Master tapes come to Queensland

Any fan of Queensland steam sounds will know the LPs released by the ARHS called, "Steam in the Sunshine State" and "Steam Salute". These records whilst being mono contained very high quality recordings which more than amply relayed the sounds of Queensland steam in the late 1960's.

The two LPs were the result of many years of hard work by the members of the Queensland division, using equipment, tape and editing skills from the Victorian division. To achieve the high standard as can be heard on the LPs took many reels of tape, some of which weren't that great, but some which "weren't quite good enough" for the LP but far too valuable to wipe or throw-out were stored by the Victorian division

Not much more was heard of these tapes until the late 1980's when Queensland division member John Knowles borrowed some of the them to produce his "Queensland Steam Sounds" cassette. After his use once again they returned to the Victorian division for care and storage.

By 2005, it was being apparent that the recordings were at risk of loss due to the degradation of the magnetic media on which they are stored, and if action was not taken soon the tapes could possibly degrade to a point where they are no longer playable.

After considerable consultation and assistance from the Victorian division the tapes have been located, and they are being transferred to a high quality digital format on my equipment. As there are 231 sequences to digitise, this project will take some time! It is hoped that in the not too distant future the ARHS will be able to release some of these "unheard" recordings for purchase. Additionally I propose that once a full digital copy of all the tapes have been completed, that a copy should reside in the ARHS library for future reference.

Before the arrival of the full master tapes, the Victorian division had provided the master tapes used to create the two LPs, and John Knowles very kindly sent his master tape for his cassette. These three albums have been digitised and are ready for release (although permissions/copyright issues have not been finialised between the Qld & Vic divisions yet), at a cost between $18-$30 per CD (LP/Cassette) depending on demand. I would be very interested to hear if people would like CD copies of the LPs which are new high-quality digital (24bit/96kHz) copies from the master tapes.

If you have any comments or are interested in potential CD production runs please contact me :

Jacob Cash, Webmaster

AC16 221A on a tour run for the Ipswich Railway Workshops, 29/10/2006, near Oxley. Working hard running towards Ipswich with a full train, 221A can be heard off in the distance for some time. 221A roars past below the elevated microphone position, and its accelerating beats can be heard echoing off the trees before the driver shuts off on the down grade.

Recording copyright : J. Cash

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BB18¼ 1079 approaches the enterance to the Victoria tunnel after leaving Grandchester, for the Saturday Carnival of Flowers tour, 16/9/2006. The train had been delayed by a serious derailment which had been blocking the line at Laidley, and was under a speed restriction.

This recording captures 1079 coasting towards the mic slowly, then the driver opens the regulator and the loco blows-off momentarily. 1079 then powers past the mic which is about 20-30m from the railhead at the top of a cutting, and whistles before entering the tunnel.
Recording copyright : J. Cash

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On the farewell 1150 and 1250 tour (19/12/1987), turns were taken at both double heading and topping and tailing 1150 and 1263, this meant that we had several occasions to get either engine working.  This first track is of 1150 climbing Norman Park bank heading towards Morningside.  Normally this is a good location as it is away from any major roads, however some hoon decided to take off just after the train had passed, but hopefully the internal combustion sound from 1150's Cooper Bessemer is enough to outweigh the sound of a GMH product. (T. Weber)

Recording copyright : T. Weber

Replicating wonderful sounds of the '50s, 1150 (on same tour as above) pulls up at Northgate station, on the farewell tour in preparation to head down the Shorncliffe line.  After a couple of sharp hoots from the single note horn, 1150 opens up and takes the train away towards the seaside in typical suburban train fashion. (T. Weber)

Recording copyright : T. Weber

Earlier in the day 1150 (again on the farewell tour) works slowly through South Brisbane Station with 1263 at the rear.

Recording copyright : T. Weber

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