Book Review: Trains and Railways of Australia

Exclusive Collection of Australian Rail Photographs by Jim Powe

Nov 10, 2008

With a passion for Australia's railway history, Jim Powe shares 60 years of train-related photographs and memorabilia from his own private photographic collection.

Well known for his high quality railway documentary projects 3801 – A Legend in Steam and Visions of Steam - Moss Vale Train, respected railway photographer Jim Powe has published a collection of photographs capturing the history of Australian railways from the 1940s to today.

Trains and Railways of Australia (New Holland, 2008) is sure to delight train enthusiasts and those interested in photographic records of Australian history.

Memories of Australian Railways

Sourced primarily from his own private photographs, Jim Powe has put together an impressive collection of high quality images, many in colour, that capture the history of Australian rain travel. Steam, diesel and electric engines all feature as well as images from both city and country stations and everywhere in between.

Photos are sorted by state and each is accompanied by a caption clearly describing the location and/or significance of the photo. Each chapter begins with a four page introduction including some of Powe’s personal memories of his experiences with trains and railways in that particular state.

Images includes photographs of both the interior and exterior of engines, close-ups and panoramic shots, train stations, tickets, signposts, signals and railway posters. There are photographs of the iconic Newcastle Flyer, the 3801 and a snapshot of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip passing through Platform 2 at Parramatta Station in 1954.

Author Profile – Jim Powe

With an interest in trains from the age of four, Jim Powe has been photographing trams and trains since he was able to purchase his first camera. His early interest in capturing movie images of trains and trams led to a career as both a television and film cinematographer.

Amongst Jim’s many well known train films is included the Platinum Award winning and best selling 3801 – A Legend in Steam. His photographs are considered an important record of Australian railway history and his images are sought after by both museums and libraries. Trains and Railways of Australia contains many previously unpublished images.

Capturing Images of Australia’s Railway Past

Trains and Railways of Australia is more than a simple collection of railway photos. While the photographs are predominantly focused on the engines and trains themselves, many capture a snapshot of Australian life at the time that they were taken. Fashions, building trends and the modernisation of the railways and lifestyles in general have all been captured on film and compiled into this well-presented and interesting collection of photos.

Jim Powe has produced a reference that is sure to delight both young and old. The dominance of photographs over text ensures that even the youngest train enthusiast will find hours of pleasure viewing the variety of engines and trains featured.

With significant interest already shown since its release in November 2008, Trains and Railways of Australia is sure to find itself under many Christmas trees in the coming months and will no doubt remain a popular reference for those interested in the history of railways for years to come.

The copyright of the article Book Review: Trains and Railways of Australia in Australian Literature is owned by Susan Whelan. Permission to republish Book Review: Trains and Railways of Australia in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.