Published on Saturday, 24 September 2022 at 10:37:03 AM
Steam Loco Maitland Park by Lorin Cox
Many Geraldton locals remember the intriguing steam locomotive that once held prime position in the Maitland Park. Whether you were a young mite running around enjoying the sunshine, a Geraldton High School student swaggering by or a train enthusiast, this monumental object evoked a sense of wonder. The B6 steam locomotive was retired in 1956 after many years of faithful service with the former Midland Railway Company and was subsequently relocated from the Geraldton railway yards to Maitland Park in 1966. The haulage contractors responsible for transporting the 45 ton locomotive were Mayne Nickless Ltd. Unfortunately, the environmental elements were not conducive to conservation best practice and the locomotive suffered some deterioration. As such, another move was necessary in 1999 and the locomotive was relocated once again to a sheltered home at the Walkaway Station Museum. The new location was chosen for the significant role it played in the development of the region, being the terminus for two rail systems: the Western Australian Government Railways (WAGR) and the privately owned Midland Railway Company (MRC).
Photo caption: Maitland Park, Geraldton, September 1996, courtesy of the David Higgon Collection.
Photo caption: B6 being removed from Maitland Park, 1999, courtesy of City of Greater Geraldton.
Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information, or to donate a historical photo or slide to the Library, contact Heritage Services at the Geraldton Regional Library on 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au
Image number: P 16511
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