Hi all,

Was wondering whether anyone had AN timetable with passenger times for the Victor Harbor line and if they would be happy to post up the arrivals and departures on this thread.

Cheers

I can give you times from 10/7/1977, that probably changed towards the end of AN though when they didn't want people (or anything with legs and less than the size of a container) to travel by train:-

Depart Adelaide and arrive Victor Harbor (in brackets):-
Mon - Fri:- 5.45pm (8.44pm).
Sat (2 trains):- 9.00am (12.01pm) and 12.55pm (3.52pm).
Sun:- 6.10pm (9.04pm).

Depart Victor Harbor and arrive Adelaide (in brackets):-
Mon - Fri:- 7.43am (10.29am).
Sat (2 trains):- 7.58am (10.48am) and 5.10pm (8.05pm).
Sun:- 5.04pm (7.57pm).

During school and college xmas vacation from late Dec to early Feb and extra daily train departs Adelaide at approx 9.30am Mon to Fri, returning from Victor Harbor at approx 5.00pm for Adelaide. Please check the day and time before travel.

Taken from 1977 STA - Rail Division Time Table and Fares book.

Hope this helps.

Wayne

Thank you very much Wayne! Much appreciated

Cheers

1981 TT issued for the VH line.  Also the final TT.

Services scheduled on 4 days each week.

Adelaide - Victor Harbor

SAT, SUN, MON : Dep  9:13. Arrive  12:05
FRI : 2 services. Dep 6:41, 17:45. Arrive 9:32, 20:48

Victor Harbor - Adelaide

SAT, MON : Dep 16:00. Arrive 18:54
FRI : Dep 9:40. Arrive 12:28
SUN: Dep 16:00. Arrive 18:44

Victor Harbor passenger service ceased 1984.

Interesting fact is that the train took near on 3 hours for what is a 75minute drive by car

Interesting fact is that the train took near on 3 hours for what is a 75minute drive by car

132kms by rail compared to about 85kms by road.
The drive might 75 minute today, may have been a bit longer in 1980 and would have taken longer the further you went back.
Not disagreeing, just making a comparison.

Wayne

Hi I was comparing the 1977 timetable that Wayne posted to the 1971 Victor Harbour timetable and was interested to learn that both were almost identical. Here's the full schedule effective from the 4th of July 1971..

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RAILWAYS
ADELAIDE-VICTOUR HARBOUR PASSENGER TIMETABLE – 1971

	Monday to Fridays	Saturdays	Saturdays	Sundays
ADELAIDE- VICTOR HARBOR	SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RAILWAYS SERVICE	SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RAILWAYS SERVICE	SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RAILWAYS SERVICE	SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RAILWAYS SERVICE
	Passenger	Passenger	Passenger	Passenger
ADELAIDE (RRR)	1745	0900	1255	1810
MITCHAM	b	b	b	b
EDEN HILLS	-	-	b	-
BLACKWOOD	-	-	b	-
BELAIR	b	b	b	-
MOUNT LOFTY	1830	b	b	-
ALDGATE	1836	b	b	-
BRIDGEWATER	1841	B	b	b
AMBLESIDE	*	*	b	*
BALHANNAH	*	1012	*	*
MT. BARKER JUNCTION	1858	1019	1408	1921
LITTLEHAMPTON	*	-	*	*
MOUNT BARKER	1908	1029	1418	1930
PHILCOX HILL	*	-	*	*
BUGLE RANGES	*	-	*	*
STRATHALBYN	1942	1102	1451	2003
LOWANNA	-	-	-	-
SANDERGROVE	*	-	*	*
FINNISS	1957	1117	1506	2018
GILBERTS	*	-	*	*
CURRENCY CREEK	2007	-	1516	2028
GOOLWA	2017	1136	1526	2038
MIDDLETON	2026	1145	1535	2047
PORT ELLIOT	2033	1151	1541	2053
81m 25c stop	a	a	a	a
VICTOR HARBOUR	2041	1159	1549	2101

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RAILWAYS
VICTOR HARBOUR-ADELAIDE PASSENGER TIMETABLE – 1971

	Monday to Fridays	Saturdays	Saturdays	Sundays
VICTOR HARBOUR- ADELAIDE	SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RAILWAYS SERVICE	SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RAILWAYS SERVICE	SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RAILWAYS SERVICE	SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RAILWAYS SERVICE
	Passenger	Passenger	Passenger	Passenger
VICTOR HARBOUR	0745	0800	1725	1705
81m 25c stop	b	b	b	b
PORT ELLIOT	0753	0808	1733	1713
MIDDLETON	0757	0812	1737	1717
GOOLWA	0806	0821	1746	1726
CURRENCY CREEK	0815	0830	1755	1735
GILBERTS	*	*	*	*
FINNISS	0825	0840	1805	1745
SANDERGROVE	*	*	*	*
LOWANNA	-	-	-	-
STRATHALBYN	0840	0855	1820	1800
BUGLE RANGES	*	*	*	*
PHILCOX HILL	*	*	*	*
MOUNT BARKER	0916	0931	1855	1836
LITTLEHAMPTON	*	*	*	*
MT. BARKER JUNCTION	0925	0940	1904	1845
BALHANNAH	*	*	*	a
AMBLESIDE	*	*	*	a
BRIDGEWATER	a	1000	1921*	1904
CARRIPOOK	-	-	*	-
JIBILLA	-	-	*	-
ALDGATE	a	1004	1927	a
MADURTA	-	-	*	-
HEATHFIELD	-	-	*	-
MOUNT LOFTY	a	1010	*	a
UPPER STURT	-	-	*	-
LONG GULLY	-	-	*	-
NATIONAL PARK	-	-	-	-
BELAIR	a	a	*	a
BLACKWOOD	-	a	*	a
EDEN HILLS	-	a	*	a
MITCHAM	A	a	2008	1944
GOODWOOD	-	a	2013	1949
ADELAIDE (RRR)	1037	1048	2020	1955

EXTRA SEASONAL VICTOR HARBOUR TRAINS. During the schools and Colleges Christmas vacation from mid-December to early February a DAILY TRAIN departs Adelaide at approximately 0850 for Victor Harbour, returning at 1700 for Adelaide.

* Stop if required to pick up or set down passengers

a Stop if required to set down passengers

b Stop if required to pick up passengers

If anyone's curious, I can dig up the Strathalbyn to Milang TT from 1967

Where about was the 81m 25c stop in the 1971 timetable? Is this right near the Hindmarsh River Bridge?

Where about was the 81m 25c stop in the 1971 timetable? Is this right near the Hindmarsh River Bridge?

Blue520.

The train did stop there by prior arrangment, it was sometimes referred to as Adare.
The train could also be booked to stop or pick up at St Lukes just west of Port Elliott. I once assisted with a youth camp at St Lukes, I don't know how the kids got there, but I did flag the train down on the last morning to board the kids; prior arrangements had been made. The train was an 830 and two steel cars, that was in 1980. Nostalgia ain't what it used to be!

The 1971 timetable was as I remember it through the 60s, give or take a few minutes.

BTW. a 520 would have looked interesting in Blue, my preferrence would have been black with green valances continued across the tender and white lining out. Hawthorn green wheels with white tyres would have looked smart.

Regards
Ian

The Victor Harbor timetable as steam4ian pointed out was the same for decades almost, simply because the service fitted the likes of the few passengers that used it. So why change it, if it ain't broke. Bluebirds were the main ones to Victor Harbor with a head end train on holiday times etc or when patronage got heavy.

The Victor Harbor timetable as steam4ian pointed out was the same for decades almost, simply because the service fitted the likes of the few passengers that used it. So why change it, if it ain't broke. Bluebirds were the main ones to Victor Harbor with a head end train on holiday times etc or when patronage got heavy.

David

Brill 75s were the main stay of the services except the Saturday morning and holiday trains until the Brills were withdrawn. BBs were used towards the end of the Brills; a driver told me that locals used to listen to the horn and if it was a BB on the evening train they would decide to go to Adelaide the next morning. Once the Brills were withdrawn a loco and one/two cars and a brake were substituted, sometimes even an air con BD car. On these occasions the loco was generally and 830. Otherwise loco hauled consists were generally powered by a 930, with about 5-6 cars.
During the late 60s there was considerable parcel traffic with loading often spilling out of the baggage compartment and taking up one or two seat bays. I did hear elsewhere that for a period there was a particularly aggressive Station Master at VH; he even had beer to a local pub supplied by rail. (Unlike some of the discussion on the OL thread some people don't give up without a fight)

Regards
Ian

If anyone's curious, I can dig up the Strathalbyn to Milang TT from 1967

Hi Moderator,

I'd be intersted in looking at your 1967 timetable to Milang so if you can post it that'd be much appreciated.

Hi Moderator,

I'd be intersted in looking at your 1967 timetable to Milang so if you can post it that'd be much appreciated.

SATURDAYS

Dep STRATH 11:20 AM.    SANDERGROVE 11:35.    Arr MILANG 11:57

                 3:10 PM .............................3:25......................3:47


TUES/WEDS

                11:45 AM.............................12:00.....................12:22.PM


FRIDAY    

               12:45 PM.............................1:00........................1:22

                   8:30 PM.............................8:45........................9:07
__________________________________________________________________

SATURDAYS

Dep. MILANG 5:10PM             SANDERGROVE 5:33       Arr STRATH 5:45


TUES/WEDS/SAT

                    1:35PM.................................1:59.........................2:12

FRIDAY

                    2:07PM.................................2:22.........................2:45

                    9:40PM................................10:06..........................10:18

____________________________________________________________________

All services to stop if required to pick up  or set down passenges at

LOWANNA.     NURRAGI      PUNKULDE

SATURDAYS

Dep STRATH 11:20 AM.    SANDERGROVE 11:35.    Arr MILANG 11:57

                3:10 PM .............................3:25......................3:47


TUES/WEDS

               11:45 AM.............................12:00.....................12:22.PM


FRIDAY    

              12:45 PM.............................1:00........................1:22

                  8:30 PM.............................8:45........................9:07
__________________________________________________________________

SATURDAYS

Dep. MILANG 5:10PM             SANDERGROVE 5:33       Arr STRATH 5:45


TUES/WEDS/SAT

                   1:35PM.................................1:59.........................2:12

FRIDAY

                   2:07PM.................................2:22.........................2:45

                   9:40PM................................10:06..........................10:18

____________________________________________________________________

All services to stop if required to pick up  or set down passenges at

LOWANNA.     NURRAGI      PUNKULDE

Thanks so much for that.. that's very helpful. Would that have been a Mixed train or a Brill Railcar? It seems like it was run at unattractive travelling times for the public!

Post war the only thing stationed at Strath for the Milang service was a Brill.

The small amount of freight generally offering was pulled by the Brill, one loaded O class gondola was the limit. I guess you could call that a "mixed". If more freight was on offer an Rx would have had to come from Adelaide; heavier engines were generally used on the VH freight and the axle loading of these would have put them in the mud on the Milang line.

The times seemed to suit(?) the locals for shopping in Strath; the entire population of Milang would have just filled the Brill.

Milang's time passed when the paddle steamers no longer served places on the lakes, such is modern transport, more convenient but no longer "romantic".

Post war the only thing stationed at Strath for the Milang service was a Brill.

The small amount of freight generally offering was pulled by the Brill, one loaded O class gondola was the limit. I guess you could call that a "mixed". If more freight was on offer an Rx would have had to come from Adelaide; heavier engines were generally used on the VH freight and the axle loading of these would have put them in the mud on the Milang line.

The times seemed to suit(?) the locals for shopping in Strath; the entire population of Milang would have just filled the Brill.

Milang's time passed when the paddle steamers no longer served places on the lakes, such is modern transport, more convenient but no longer "romantic".

Thanks for the info,
I've never been to Milang, and just assumed that there would have been trains that arrived into Adelaide for the start of weekday buisness; and returned in the evening given the relatively short distance Milang is from Adelaide. Obviously the size of the town and the curves and gradients of the Adelaide Hills never warranted a commuter type service.

Most ot the Milang services were timetabled specifically to allow passengers to transfer to/from the Adelaide to Victor service.

Interesting fact is that the train took near on 3 hours for what is a 75minute drive by car

And people wonder why there's no passenger services on this line now

Thanks for the info,
I've never been to Milang, and just assumed that there would have been trains that arrived into Adelaide for the start of weekday buisness; and returned in the evening given the relatively short distance Milang is from Adelaide. Obviously the size of the town and the curves and gradients of the Adelaide Hills never warranted a commuter type service.

Milang may well be only 75 kilometres from central Adelaide by road on the modern routes (longer and slower without the SE Freeway and Adelaide-Crafers Highway) but it is only recently that places like Milang (previously just a holiday town people travelled to) have started to be inhabited by commuters pushed out of Adelaide by rising property prices. The concept of a 75+ kilometre commute would have been absurd!

For people from there needing to travel by train for business in Adelaide 40 years ago, the normal expectation would have been simply not to make appointments too early for the 10:37 arrival, or to be prepared to travel the previous day and stay overnight if being ready for an early start was necessary.

Most ot the Milang services were timetabled specifically to allow passengers to transfer to/from the Adelaide to Victor service.

Read the time tables Mr 2001 Moderator. They, not me, will tell you your assertion is wrong. Only the Saturday train connected

Ian

Most ot the Milang services were timetabled specifically to allow passengers to transfer to/from the Adelaide to Victor service.

Read the time tables Mr 2001 Moderator. They, not me, will tell you your assertion is wrong. Only the Saturday train connected

Ian

Read the time tables Mr 2001 Moderator. They, not me, will tell you your assertion is wrong. Only the Saturday train connected

Ian

1967 SAR TT.

FRDAY . Depart Adelaide 6:10 PM for Victor.  Arrive Stratalbyn 8:07 PM.  Railcar to Milang Depart  8:30 PM

Seems we're both wrong.

I've Left half the humble pie for yourself.

1967 SAR TT.

FRDAY . Depart Adelaide 6:10 PM for Victor.  Arrive Stratalbyn 8:07 PM.  Railcar to Milang Depart  8:30 PM

Seems we're both wrong.

I've Left half the humble pie for yourself.

I'll have while it is still warm.

Does anybody have information on the stations AN trains stopped at on the Victor Harbour line prior to the withdrawal of services in 1984? (ie last timetable between Adelaide & Victor?)