and being restored, they also have a Facebook page so you can see the progress.

[@Outdoorstype]

Thanks for your insights! I'm going to like that Facebook page! Great tip!

[@Outdoorstype]

So I'm wondering how Kapunda, Hamley Bridge, Stockport, Riverton, Farrell Flat are all privately owned when there's still 'No Trespassing' signs all over the old per way. It just doesn't make any sense.

[@SprattyD]

@Outdoorstype I am not 100% sure the Tarlee one has a no trespassing sign because of the silo but yet you can drive around the block with no drama. Also the railway and silos are not in use so yeah I am at a loss too.

[@Outdoorstype]

@@SprattyD I'll work it out and let you know. If I ever get rich, I'll buy Merildin and live in it. 😃

[@McKav]

In the drone footage the line extending out across the Gilbert river is clearly seen. Can one walk out to take a look at the bridge?

[@Outdoorstype]

It's very overgrown. I wouldn't attempt it. Thanks for watching!

[@McKav]

@Outdoorstype thanks the advice is most welcome

[@andrewwood7645]

Station buildings North of Riverton to Burra were built by George Sara.

[@Outdoorstype]

Excellent information! Thanks!

[@Planetrainguy]

The SAR used copy and paste with their buildings before it was cool lol

[@Outdoorstype]

Haha!

[@timothyteo4602]

@Planetrainguy Didn’t the Victorian Railways one state over also have a similar idea to the SAR around the same time?

[@Planetrainguy]

@@timothyteo4602 Not sure but I bet they did

[@vsvnrg3263]

@@timothyteo4602 , the answer is yes. there were a given number of plans for everything that was required to run a railway. that includes toilet blocks, fireplace designs, worker's houses, signage.....everything. i think i saw copies of some of the things i mentioned on 'vicsig'. western australia was probably the same. when i see pictures of the old station buildings they were very much the same as each other. it was public money they were using. these days the universities are pumping out architects so these poor souls need employment.

[@Outdoorstype]

I'm a massive architecture and engineering fan. It's only recently that I've been learning about old school SAR draughtsmen and 'pattern books' and the like. Stand by for more.