Railway set to roll again
AFTER four long months of lying docked in the station, the Southern Downs Steam Railway is ready to roll.
Due to a number of difficulties, the trains were forced to cease all travel, but now the crew is at full capacity and the wheels are turning.
Their first trip is to Clifton on Saturday and one volunteer Bob Amos said he couldn't wait to be up and running again.
"It's wonderful we are back in business; absolutely delightful," Mr Amos said.
"A lot of work has gone into making this happen, and we are all volunteers here."
President of the Southern Downs Steam Railway John Brady said they had to have an audit completed by Transport and Main Roads before they could reopen for operation.
"Our audit has been completed and we'll be heading to Clifton this weekend and Wallangarra next weekend for the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival," Mr Brady said.
The crew had to take an empty load to Clifton yesterday to get the tick of approval by TMR but volunteer Bob Ingham said they have to do another next week to broaden their routes.
"We will take a full load to Wallangarra next week and be assessed on that, so we are in the final stages of approval," Mr Ingham said.
"So we can't confirm that journey yet, but people can still definitely book."
Volunteers at the Southern Downs Steam Railway travel from Brisbane, Legume and Toowoomba just to share their love of steam trains with the people of the Southern Downs.
Tickets for the Clifton journey this weekend range from $35 to $140.
Any inquiries, phone John Brady on 4661 5280 or Bob Amos on 4661 4761.
