As part of the Pichi Richi Railway photoshoot I had the opportunity to ride from Quorn to Woolshed Flats in the observation section of the Flinders carriage. This is a wonderful old carriage built in the 1890's and is fitted out with a couch and comfy chairs to give you a comfortable ride and great views.
360˚ panorama of the observation section of the Flinders carriage
Canon 6D, Canon 15mm Fisheye, Nodal Ninja 5 w RD-16 Rotator, Feisol Tripod
The Flinders carriage was built as car 167, a standard Short Tom, with First and Second class seating. In 1929, cars 167, 168, 169 and 170 were converted for use on the Commissioner's train. All had the longitudinal seating removed, and were assigned to different functions.
Oil lamp on the Flinders carriage
Car 167 was gutted, and had a single bed sleeping compartment installed, complete with en suite and (cold) shower. Due to the width restrictions of the car, the bed was placed running along the carriage, instead of the more usual format across the carriage. The end walls of the car were replaced with full height observation windows, and large seats installed to allow comfortable viewing of the receding track. The car was named Flinders, in honour of the early Australian explorer Matthew Flinders.
View of the train steaming to Woolshed Flats from the observation carriage
Flinders is still in that configuration, and is available for charter on any PRR service. It has seen use for both dignitaries visiting the railway, and for personal events such as birthdays, or just a different day out on the train.
