LINK TO VNR
A historic Queensland Rail steam train will be on show on the Darling Downs in coming months, giving the people of Queensland the rare opportunity to enjoy a piece of the state's rich rail history.
Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the iconic AC16 class steam locomotive would be leased to Southern Downs Steam Railway, the home of the Downs Explorer, from 6 March until 6 May 2023.
“This is the first time in five years the AC16 has been available for the public to travel on," Ms Howard said.
“We are pleased to partner up with Southern Downs Steam Railway for this exciting project. Their customers will be transported 80 years back in time to when Australia was fighting in a World War, Dark Felt won the Melbourne Cup and the AC16 came to Queensland.
“It's truly the chance of lifetime for history and train buffs and we're so proud to see this old workhorse on the rail like she deserves."
Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said the AC16 recently completed a return journey from the Ipswich Workshops Rail Museum through to Grandchester.
“Eagled-eyed rail enthusiasts may have seen the plumes of steam shooting up around the region – we fired her up on the Queensland Rail network to keep up driver qualifications," Ms Stapleton said.
“The AC16 has such a rich history. Landing in Queensland in 1943 from America these steam engines ferried troops and served the state's communities in freight well into the late 1960s.
“Our fantastic Workshops specialists overhauled this one in 2003 - replacing the boiler, cab, tender and brakes system as well as the installation of auto couplers. Since then, the team has kept it in impeccable condition – but its real home is on the track."
Driver trainer and third generation Queensland Rail employee Greg Smith said lighting the AC16's firebox and driving it out on the main line brought him close to his personal family history.
“My dad and grandfather were both railway employees so sitting in the cab of this loud American steam engine is like travelling through history," Mr Smith said.
“It's hot, sweaty, noisy and dirty work, and there's not many of us out there who can drive and fire this locomotive but when we get the chance to do it, it's something we look forward to."
Southern Downs Steam Railway President Peter Gregory said it was an honour to be at the helm of such a famous engine.
“We're among only a handful of other organisations in Queensland with trained steam engine drivers. Our usual steam locomotive, the faithful C17, is undergoing a makeover so we are thrilled to have the mighty AC16 on loan to operate our timetable," Mr Gregory said.
“It's one of just two AC16s left in the entire country, so it's a rare and special opportunity for the next generation of visitors to ride on this important piece of Queensland rail heritage."
Tickets on board the AC16 with Southern Downs Steam Railway can be found here.
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BACKGROUND
- Queensland Rail is a custodian of rail history dating back to 1865. Our history is a living part of the organisation. The railways in Queensland were one of the major industries of the state, and much of the economic and social development of Queensland was associated with this iconic organisation.
- The AC16 was a major contributor to the transport of freight, military personnel and on occasion passengers during the 1940s, 1950s and late 1960s before it was retired.
- This AC16 was painstakingly restored in 2003 and has been lovingly cared for in the decades since. It is one of two in the country with the only other AC16 in New South Wales.