It’s been a long four months for the Southern Downs Steam Railway since their steam train ran out of puff just days before their scheduled trips to help celebrate Warwick’s 150th birthday.
The $12,000 engine fault has been repaired and passed last week’s tests.
President Christine Ford was ecstatic not only for the steam train being back on track but the repairs cost far less than the quoted $48,000.
Mrs Ford said this was fantastic news for the Southern Downs as the steam train had the potential of attracting about 30,000 visitors to the area
each year.
“The young ones have never been on a steam train. It’s a real novelty. It’s a heritage item that you wouldn’t want to lose,” she said.
The Southern Downs Steam Railway will now hold their 150th celebrations event on September 25 with the train leaving at 10am and returning at 11.45am. An open afternoon will then follow.
Mrs Ford said people who purchased 150th celebrations tickets could have them honoured at this event.
The steam train will also operate a Clifton service on September 24.
For more details, contact Christine Ford on
(07) 4667 1543.
Story: Rebecca Brown
