Richard Schurmann will present on the following subject:
The Wombat Creek Tramway, North Warrandyte
Is the era of the small tramway for transport needs in a bush setting long passed? In 2003, Richard Schurmann was engaged as an owner builder on a steep bush block. Two septic tank absorption trenches were needed in a dense bush setting, and the excavated soil was required 60 metres or so up the hill. Small earth moving machines were tried but could not manage the gradient. Larger machines would have destroyed too much bush. The solution was a cable hauled tramway. This was used to remove about 30 cubic metres of soil and deliver scoria and top soil to fill the trenches. Some innovation was required to provide for a sharp curve part way up the incline.
Richard will describe the building and operation of this line. and reflect on the practicality of the small ad hoc tramway in modern times.
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