Wikimedia Australia and others as supporters of the larger 'Western Australian Wheatbelt Project' are pleased to note that a component project - Wiki Takes Western Australian Wheatbelt Railways 2013 commenced on the 25th of September 2013 in the accompanying of the last
Aurizon grain carriage train travelling between Merredin and Avon yard, via Narrogin.
The Wiki Takes the Wheatbelt Railways is related to all current operating, and also long ceased operating railway lines in the Wheatbelt region, and beyond. It will takeplace over a number of months, where 'takes' journeys will be made along railway lines currently operating, as well as some due to be closed by the operators in October 2013. It is expected this 'takes' will be a series of events that will be advertised here.
As a consequence it is an opposite to the majority of 'takes' events, in that it will take place over a wide range of locations, over time, in Western Australia.
Project Aim
To increase coverage on Wikipedia, and sister projects of articles and media related to the sections of railways that have served wheat and grain haulage in Western Australia, currently and historically
Project Scope
Due to the range of historical issues related to rail services in the wheatbelt, some spinoff articles and subjects related to agriculture, and local communities will be included or connected.
Depending upon response, some activites related to this project may be held in wheatbelt communities after harvesting time.
Completed Events
First
25th September 2013 - Wikipedian and enthusiasts following and accompanying Aurizon locomotive (with older ARG colours and brand) and train from
Merredin to
Narrogin (enthusiasts continued to Avon yard which was the destination of the train)
Crossed the highway, and on to the south to Ardath
It is possible this was the last, or second last train to travel the length of this line before an announced closure in October 2013.
Departure two - Narrogin
Moving into the former Narrogin yard area, old Railway Station building in right of photo
Leaving the yard and on to Avon yard
Narrogin is a former extensive railway junction and depot, it is still viable and is an essential location in the current network, so it is the rolling stock on this train, and the line it just passed through between Merredin and here that is likely to become redundant.
Second
9th October 2013 - Quairading railway line brief reconnaisance by wikipedians.
Quairading line
York bridge and silo
Quairading shed and yard
subsequent events
2014 - 2018 - on hold
February 2019 - re-started
note
Dates of photos might not correlate to specific events, but might also included photos added in name of the project that are taken at other times or out of sequence.
News of interest related to project
Brookfield rail announce closure of the York to Quairading and the Trayning to Merredin railway lines at end of October 2013[1]
^ The first agricultural show in Western Australia to have active wikipedians present to promote and advise about contribution and activity on wikimedia projects