Port Melbourne in Port Phillip, Victoria, Australia — Oceania
Windsor Train Disaster of 1887
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, September 29, 2026
1. Windsor Train Disaster of 1887 Marker
is Erected by Public Subscription
In Honor of the late
Frederick William Maskell
and James McNab
the former Engine Driver, Aged 46 years
and the Latter Fireman, Aged 21 Years
Who lost their lives through
their heroic devotion to duty in
a fearful accident on the
Victorian Railways near Windsor
On 11th May 1887.
(Rear of Marker)
Erected
under the patronage
of the
Mayor and Councillors
of the
Borough of Port Melbourne
MDCCCXC
Erected 1890 by Borough of Port Melbourne.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is May 11, 1887.
Location. 37° 50.506′ S, 144° 56.101′ E. Marker is in Port Melbourne, Victoria, in Port Phillip. It is on Beach Street 0.1 kilometers east of Waterfront Place, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 90 Beach Street, Port Melbourne VIC 3207, Australia. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Oceania, in Australasia, in the Pacific Ocean, in South Pacific, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western World, and in
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: World War I Rotunda Memorial Port Melbourne (within shouting distance of this marker); Centenary Bridge Pillar (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sandridge Hotel (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Liardet Memorial (about 180 meters away); Welcome to Port Melbourne (about 240 meters away); War Memorial Port Melbourne (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Great War Drinking Fountain Memorial Port Melbourne (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); Destination (approx. 0.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Melbourne.
Also see . . . Frederick Maskell & James McNabb. Monument Australia
The monument is a large bluestone base in which is set a drinking fountain topped with a spire and commemorates engine driver and fireman, Frederick William Maskell and James McNabb who were killed in the Windsor rail accident in 1887. The monument was originally erected in Graham Street.(Submitted on October 25, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)
In May 1887, six people were killedand 154 people injured after an air brake malfunction. Only the presence of mind of the train driver, Mr Frederick Maskell who pulled on the steam brake of his engine seconds before he was crushed prevented the accident from being much worse. Mr Maskell was driving an express train when it ploughed into the back of an ordinary train which had broken down just before Windsor Station.Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, September 29, 20262. Windsor Train Disaster of 1887 Rear of Marker
At the subsequent inquest it was revealed that an untrained station hand was left in charge of the signalling. There were no danger signals to warn the express. The driver had only time to apply the steam brake before he and his fireman were killed. The express train driver, the fireman Mr James McNabb, and three passengers on the ordinary train were killed.
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, September 29, 2026
3. Windsor Train Disaster of 1887 Marker along the Promenade
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 25, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
