History of the Mile End Stabling yards
June 12 @ 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm ACST
Free
Overview
Step back in time with Bob Sampson, former South Australian Railways shunter and signalman, as he shares a deeply personal and historically rich look at the Mile End Goods Yard—once one of Adelaide’s busiest and most vital rail hubs.
Having lived, worked, and documented the area extensively since 1969, Bob will present a rare and compelling collection of photographs capturing the daily workings and changes within the yard. A highlight of the event is a 12-minute colour Super 8mm film he produced in 1974/75, showcasing authentic shunting activities from that era. Though the film may carry the charm of its time, it remains a valuable historical record.
Bob will also guide attendees through a detailed PowerPoint presentation that maps out the various parts of the yard and explains their specific functions, offering a comprehensive view of the inner workings of Mile End during its peak.
Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, a historian, or simply curious about local heritage, this is a unique opportunity to experience the story of Mile End through the eyes of someone who helped shape it.
🌏 Bobbi’s Bar and Restaurant, Hilton Hotel, 264 South Road Hilton SA 5033 6:00-9:00pm ACST
📅 Thursday 12th June 2025
🎫 Register for the event below
💰 This event is free for RTSA and Engineers Australia members, and $30AUD for non-members.
About the speaker
Bob Sampson OAM
Bob joined the SA Railways in January 1972 as a Porter and Ticket Collector on the Redhen trains.
He completed his Rules training and transferred to the Mile End Freight Yard in May 1973 as a pilot, assistant shunter and yard porter. Bob also acted as the Signalman at Mile End South and at Keswick signal cabins during this time. He transferred to Adelaide superintendents office in May 1975 as the Relief Clerk in Transportation area, including Movements, Interchange, Livestock and Trucks Offices. He later transferred to Australian National Railways Head Office in 1984 – relieving in Public Relations and working on theAN Newspaper where he was later appointed to ANR Corporate Affairs in 1986, as Suggestion Plan Manager and Heritage Manager with ANR.
He transferred to Track Access in 1995 – and eventually appointed as Property & Asset Manager Aust Rail Track Corp in 1998. Bob was eventually appointed as Corporate Property Manager with ARTC, which included VIC and NSW in 2004.
After 41 years in rail industry Bob accepted redundancy in 2012, and took up the role of Executive Officer at National Railway Museum, the following week.