Margate Train

The Margate Train, formerly known as the Tasman Limited, is a TGR M class locomotive with five carriages situated adjacent to the Channel Highway in Margate, Tasmania. The locomotive was built by Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns of Darlington, UK in 1950 and made its inaugural journey in April 1954, carrying passengers between Hobart and Launceston. The service was operated by Tasmanian Government Railways and the Tasman Limited made its final rail journey on 28 July 1978.^[1]

Specification

The Tasman Limited is an M class 4-6-2 steam locomotive with the TGR designation MA3. The A indicates that the locomotive is non standard - the Tasman Limited has narrower (4 ft 0") driving wheels than the regular M class locomotives (4 ft 7.5"). The smaller wheels give more pulling power but less speed, as the tight bends and gradients of Tasmania's railways do not allow for high speed rail travel.^[2] The 3 identifies the Tasman Limited as the third M class locomotive to be built. Ten M class locomotives were built in total and a fully restored M class [M5] locomotive in working condition is on display at the Tasmanian Transport Museum. The total weight of the locomotive is 96 tons 12cwt (87.7 tonnes) and it is 62 ft 9" (19.13m) long.

The train's carriages are Double A.C.S. [Articulate Country Saloon] carriages built at Launceston, Tasmania in 1955.

Sale and Relocation

The Tasman Limited and one of its carriages were sold to private investors in 1979 and transported to Margate where they were plinthed at the side of the Channel Highway. The other carriages that can be seen today were never pulled by this train.

Retail Destination

The Margate Train's carriages currently house a variety of retail businesses including arts and crafts, bric-a-brac, a specialist book exchange, and a buffet car specialising in pancakes, hence the Tasman Limited's local nickname: the Pancake Train. Nearby is a large antiques and second hand warehouse, located in an old Henry Jones IXL apple packing shed,

References