Model Railway Association members Geoff Buckland and Jim Cochrane.
Funding boost to showcase Whyalla's BHP Tramway history
The volunteer-run Whyalla Model Railway Association has secured almost $20,000 in funding from the South Australian History Fund to deliver an exciting new historical display at the Whyalla Maritime Museum.
The project, titled BHP Tramway Display – Whyalla Maritime Museum, has also received additional financial support from BHP, helping bring this significant piece of Whyalla’s industrial heritage to life.
The funding will enable the creation of a comprehensive visual display chronicling the history and significance of the BHP Tramway, from its establishment in 1901 through to its vital role in the development of Whyalla’s iron ore mines, shipyards, and integrated steelworks.
The exhibit will feature five double-level display cabinets installed along the museum’s existing display walls. Each cabinet will showcase detailed static models of locomotives and rolling stock that operated on the tramway, including rarely seen equipment used within the mines and steelworks. Visitors will also gain insight into the broader industrial ecosystem through displays of auxiliary tools and machinery that supported tramway operations.
Each cabinet will be backed by a realistic diorama depicting the terrain and working environments of the era. Informative plaques will accompany each display, providing both pictorial and written insights into the equipment, operational periods, and the challenges faced during the tramway’s operation.
The exhibit will also highlight the unique classification of the network as a tramway rather than a railway, offering an additional layer of historical interpretation.
Visitor Experience Coordinator Ali Sanders said the project will play an important role in preserving and sharing Whyalla’s rich industrial story.
“This project is a fantastic opportunity to showcase an important part of Whyalla’s history in an engaging and educational way,” Ms Sanders said.
“The level of detail in the models and displays will give visitors a real sense of the scale and significance of the BHP Tramway, and the role it played in shaping our city’s identity and economy.”
The project is already underway, with Model Railway Association members Geoff Buckland and Jim Cochrane leading the design and development. They will work alongside local contractors and industry experts to deliver all aspects of the storytelling project.
The completed exhibit is expected to open to the public by the end of the year.
