Article: Train buffs on track for Gulflander 125yr celebrations

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Train buffs on track for Gulflander 125yr celebrations

Queensland Rail says it is hoping for more than 100 people to take part in a special train trip will this week mark the 125th anniversary of the route of the Gulflander.

The anniversary marks the laying of the first steel sleeper on the Normanton to Croydon railway line.

Normanton Railway officer in charge Ken Fairburn says more than 95 per cent of the original sleepers laid are still in use today.

"Almost all of them are still there in perfectly good condition just as they built them," he said.

"Normally you get quite some time but up here we get centuries out of our metal sleepers.

"It was revolutionary for its time, very advanced and it's definitely stood the test of time which is great for train travellers."

Mr Fairburn says he is encouraging participants to wear period dress for the celebrations.

"We're going out into the savannah scrub for a classic traditional camp oven-style meal for tea under the coolabah trees," he said.

"We're trying to make it as original as we can and encourage all the [guests to] dress in period dress.

"I myself will be sporting a train driver's moustache and vest classic of the era."