South Australia's first railway venture was the opening of the Goolwa on the Murray River to the ocean harbour at Port Elliot horse tramway in 1854. It was later extended to a safer harbour at Victor Harbor. Currently a historical railway that operates all year round both steam and diesel; in summer steam isn't used as much due to fire danger season. The longest historical railway in the southern hemisphere and with the longest section of rail along the coastline. The railway takes you through the Adelaide Hills, down along the plains and down along the coast from Goolwa towards Victor Harbour. Currently SteamRanger Heritage Railways run operations throughout the year. Current Services are The Cockle Train, The Southern Encounter, Finnis Flyer, Highlander, StrathLink, Twilighter, Southern Hills Special and the Bungle Ranger. Currently the main steam attractions are the two working steam locomotives 621 "The Duke of Edinburgh" and Rx 207 "Dean Harvey" named in recognition of founding member Dean Harvey’s commitment shown as tour director, and for his efforts in retaining and managing the Victor Harbor branch line restoration for use as a tourist railway and drawcard. Dean Harvey has pasted away after the restoration of Rx 207. Not in service steam locos: Rx 224 - 1915 - under restoration F251 - built in 1922 in Mile End Also in the SteamRanger fleet is a small fleet of diesel units: SAR diesel shunter 350 SAR diesel shunter 507 SAR mainline diesel 845 SAR mainline diesel 958 Brill railcar 60 Redhen railcars 412, 428, 364 1968 2000 class railcars 2010, 2109 SAR diesel shunter 527 (ownded by SteamRanger, not on the premises.) Rx 207 Dean Harvey: 621 The Duke of Edinburgh at Goolwa on the Murray River At the moment the biggest steam engine in the SteamRanger fleet 520 Sir Malcom barclay or known as the is currently under restoration. Been out of service since 1998. This loco is fiction as it made its first appearance in the 2016 Thomas & Friends movie The Great Race, a character named Shane. At the moment there is a fundraiser to help restore her to her former glory maybe I'll get to see it in my life time if im lucky enough. 520 Sir Malcom Barclay leaving Blackwood on the old boardguage route from Adelaide To Victor. Currently standard gauge between Adealaide and Mt Barker junction: If u want to see the history of SteamRanger, here is a PDF with historical photo's and information http://steamranger.org.au/enthusiast/history/pdfs/b9207a_att.pdf
