Ah yes, this is one of those great post ideas which got away. I planned to take pictures of the Malmsbury/Coliban Viaduct in Malmsbury, in a similar style to my Taradale Viaduct entry. You know, a sort of ‘then and now’ format.
I’m holding a copy of a photo taken between 1945 and 1954 of a steam train on top. I’d say passing over, but I’m pretty convinced it’s not moving for the photo op.
I’m also grasping a few different images, which are taken from different angles and printed from the State Library of Victoria website.
My aim was to align the pictures into the position the ye olde photographer stood on and thrill you all with my reproductions.
Alas, the photos on the day weren’t inspiring and the photo above has a problem. There’s a visual drama, which I didn’t really consider at the time. The piece of paper I’m holding is actually level. The trouble is, if I use it as it’s shot, the bridge looks like it’s at right angles and heading down a hill, so I’ve rotated the picture to level the viaduct. I thought I’d tell you, so you don’t say, ‘why didn’t he hold the old photo level? Is he drunk?’ Anyway, as a result of all this, I decided a return trip was required to do it all again, plus combine it into a night shoot. The problem is I haven’t got around to it. Maybe one day.
Did you know this structure is the largest masonry bridge in Victoria, and when completed in 1862, it was Australia’s longest stone bridge? I didn’t.
that is bloody fascinating and I'm not even being ironic. I shall go to this bridge and see it for myself! By the way – more and more I'm coming to your site instead of Where2Walk or whatever, to plan my next walk, so thanks.
Have always enjoyed your "then and now" pics, Greg. It's fun to know the background of these places we visit/hike. The visual drama thing is interesting. 🙂 I hope you get to do the night shots that you want as I can imagine the atmosphere with the bridge at night would be great. Thanks for the daily surprise. I hope it's been enjoyable for you too.
The thing is, when you go down the main street of Malmsbury, you wouldn't know it exists! There are no signs directing you there. Find the park in the main street and walk through it. The bridge is at the back of it and it's pretty impressive! If you like bridges that is 🙂
Oh, thanks! I hope there's enough in here to keep people visiting!
I'm nuts on the 'then and now' concept. I've got a heap of military books, which believe it or not, but are titled 'then and now'! They use a very exact method of their comparison photos, whereas I'm a bit more slapdash 🙂
I think this bridge will look good at night. It's not too far for me to get to, but for night photos, it needs everything to be right. Weather, moon etc. It's always a lot more work than I imagine it would be! One day I'll get back there though…
There are some wonderful old bridges around Victoria, lets hope they remain for many years to come as these bridges are much more visually appealing than the new fangled concrete ones of today. As for the picture and the bridge its all about perspective. It is interesting to note that there are less trees on the sides now than when the photo was taken.
Yeah, I agree. I like to track down some of the old ones, as they're nice structures to look at and many sit out of public eye a bit. Roads get re-routed etc. I've got a couple more I'd like to visit and photograph. It's a matter of time though!
I only noticed the perspective problem after I'd taken the photos. If I get back there, I'd adjust the camera angle and how I hold the image. I had three old photos and I took pictures at each spot. One of them show a small island, but it's now full of trees, which completely obscure the bridge! If I get around to re-visiting, I'll definitely do a post on it. It's also handy having the State Library as a resource, as I just download those pictures from there.