Sydney Central Railway Station built from 1902 with the 75m Clock Tower built 1903 where each clock face measures 4.77m diameter. New South Wales

            Father of the NSW Railways
John Whitton 1819 –1898
Engineer – In – Chief 1857 – 1890
John Whitton, an Englishman who emigrated to Sydney in 1856, is acknowledged as the “Father of the New South Wales Railways”.
His foresight and uncompromising will overcame opponents who proposed narrow gauge horse-drawn trains on wooden rails.
Whitton, Engineer-in-Chief from 1857 to 1890, insisted on adopting the standard rail gauge of 4ft 8½in (1435mm) using steam trains on heavy steel rails. This set a high standard of construction  which formed the basis of our present railways.
When Whitton was first appointed to plan rail routes and to supervise construction, only 37km (23miles) of track was open to traffic, with 27km (17 miles) under construction. When he retired 33 years later, 3,538km (2,199 miles) of track was in use.
He took rail to the Victorian and Queensland borders and saw it open up the State’s hinterland. In crossing the extremely difficult terrain of the Blue Mountains he designed two zig-zags and an array of deep cuttings and tunnels.
Rail extensions to country centres crossed flood plains on long timber viaducts and spanned main rivers with iron lattice truss bridges designed by this brilliant engineer. 
Whitton had the unenviable task and responsibility of deciding the routes of lines and controlling huge expenditure. He was often subjected to great pressure in turbulent political times, but his honour, integrity and competence were fully confirmed by the Bridge Inquiry of 1884–86.
Whitton retired in 1890 and suffered broken health and a constant feeling of unappreciated service until his death in 1898. His grave is in St Thomas’ Cemetery, North Sydney.

The state of New South Wales owes much to John Whitton for the successful foundation of the Railways which ensured the progressive development of the Premier State.

*Map above the bust of John Whitton shows the extensive rail network built under his direction.

   

Taken on: May 9, 2013

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Sets appears in: • Northern New South Wales April - May 2013 • Rail - train & tram QLD, WA, VIC, NSW

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