1923 Goondiwindi
About this Railway Ambulance

Basic data
Name "Goondiwindi"   Power T Model Ford*
Wheel Arr 2-2wPMR Construction Timber Chassis, tin panels, roof is Canvas over timber ribs
Gauge 3ft 6in 2006 status restored, not operational
Builder Ruddle Engineering Co 2006 home Goondiwindi, Qld
Year 1924, Brisbane Miles Travel unknown

* original engine was sold after it left service.
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In service

Above Photo date not known
Info below courtesy J.W. Knowles 1990
A rail motor ambulance was obtained by the Goondiwindi QATB in 1923 to operate on the South Western Line between Inglewood and Dirranbandi.  It was built by Ruddle Engineering of Brisbane, using pressed steel wheels provided by the QGR, on the frame of a Standard 10 but using a Ford 10 engine.  Two gear boxes were provided so that it could run in either direction, but a portable turntable was provided to enable it to leave and enter its shed.  The radiator was placed sideways at one side.  It was 11ft 6ins (3226mm) lon, and was provided with a starter motor.  It had metal sides at waist height, canvas above and a canvas roof, with glass windshields at each end.  Somewhat larger than the cars built hitherto, it had space for a stretcher and for others.  It ran a trial from Mayne to Samford on 9 October 1923 and overheated.  WIth improvements made to the water circulation, it make a further and successful trial to Samford on 1 November.
The wheels wore quickly, and were renewed several times to 1934.  In 1947, the car had been tranferred to Dirranbandi.  It was apparently last used in 1954.  By 1957, it was back at Goondiwindi, where it was condemed in that year.  In 1958, the car and shed were sold and removed from railway property.  By 1976 it had been restored and placed in the Goondiwindi Folk Museum.
An identical car was obtained from the same builder by the QATB Headquarters for the Centre at Baralabla in the Dawson Valley south of Rockhampton.  (See 1923 Baralaba)
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Out of service
Rear gate lowered to allow for stretcher entry / exit.
The stretcher
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About the location(s)

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About the railway line (extracts used from Triumph of Narrow Gauge, J Kerr)
Light rails which were being replace between Warwick and Stanthorpe were used west of Goondiwindi.  The line opened to Talwood on 1 May 1910.  The line to Thallon opened on 2 October 1911 and construction began immediately toward Dirranbani 64km away.
Dirranbani became the permanent terminus on 21 May 1913.  
Timetable
        Wednesday                Friday
Brisbane     8.45am        Dirranbandi    11.30am
        Thursday        Thallon    1.20-30pm
Warwick    4.00-15am        Goondiwindi    5.35-55
Inglewood    7.35-8.00        Inglewood    8.00-25
Goondiwindi    10.00-20        Warwick    11.35-50
Thallon    2.30-40pm                Saturday
Dirrinbandi    4.30pm        Brisbane    7.10am              
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More info !
Ambulance on Rails

 (extract from A Town Like Grundy)

A recent 100-mile ambulance trip in the Goodiwindi district took nine hours, and consumed 18 gallons of petrol.  Sodden roads compelled the 4 wheel drive ambulance car to do the entire journey in low or second gear - what a pity the old rail ambulance is not still usable in cases like this!  A T-model Ford, it was converted to run along the railway line.  This picturesque but practical vehicle gave more than 30 years service in the Goodiwindi district and saved a life more than once.

Unfortunately a couple of years ago the time came when it had to be declared unsafe to use and lack of finance at the time made a replacement out of the question.  “Old Faithful” now stands forgotten in a shed at the railway station. (I wouldn't be surprised if the C.W.A. have their eye on it for next weeks antique show).

There are six similar ambulances in Queensland, at Charleville, Cloncurry, Mareeba, Charters Towers, Blackall and Tully and wherever they exist they have proven a wonderful asset to the Q.A.T.B. saving a great deal of time, as well as wear and tear on regular road ambulances, during bad weather.
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below - This info is attached to the railway ambulance

This ambulance on rails was built in the 1920's.  The idea was to provide a service east and west of Goondiwindi during the flood periods.  It operated mostly to the west towards Talwood.  

A "T" model Ford powered it and the engine would get vary hot, noisey and probably dangerous as it was petrol driven and the manifold glowed cherry red at night.  

It was disbanded in the mid 1950's and was purchased off the railways by Gordon Savills family for 10 pounds.  He sold ithe engine and gearbox for 10 pounds recoupoing their money.  After the savill family bought it they took it to "Oonavale" where the family got it going and enjoyed many wild & fast rides in it across the flat.  

It was given to the Goondiwindi museum by Peter and John Savill
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More info from JDK Notes
GOONDIWINDI

1922 - QATB request RM Ambulance Goondiwindi. 15.3.22 no objection

22.2.22, between Goondiwindi, Inglewood and Dirranbandi "but on account of the busy state of the railway yard at Warwick, the proposed extension to that station cannot be agreed to." Site on Talwood side of station.

QATB 25.7.23 - 2 rail motors are being constructed by Messrs Ruddles, engineers of Brisbane, one for Baralaba, other for Goondiwindi "to designs prepared by Mr Cecil Palmer, Consulting Engineer."

20.9.23 one nearly completed, constructed at Sandgate, asks permission for it to be placed on rails at Palm Avenue Crossing and run into yard at Sandgate so engine may be turned before trial is made. Mr Davidson Engineer-in-Charge.

Acting GM 24.9.23 agreeing generally. Notice 1092 GM Office Brisbane

25.9.23, this day special motor car will run Sandgate 12.10pm, Mayne Jctn 1pm, cost of guard debited to QATB. At Mayne, will be loaded into wagon for Goondiwindi.  WN 40/23 of 4.10.23.

Train Notice 1149 8.10.23 RM Ambulance Mayne Junction 11.10am, Samford 12.25-1pm, Mayne Jctn 2.15pm. Guard to accompany car.

Works Manager JE Robinson, Ipswich 12.10.23 - much trouble getting car to start on magnets for Samford trial - I think battery ignition essential.  Spark plug blew on way to Windsor, no spares, plugged body of old plug and ran back to Mayne Jctn on 3 cylinders. Water boiled - radiator at side of car, also high in relation to engine (under floor) - not circulate properly, risk of patient being scaled.  

Another trial run 15.10.23, also to Samford, ok. QATB debited fitter and guard wages. £9/16/3 account paid

1923: RM car provided at Goondiwindi by G'windi Ambulance Brigade, may run Inglewood- Dirranbandi, max. 15mph (6mph on curves). To run under train staff regulations, contact District Superintendent of Transportation if at night and staff not available and SMs not on duty. (WN 40/23 p5, 4 Oct)

25.1.1924 laying track RM Shed Goondiwindi.

1925,1935: Goondiwindi has RM ambulance, may run Inglewood-Dirranbandi (GA 133, 145)

1947 - Memo 12.12.47 re Dirranbandi (no doctor), seeking transfer RM Ambulance Goondiwindi to Dirranbandi. Goondiwindi Hospital Board no objection.

GM SWD 30.12.47 - was railed Goondiwindi to Dirranbandi 17.12.47, freight paid by Dirranbandi Hospital Auxiliary. Freight later refunded on GM SWD recommendation.

1957 - Inspection April 1957 - Ambulance RM Goondiwindi not used for considerable time and shed in disrepair. July 1957 Ambulance officer Goondiwindi asking cost of a Fairmont Motor. Old Ambulance condemned, no funds for new one.

1958 - GM SWD 21.10.58 - shed and ambulance sold and removed from railway property.

1976 Perspective drawing - converted Model T Ford, Painted white, canvas hood. In August 1954 it travelled 165 miles but in November 1954 taken out of service as unsafe but would still be useful in wet weather) (Pony Express 4/76 p3,4)

Dirranbandi

1950:  Dirranbandi had rail motor ambulance, may run Dirranbandi - Inglewood (GA 160)

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