disco man
26th November 2014, 03:16 PM
After reading all the posts from you blokes down south about 'steam rail' trips, with more than a hint of jealousy. Finally its my turn:) And I can't wait!!!!! Below is a short passage out of the booklet I got from the ticket office this morning.
In July 1865 the first rail line,35 kilometers of track from Ipswich to Biggs Camp(now Grandchester) commenced operation. Queensland Rail has grown from a number of unconnected rail systems to the large coordinated system that is the backbone of the transport industry today. 2015 will mark the 150th anniversary of rail operations in Queensland. While it provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the glorious history and many successes of rail in Queensland and the role played in the social and economic development of the state,it also presents a platform to showcase the value of rail today,table future initiatives and generate debate about issues affecting rail today and in the future. The 2015 celebrations will continue the long standing connection thread that brings Queenslanders together to celebrate what is unique about their community. There are a range of events and commemorations scheduled to take place through 2015 to cater to all levels of interest. It is proposed to take our heritage rolling stock all over the state in seven stages,commencing from 15 January 2015. Each stage will acknowledge events of historical significance,engage local tourism and rail associations in the region to intergrate with other events such as the Queensland Music Festival,Grandchester Steam Fest and Centenary of ANZAC.
2015 marks the centenary of ANZAC. Rail played a significant role in both the Great War and the second world war. During the second world war it was deemed an essential service. Hundreds of thousands of allied service personnel were transported along the north coast line,along with millions of tons of supplies and equipment. Queensland Rail owns six operational coal-fired steam locomotives,all significant to the history of Queensland Rail. The A10 No6 is the oldest operational steam locomotive in Australia,built in Glasgow in 1865. The AC16 Steam locomotive 'the yank' was designed by the US Army Engineering Corps,built at the Baldwin Locomotive works and shipped to Queensland to supplement Queensland Rail's fleet during WWII. The locomotive,is one of two remaining in Australia. The BB18 and a quarter No 1089 is the last mainline steam locomotive built in Australia at Walkers,Maryborough in 1958. C17 No 974 was built in 1951 at Walkers,Maryborough was suitable for short haul or small loads and BB18 and a quarter No 1079,was fitted with the addition of a digital speedo and radio,built at Walkers,Maryborough in 1956. The 'Blue Baby' is a tank engine and is the most appropriate to run tender-first in traffic,the last tank loco to be built at Ipswich Workshops in 1952. A variety of wooden cars,several more than 100 years old and including a car accessible for people with disabilities,will be selected to illustrate the sort of carriages throughout the ages.
I am going to take the kids on the Townsville to Cairns run. I am so excited about this trip:D:p
QGR Preserved Steam Locomotives (http://www.australiansteam.com/qgrframe.htm)
In July 1865 the first rail line,35 kilometers of track from Ipswich to Biggs Camp(now Grandchester) commenced operation. Queensland Rail has grown from a number of unconnected rail systems to the large coordinated system that is the backbone of the transport industry today. 2015 will mark the 150th anniversary of rail operations in Queensland. While it provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the glorious history and many successes of rail in Queensland and the role played in the social and economic development of the state,it also presents a platform to showcase the value of rail today,table future initiatives and generate debate about issues affecting rail today and in the future. The 2015 celebrations will continue the long standing connection thread that brings Queenslanders together to celebrate what is unique about their community. There are a range of events and commemorations scheduled to take place through 2015 to cater to all levels of interest. It is proposed to take our heritage rolling stock all over the state in seven stages,commencing from 15 January 2015. Each stage will acknowledge events of historical significance,engage local tourism and rail associations in the region to intergrate with other events such as the Queensland Music Festival,Grandchester Steam Fest and Centenary of ANZAC.
2015 marks the centenary of ANZAC. Rail played a significant role in both the Great War and the second world war. During the second world war it was deemed an essential service. Hundreds of thousands of allied service personnel were transported along the north coast line,along with millions of tons of supplies and equipment. Queensland Rail owns six operational coal-fired steam locomotives,all significant to the history of Queensland Rail. The A10 No6 is the oldest operational steam locomotive in Australia,built in Glasgow in 1865. The AC16 Steam locomotive 'the yank' was designed by the US Army Engineering Corps,built at the Baldwin Locomotive works and shipped to Queensland to supplement Queensland Rail's fleet during WWII. The locomotive,is one of two remaining in Australia. The BB18 and a quarter No 1089 is the last mainline steam locomotive built in Australia at Walkers,Maryborough in 1958. C17 No 974 was built in 1951 at Walkers,Maryborough was suitable for short haul or small loads and BB18 and a quarter No 1079,was fitted with the addition of a digital speedo and radio,built at Walkers,Maryborough in 1956. The 'Blue Baby' is a tank engine and is the most appropriate to run tender-first in traffic,the last tank loco to be built at Ipswich Workshops in 1952. A variety of wooden cars,several more than 100 years old and including a car accessible for people with disabilities,will be selected to illustrate the sort of carriages throughout the ages.
I am going to take the kids on the Townsville to Cairns run. I am so excited about this trip:D:p
QGR Preserved Steam Locomotives (http://www.australiansteam.com/qgrframe.htm)