Trucks and Trains take their place in the centre's history.

Monday, June 23:

This turned out to be a big day for us a visit to the National Transport Museum and The Ghan Railway museum which are next to each other.

Alice springs was originally  called Stuart so when the old Ghan was closed enthusiasts banded together, grabbed some trains and re-built the original station just out of town next to the railway line. The museum  covers the history of the district from the Afghans and their camels to the building of the railway and the story of the Ghan itself.  It was opened in 1988 and then later the National Road Transport Hall of Fame opened.

After spending most of the morning in the railway museum after a light lunch we headed next door to the National Road Transport Hall of Fame. You could spend a couple of days there looking at the trucks donated and restored and reading the stories about tucking in mainly Central Australia.

There is also the Kenworth Museum which felt a bit like home as most of the trucks were built at Bayswater. Each year Kenworth and the dealers contribute an amount from each new truck sold. This money is they used to purchase one or two current model Kenworths which are usually trailed up to the museum and put on display. It is a great way to build a collection of monster worth $100,000 plus.

Of course I made sure I found Henry Nation’s entry on the Wall of Fame and photographed it and I also found the late Ray Higginson’s plaque as well for the ABCCC.

Outside was another surprise when I found Big Julia owned by Vestey Bros – of course she was duly photographed and her panel tells an interesting story.

Wal was happy because there were a few Army trucks, Land Rovers and some English vans such as comers which are Harold’s (Humber) big brothers.

We arrived back at camp foot sore and full of information but had a great day out.

The old wood fired stove in the dining car kitchen in The Ghan train at The Ghan Museum, Alice Springs.

A stained glass window panel in the dining car kitchen in The Ghan train at The Ghan Museum, Alice Springs.

Wal waiting for customers in the dining car kitchen in The Ghan train at The Ghan Museum, Alice Springs.

The Ghan diesel sitting proudly at the Stuart Station at Alice Springs.

Henry Nation of Lilydale's panel hanging in the National Road Transport Wall of Fame at Alice Spring.

Wal standing beside Bertha an A.E. C. Truck at the National Road Transport Museum, Alice Springs.

The Vestey Bros road train Julie at the National road Transport Museum, Alice Springs.