1925 Cloncurry
About this Railway Ambulance

Basic data
Name 1925 Cloncurry Power Fairbanks Morse 32
Wheel Arr 2-2wPMR Construction
Gauge 3ft 6in 2006 status
Builder Sheffield 2006 home
Year 1925 # in class 1

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In service
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Summary of Service History by J.W. Knowles 1990
In October 1925, the Cloncurry QATB purchased a Fairbanks Morse 32 Sheffield motor trolley, similar to a type used by QR track maintenance gangs, but altered to accomodate a stretcher and fit a canopy and front apron.  The motor was air cooled, the rear axle was teh crankshaft, and the vehicle was pushed to start.  Up to 13 September 1934, it ran 24,584 miles (39563km).  On that date it derailed at Kuridala, and both axles were bent.  It was never repaired, but in 1942, with the engine still in good condition, it was sold to the QGR for 20 pounds ($40); the QGR intention was to overhaul it ofr use as a spare gang trolley.
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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)
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About the people helped
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More info from JDK database!
CLONCURRY

1925 - General Sec. QATB Brisbane 2.9.25 requesting permission for rail ambulance at Cloncurry, usual conditions. it is proposed to use a 4-wheel "Sheffield" rail car similar to those used by Dept with slight alterations to carry stretcher and a hood has been fitted, alterations by Qld. Motor Ltd. Can arrange trial run if you desire.

GM ND 18.9.25 - Cloncurry centre applied to me and I advised that it is agreed under usual conditions.

Sec. to Gen Sec. QATB asking for advise when complete, so inspection may be made.

Gen Sec. 30.9.25 - complete, at Qld. Motors Body Factory, South Brisbane.

Ass. Mech. Eng. 15.10.25 - impossible to test engine as rear axle is also crankshaft and car fitted with rail wheels. Body first class but engine is air-cooled, and was built in. Mr Pike (Gen.Sec.) said it was similar to an existing car which was to be rectified by attaching a light rail. (not explained JDK). (QSA A/12988 File 48,6803 Batch 9)

1929 - Rail motor ambulance Cloncurry allowed all lines west of Julia Creek. 24.1.29. (Q.S.A. A/12687, File 1935/361 Batch 1)

1930: Dr F.S. Ralston 13.6.30, Julia Creek to Mr Morgan (Minister) re removal Cloncurry rail motor ambulance to Julia Creek. Cloncurry has road ambulance and hospital, we have nothing, I am only doctor.

GM ND to Sec - question not really one for Dept. If Julia Creek is ambulance centre, proper thing would be for them to have car made, not in position to say if car could be taken from Cloncurry - question for QATB - Minister advised thus by Dept. Private Sec. replies similarly 8.7.30.(QSA A/12988 File 48.6803)

1932 - QATB Cloncurry Annual report - mileage by various means -
  Year            Motor      Railcar   Pub.Con   Foot    Total
  1923-24          886        --           --          --                886
  1924-25          4381      --           5003         46               9430
  1925-26          4674         4359      1871         13              10917
  1926-27          8630         4544      1112         --              14288
  1927-28          9139         4218      2265      6              15628
  1928-29          8276         4532      3040         13              15864
  1929-30          8095         2645      4251         41              15032
  1930-31         10152     603       505          12              11245
  1931-32          7356         164           614          23               8157
  TOTAL           61562    21065       18661     154        101442
(Cloncurry Advocate 23.7.32)

1935 - Railmotor ambulance Cloncurry, owned by Ambulance, runs Cloncurry to all stations west thereof (1935 General Appendix same, clause 145) - presume this mistaken in view of below)

1941 - Notes - Fairbanks Morse 32 Sheffield Rail car, purchased October 1925 £219.1.5, out of commission since 13.9.34, mileage done 24584. Front axle, also rear crank shaft axle bent owing to derailment at Kuridala. Engine in very good order, cylinders never scored or rebored. No workshops available for repairs (at Cloncurry?) - T. Tech, QATB, Cloncurry - asks if Dept. wish to purchase.

GM ND - would be useful when repaired, as shortage at present. Offer £20. Acting C.E. - useful for spare parts. 19 similar cars in Townsville district. Car inspected at Cloncurry.

Telegram QATB Cloncurry re letter, should it read 120 instead 20 (reply paid).

Reply - amount offered is £20.

Sec. QATB Cloncurry 28.4.42, decided to offer it for £35, or failing this, ask you to repair it for our use.

GM ND 27.5.42 to Sec - renew offer £20, suggests repairing it or sending it to Cloncurry as spare, so that repairs of section cars could then be done in Townsville.

QATB Cloncurry 20.7.42 accepting £20. GM to Sec - car will be held as spare in Cloncurry when repaired. 4.8.42. AWAY. (QSA A/12988 File 48.6803 Batch 9)

1950 - none listed in General Appendix.