No. 259

The Curious Story of a Forgotten Locomotive

Ralph Holden has developed a theory that the history of SAR's experimental locomotive no. 259 was intertwined with Henry Deane and the evolution of the Commonwealth Railways' Trans Australian Railway. Ralph's theory has now been published by Railmac Publications under the title 'No. 259: The Curious Story of a Forgotten Locomotive'.

While it is not possible to either confirm or refute Ralph's hypothesis on the basis of currently available information, he does present an interesting and tantalising case. If nothing else, this book should generate interest in a little-known but very significant episode in the history of the South Australian Railways. Perhaps it might even result in the discovery of hitherto unknown information which might answer the questions raised.

As no. 259 spent its entire working life (albeit a very short one) at Port Lincoln, anyone interested in the unique aspects of the Port Lincoln Division will find this tale fascinating. The book is available from Railmac Publications, PO Box 290, Elizabeth SA 5112, and presumably from the usual retail outlets stocking the Railmac range.