The Port Melbourne Train Line

[@WhoDaresWins-B20]

I remember vividly, our arrival at Port Melbourne from the UK on Sunday 23 April 1961. Our ship RMS "Oronsay" tied up at Station Pier. It was a cold wet Melbourne morning. My grandparents who arrived here a month earlier met us. My mother and now late sister went on to Box Hill where they would stay for a few days with my grandparents, whilst my Dad, younger brother and I, accompanied by a family friend from the UK with whom we would stay until we found accomodation, travelled from Port Melbourne to Flinders Street, and from there to Bonbeach. The Trains on Sunday ran every hour. We waited at Port Melbourne for an hour before the train to Flinders Street departed, and once at Flinders Street, we waited a further hour for the train to Bonbeach, a journey that took another hour. Thank you for the memories Train Man.

[@mendocinobeano]

Fun fact, according to Wikipedia, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott emigrated to Australia at two years of age on the Oronsay in 1960 one year before you.

[@RGC198]

Excellent video. I remember riding trains on both the Port Melbourne and St Kilda train lines back in the 1980s, just after moving here from Sydney. The light rail also provides a great service along these lines.

[@Bobman84]

"Lack of passengers" is also why the Mildura and Gippsland lines were closed, amongst others. Port Melbourne the first rail line in the state.

[@noelhass3712]

Had a ride on Port Melbourne line as a kid in early 1970s, wouldve been when my late father got his once yearly inter system rail pass, we wouldve come over on previous evenings Overland from Adelaide, and be spending day in Melbourne waiting for that nights Spirit of Progress to Sydney, to visit my late mothers family. After I joined railways, Id use my pass to go to Melbourne for weekends, sadly though, by that stage the Port Melbourne line had been converted to light rail. Your video brought back some pleasant memories, Thankyou!

[@jessesands4099]

I Was Lucky Enough To Go On The Port Melbourne Railway Line To Graham Railway Station In 1986 One Year Prior To Closure! Also Worked In Port Melbourne For 14 Years And Regularly Used The Light Rail!🙂🚇🚃🚃🚃🛤️🚉🏖️⛱️🌅🛳️

[@moneyatslander]

I was born and bred in Port Melbourne and your old clips spliced in here brought back a lot of memories from the 80s. Great job!

[@tubester4567]

I remember catching the train on the Port Melbourne line many times, Almost every Sunday as a kid in the 1970's from Flinders Street to North Port to watch Port Melbourne in the VFA. Big crowds in those days at Port Melbourne matches. The port Melbourne trains didnt always just shuffle to and fro from the city. (4 stops) The line was a continuation of the Sandringham line. So trains would often go from Sandringham to Flinders Street, then continue on to Port Melbourne, then change ends and go back to Sandringham.. The other major ship to birth at the Station Pier in Port Melbourne was the ferry to Tasmania, so anyone who wanted to go to Tasmania took the train to Port Melbourne. Side note: In 2020, after decades of the Spirit of Tasmania docking at Station pier, Port Melbourne, the company announced they will be docking in Geelong from 2022. I went on the St kilda line many times too, before they changed it to light rail. I much preferred the trains.

[@the_train_man]

Thank you for sharing your story on the line, I am sure those footy games at Port Melbourne would have been awesome, very jealous! Such a shame to hear that the Spirit of Tasmania is moving to Geelong. Look out for a St Kilda line video in the next couple of weeks, thanks!

[@tubester4567]

@@the_train_man Looking forward to the video on the St kilda line.

[@JediJan]

We rode the light rail to Station Pier once to see an incredibly large cruise ship docked there in early 2000s.. Forget the name but I believe the attraction was that it was the largest cruise ship at the time. It will be a shame that the Tassie ferry will be relocated in the future. We travelled on it two years ago and enjoyed the experience, taking the car with us, except for the seasickness. Understood they would be updating to an improved vessel in the future.

[@anthonywalsh785]

i remember back in the 1960's catching the train from flinders st to north port to see port melbourne play in the vfa.

[@TheAxelay]

Trying to re-step over 36+ years ago isn't easy but this is as we can get here nowadays...I wish I could've gone on that line in 1987 but at 9 years old back then?! I lived in St Kilda (still do...) and even back back I feel that I didn't travel on the train line enough, ironically only after the light rail came in did myself and fam started to use that line alot more under the trams than the trains...My loss...

[@peteroc7395]

Yes excellent work excellent history thank you Max so much all your videos are good

[@BoredRoblox]

It was removed for crown casino to open

[@pab1it05]

Great clip as always! Keep up the magnificent work!

[@barneyforsdike1427]

I know it’s over a year old now Max, but this is another quality video. I am not a video maker myself but I Ioved the way you edited it and merged the old and new footage and stills so we can see the changes. Your audio commentary was clear and authoritative. You chose this time not to go front of camera for your commentary and it’s always good to try new ways of doing things, but personally I like to see your enthusiasm visually when you feel the circumstances are right! Never travelled on this line myself, either in heavy or light rail days, but it’s good to see that the old Port Melbourne station building is still cared for in this historic part of the city. Great work mate!

[@neilmansfield8329]

Love these videos

[@mendocinobeano]

Great video, very well edited. I travelled up and down this line many many times during my time as a Guard. I was sad to see it and the St Kilda line close down but that's progress i guess.

[@notaplic8158]

I love the tram lines that were train lines!

[@gaynomadic]

Very impressed by the editing here, Train Man, interspersing the old footage with the new light rail equivalent. Well done, and keep up your excellent work.

[@the_train_man]

Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed the integration of the old-new footage!

[@marcuspearl8348]

Good work mate. I enjoyed this very much.

[@KennyChu]

Never know much about trains in Melb until I saw your video. 👍

[@jessesands4099]

Thanks Again For All Your Fascinating Historical Information On The Port Melbourne Railway Line!🙂🚇🚃🚃🚃🛤️🏖️🌅🛳️

[@noelroberts8199]

You seem a very nice young man, and have an excellent knowledge of old Melbourne rail infrastructure, keep up the good work young fella, I love your videos.........

[@the_train_man]

Thank you Noel, I am glad you think that and I appreciate the support! I hope to continue with these videos for many years to come :)

[@RVK355]

Loving the vids mate, just gave this video the 600th like

[@alanriley9754]

There were siding yards beside the Port station and further back to Graham Street until redevelopment for urban dwellings. There was also a short branch line that went to the BP oil storage tanks on Beacon Road just past Princess Pier.

[@johngurney7180]

Thorough enjoy your videos, keep them comming,

[@the_train_man]

Thanks John, glad you enjoyed 😁💪

[@aaavincent1]

I live in Port Melbourne, thank you for the history lesson, enjoyed your video very much.

[@the_train_man]

Thanks a lot Vincent, Glad you liked it!

[@lauriewhite8153]

Sandridge Rail Bridge was also used in the film Ghost Rider in a scene containing Rebel Wilson

[@leongt1954]

Having lived in Melb for most of my 68 years I only ever travelled on the port line twice and the line is the oldest in Melbourne

[@robbieberry9700]

Fantastic video Max

[@eldraino9933]

Awesome work mate

[@jamiecoutts1987]

Your videos are great, super informative! Keep up the awesome work man :)

[@greghayes9118]

Keep up the good work.

[@yarragongoats]

do like the art work and cultural history on the bridge

[@the_train_man]

I looked at it in the St Kilda line video, I absolutely love it. Obviously I am going to like it when rail history is restored to another purpose, but the bridge is especially beautiful, great to walk across!

[@Bellakelpie]

Well researched and well presented.

[@the_train_man]

Thank you 😊

[@victorianvlogzooooooo]

MONTAGUE STREET STOP HAS SAE😭😭😭

[@neelix139]

You are a very calendar young lad lot of Railway information of Melbourne I never knew keep up the good work thank you once again yours Jeff a railway nut of many years

[@the_train_man]

Glad you enjoy the videos, especially being a big railfan yourself it means a lot.

[@davelinaker1531]

You put the sparkle into train stuff. 💥

[@the_train_man]

Thank you Dave, glad you think that 😊

[@westfootscrazy]

Great video and i like the historical research you have done

[@the_train_man]

Great to hear you enjoyed, I appreciate it, the line is very cool!

[@TrueBelievers]

Keep going making them informative train videos XD. Your improving so much in your videos. Nice editing.

[@the_train_man]

Thanks man, glad you are enjoying, can’t wait for your next video!

[@ianwoff7000]

Another fascinating doco!

[@the_train_man]

This one fun to make, I have used the tram line a lot!

[@ianwoff7000]

@@the_train_man The St. Kilda line would be a similar proposition.

[@jessesands4099]

1.20 Used To Get Off At North Port Light Rail Stop Every Day Between 1989 And 2003!😀🚉🚋

[@mox9086]

Clicked so fast, can already tell this is gunna be a great vid!

[@the_train_man]

Much love mate, that was quick!

[@mox9086]

ik lol

[@mox9086]

cant wait for next vid!

[@in.2oblivion580]

Excellent. Thanks for posting

[@the_train_man]

Glad you liked it!

[@ozwunder69]

i went to South Melbourne Technical School for one year, funny enough 1987 so I travelled on both hard line and light rail

[@the_train_man]

Wow, that would've been pretty fascinating seeing that change process, I'm jealous haha Thanks for watching John

[@chezzachezza7325]

Carn the borough love Port ❤️

[@steveweatherly1965]

You are doing a fantastic job on your videos, keep it up 👍

[@the_train_man]

Thanks Steve! Glad you like the video!

[@bradleytrevaskis7744]

@The Train Man , HEY BUDDY , GREAT THANKS.

[@Ben777Transport]

0:38 why is the station building burnt down?

[@BrunswickTransportEnthusiast]

Awesome video my mum rememberers the port Melbourne and st kilda

[@the_train_man]

That’s very cool, very jealous of her!

[@mickcarson8504]

Wow! Just WOW! Where did you find these old clips of Port Melbourne line? I used to travel to Graham station to visit my uncle in Ross Street. Today, the station is gone but the memories are still there. Does anyone remember the St Joseph Catholic school in Stokes Street? That was my first school. Sadly, they tore it down for units. 😕

[@the_train_man]

Thank you for sharing your anecdotes, the old footage is linked in the description if you would like the full video. Such a shame your school was torn down, I have a relative that had the same thing happen :(. Thank you!

[@adammurphy6845]

Great video again

[@the_train_man]

Thanks Adam, I am glad you enjoyed!

[@stephenmarks2276]

Love your work you should do a Facebook page too

[@the_train_man]

Eventually I'll set up a Facebook page for sure, another avenue for growth once I consistently post again :)

[@bradleytrevaskis7744]

@The Train Man, here is some info on the port meb line by wiki : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Melbourne_railway_line

[@bradleytrevaskiss9843]

Hi max …. Should do Brighton beach

[@johnpro2847]

Port Melbourne goods yards were not mentioned .Can you acquire any info please.

[@the_train_man]

Hey John, I've had a look and I've struggled to find much information for you. Sorry I couldn't be much help but try and look at Station Pier and Princes Pier if you want to look yourself. Hope you liked the video

[@darylcheshire1618]

in the late ‘70s some sonar testing at the end of Station Pier was done which revealed man made shapes which turned out to be some GYs left there after some over enthusiastic shunting. Presumably nobody wanted to bother Head Office with these incidents.

[@the_train_man]

Very interesting, somebody must have been angry haha. Hope you enjoyed the video!

[@vsvnrg3263]

daryl cheshire, is this true? what is your source? quite believable though.

[@darylcheshire1618]

vsv nrg I read about it in the newspaper, “over enthusiastic shunting” was their expression.

[@vsvnrg3263]

@@darylcheshire1618 , a great story. any idea when and where? i'd like to read about it. of course there was a lot of shunting done on the pier once. in the early 70's, one of the local kids found easter eggs in one of the wagons, probably intended for loading on to a cruise ship. the word got around and kids from all over went to the pier. the customs officers thought something was up and locked the entry gates. everyone had to get back to shore crawling along the pipes beneath the pier.

[@darylcheshire1618]

vsv nrg I read it in the newspapers in the mid ‘70s, some wagon shapes were found but there was no indication of when that I could remember. could have been in the ‘40s onwards. Possibly the Australian Railway Historical Society might have an article about it in their publications.

[@Al-hb2wo]

which drone did you use?

[@the_train_man]

Hey Aladesh, it isn't actually my footage, the link to the footage I used is in the description, make sure to check it out if you are interested. Hope you liked the video!

[@wenzeldinho]

Nice vid mate

[@the_train_man]

Thanks man

[@Howyadoin-d3t]

Hey mate, Ive really been enjoyin these vids, Im just wondering if you can ever do a piece on the old Williamstown Pier Station? Cheers.

[@the_train_man]

For sure, the station should be apart of a Williamstown Line video, aswell as an abandoned stations video, which it will looked into at more depth. Thanks

[@McFearsome2]

I don't think we've ever gotten the video on the Princes Pier branch line, Max. Is that anywhere on the list of videos yet to be made?

[@the_train_man]

It definitely is on the list, the branch lines near Port Melbourne are very fascinating indeed, look out in 2022!

[@johnd8892]

Some rare footage taken of a migrant train from Princes Pier or less likely Station Pier Port Melbourne in 1956. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYmaaHiMptSXfqs Diesel B class locomotive used or other diesels as these usually ended up at the Bonegilla migrant camp and there were reasons not to have the migrants change trains. So direct trains provided.

[@notaplic8158]

did you ever get around to the princes pier line? I've seen some videos of people walking along it but i was excited to watch your version!

[@johnd8892]

Migrant train from Princes Pier in 1956 . A rare film kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYmaaHiMptSXfqs I think the walking coverage you saw is actually Scotland.

[@davidmackieson4609]

WELL THE MONTAGUE STREET BRIDGE IS CERTAINLY A BIG HIT THESE DAYS WELL FREQUENTLY HIT ANYWAY

[@vt1940]

There was an overpass at Station Pier so the Trains could access the Pier without a Level Crossing. This has now been removed.

[@the_train_man]

Thanks for the information Vivian, I didn't know that haha!

[@scana1979]

@@the_train_man It was the Art Deco Centenary Bridge built in 1934 with a side ramp down to the pier between the rail lines. Lasted a few years after the light rail conversion before being demolished in 1991. All that is left today is a solitary preserved column at the eastern end of the structure. pastport.com.au/citizen/record/82/ pastport.com.au/citizen/record/143/

[@vsvnrg3263]

vivian thomas, i remember it well. it was hollow. one of the hollows was accessible from beneath station pier. i know someone who found a dead body under there in the 70's. we used to have barbeques under there using driftwood collected from the beach.

[@vsvnrg3263]

good show. a major correction is required. the ancestors of the port melbourne footy club are angry you got the commencement date wrong. it was 1874 according to wikipedia.

[@the_train_man]

Sorry for such a silly mistake, made even worse when I tell you I am a mad footy fan! I will put a side note in the description. Thanks for understanding and telling me the mistake.

[@vsvnrg3263]

@@the_train_man , sweet, mate. i grew up in port. and fyi, it was one of the very first clubs. an honour!

[@mebeasensei]

3:06! Dog boxes! 1960s?

[@the_train_man]

Most likely I reckon, although there is no timestamp on the photo when searching online.

[@davemail66]

Another informative and enjoyable video mate, thanks for posting it. There is some good footage of Tait and Harris sets travelling the Port Melbourne line including Sandridge railway bridge in the DVD titled 'Suburban Salute' railfanshop.com.au/product_info.php?products_id=62 for those who might be interested.

[@AdmiringSparks]

do the prinses pier line

[@the_train_man]

That's a very good idea, once lock downs have eased, I will look into it!

[@vsvnrg3263]

@@the_train_man ,and while you are at it, see if you can find out anything about the railway that peeled off from the princes pier line and ran on the reservation between beacon and barak roads then along the beachfront to very near todd road. it was built when the yanks invaded (that's how mum described it) in 1942, and built sheds all along the beachfront. some of the points were still operable in the late 1960's. the tracks were still partly in place in the late 70's. the yanks also put down the concrete strips that remain beneath the asphalt on williamstown road, salmon street and lorimer street. only older viewers will remember the concrete.

[@johnd8892]

Some rare footage taken of a migrant train from Princes Pier or less likely Station Pier Port Melbourne in 1956. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYmaaHiMptSXfqs Diesel B class locomotive used or other diesels as these usually ended up at the Bonegilla migrant camp and there were reasons not to have the migrants change trains. So direct trains provided. Is this a newer date than the pier line closure date you quoted? I understand that close to no trams used the 1990s tram extension to Station pier, such is the lack of care taken with government expenditure. This tram extension cost millions that would have had much more benefit elsewhere.eg hospitals, schools etc.

[@MrMSetOfficial]

why don't you make are train video at night

[@the_train_man]

Well, I am bound to film at night one day, but for me it is just safer to get my filming done in daylight, but one day you will see me filming at night!

[@ratedprogram6947]

First video ive seen with 0 likes,congrats

[@the_train_man]

Thank you sir

[@ratedprogram6947]

@@the_train_man Lol my profile picture shows Rick Astley but im 12 :)

[@the_train_man]

@@ratedprogram6947 regardless, anyone can be sir haha

[@Magpie_Mark92]

It was wrong and a waste of money to convert it to light rail

[@bradleytrevaskis7744]

bye !!!!

[@mickcarson8504]

Wow! Just WOW! Where did you find these old clips of Port Melbourne line? I used to travel to Graham station to visit my uncle in Ross Street. Today, the station is gone but the memories are still there. Does anyone remember the St Joseph Catholic school in Stokes Street? That was my first school. Sadly, they knocked it all down for units. 😕

[@vsvnrg3263]

mick carson, the moving stuff was from john phillips channel. there's a link in the description. he's got lots of stuff like this.

[@vsvnrg3263]

mick carson, yes, i remember it. there was a time when we had to share our school, nott st. with some of the catholic kids while their place was getting fixed up.