THE FUTURE of railway continues to steam ahead in the Rose City, with the arrival of a new carriage from Ipswich last week.

The carriage is on lease from Queensland Rail Heritage to the Southern Downs Steam Railway, who will spend the next six months restoring it to its former glory.

Southern Downs Steam Railway's Bob Amos said the carriage, when completed, would raise the standard of the steam railway experience.

"It's a nice uniform looking train," he said.

"When the carriage is restored we'll have four walk-through carriages.

"All passengers will have the capacity to stand on the balconies during trips."

The carriage, when restored, would also help the Southern Downs Steam Railway develop their on board catering.

Steam railway treasurer Adam Colesaid they were very lucky to have the carriage.

"Heritage rolling stock is not easy to get a hold of," he said.

"It's very exciting for us - another part in the jigsaw of our rail heritage."

The carriage features original seating and wooden shutters, which would all be fully restored.

Mr Cole said Queensland Rail have become more forward thinking with their heritage trains.

"It's a win-win situation for Queensland Rail and us," he said.

Southern Downs Railway members are set to be busy, as they work on repairing their old locomotive, maintaining the new locomotive and restoring the new carriage.

Mr Amos said there was plenty more happening for the group of steam train enthusiasts.

"There's work going on to develop a room to display model trains that have been kindly donated to us," he said.