Passengers were stranded at Zanthus in 1948 when a train was delayed resulting from floodwaters causing washaways along the tracks between Zanthus and Kalgoorlie. Several passengers completed the journey to Kalgoorlie via a Goldfield Airways airplane while over 50 men worked to fix the two big washaways.
A derailment of a train occurred in 1953 when five coaches of the transcontinental eastbound express left the tracks near the town tearing up a section of the line. Repair crews worked throughout the night and built a deviation by the following day.
In 1975, large amounts of rain had inundated inland Western Australia from the remnants of Cyclone Trixie. A large washaway close to Zanthus had resulted in the closure of the line. A new bridge was constructed as part of the repairs in just two weeks.
The Zanthus cabin now at the Bassendean Rail Museum:
Zanthus has a crossing loop on the line. On 8 August, 1999 the Indian Pacific passenger train collided with a stationary steel train in the area.
The locality also has notoriety due to its position in place names lists of Western Australia. There is also a postcode for Zuytdorp in WA but I think this relates more to the place where a ship of that name was wrecked in 1711.
Now the thinking cap is on..what do I do next? I have one or two things lined up so hopefully whatever it is will be of interest at least to someone out there. Thanks to everyone who has followed my Western Australian towns (sorry about no X). I enjoyed researching and learning about them.
Again my thanks to Wikipedia for the info on Zanthus.
Oh Mimsie I have enjoyed this segment that is a very tiny station but love the history even if it is sad. Hug B
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Buttons. I am glad you enjoyed these stories of towns in my State of W.A. I really enjoyed doing them and I learned a lot too. xx
DeleteOnce more you have successfully arrived at "Z". Curious to see what's next.
ReplyDeleteYes Delores, I finally made it with just the one hiccup...X. Whats next? Maybe just an assortment. Who knows? Watch this space. lol
DeleteThey built a new bridge in two weeks!!! Wow. It makes me wonder why roadworks here go on and on and on. And on.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on reaching zed. I am looking forward to your next series.
Thanks EC. I too was amazed about that bridge but then I've heard of or read about that type of achievement before. I often gaze with awe at pictures of those huge castle or cathedrals in Europe and wonder if there is anyone today who could build anything of that kind. Hope I can do something as interesting as this A-Z but not sure I can. Time will tell.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteCongrats on completing the alphabet!!! Mimsie I have been catching up on reading today - gave up on the dismal connection I obtained down at the unit and have availed myself of the free wifi at the local Library - hoorray for council!!! My few weeks back in OZ are going to be jam packed and the dodgy internet is making things tricky - so do please forgive if comments are absent; am still here just can't communicate too well!!
Am greatly looking forward to whatever you post next - I love my visits here &*> Hugs, YAM xx
Thanks Yam. It's a nuisance about your dismal internet connections but I do understand and I thank you for taking time to visit here. I've been a bit tardy visiting your blog so forgive me for that, please. I will try and do something worthwhile next.
DeleteA most enjoyable and instructive series. My compliments!
ReplyDeleteI really do appreciate your comments and accept your compliments even though, of course, I only used words I discovered when researching whatever topic I wrote about and borrowed some beautiful photographs too. I do try to acknowledge them where I can.
DeleteI'm surprised too at the bridge built in two weeks. That wouldn't happen now with all the labour restrictions, health and safety regulations etc.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, folk back then just got their act together and got things done. You wonder at times if we've gone backwards.
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