Q150 Train

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Q150 Train

--> http://www.q150.qld.gov.au/CelebrationHighlights/q150Train.aspx



Q150 Train Timetable

--> http://www.q150.qld.gov.au/CelebrationHighlights/TrainTimetable.aspx

Q150 Train Map

--> http://www.q150.qld.gov.au/library/pdf/Shed_Train_map.pdf

Get onboard the Q150 steam train!

Kicking off in April 2009, the train will travel throughout Queensland, reaching more than 30 communities, from Cairns to Mt Isa to Quilpie to Toowoomba. Local communities will welcome the train to their town and celebrate Queensland?s 150th with events and activities.

On track for 2009:

    * Welcome and farewell ceremonies in each location
    * Events and activities in each location celebrating our unique culture, heritage and the aspirations of local and regional communities
    * Travelling messages of goodwill, carried by students from one location to the next
    * Local day tours on board the Q150 Steam Train in most locations
    * ?150 tree boulevard? - carbon offset initiative and Q150 legacy project in each location.

http://www.q150.qld.gov.au/CelebrationHighlights/q150Train.aspx

[ozbob]

From the Courier Mail click here!

Shed to unite all for Queensland's birthday

Shed to unite all for Queensland's birthday
Article from: The Courier-Mail

December 31, 2008 11:02pm

WHAT could be more Queensland than a shed, especially as the state lets off steam to help celebrate Q150, its 150th birthday year?
One of the highlights during the year will be a travelling shed modelled on the idea of the popular Spiegeltent, a portable house of music, dancing and entertainment.

The State Government's Q150 shed will take Queensland's birthday celebrations to the people during two regional tours in June/July and November/December.

The shed will seat 300, including a stage and bar, but in a novel twist the sides can be opened up like a shearing shed to cater for even bigger audiences.

As well as some big names in entertainment - yet to be revealed - the shed will also showcase local talent from the many towns where it will be stopping.

The first tour starts in Mount Isa before heading to Cairns and down the coast to Toowoomba.

Queensland will also be heading back in its birthday year to the days when trains were the only way to travel.

The Q150 train - actually a fleet of four original Queensland Rail steam trains - hits the tracks on April 14 at Roma St station in Brisbane.

Train buffs can buy tickets on several of the carriages from the end of this month.

As the train makes its way to Winton, Townsville, Mount Isa, Quilpie and the Atherton Tableland, school children will be able to hitch a ride.

Councils around the state will be kept busy creating a massive mosaic to be unveiled during the Ekka. Each council has the job of decorating two "tiles" in the 41sq m project.

Film buffs have been catered for, with a Queensland-flavoured film festival visiting regional Queensland from September to November.

Full details are available online at couriermail.com.au and a hard copy program will be distributed early this year.

"This year Queensland marks a truly memorable milestone. Pondering our past or looking ahead, we have every reason to come together and to celebrate," Premier Anna Bligh said.

Queensland State Archives, in conjunction with The Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail, will stage two travelling exhibitions of historical pictures, documents, diaries and maps.

The first will be launched in February at Parliament House before visiting centres in southeast Queensland, while the second visits regional centres starting in Rockhampton in April.

The fascinating collection includes an exhibit called "Our Queensland", featuring The Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail picks of the top 150 photographs.

As the official Q150 education partner with the State Government, our popular Headst@rt education section will produce a Queensland map children can add to during the year and a newspapers-in-education kit.

We will also bring you the latest updates on the biggest schools event of the year, a mass concert at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall on Queensland Day, June 6, called Creative Generation.

Almost 3500 school children from prep to year 12 - a national record for a school variety show - will be working hard on the historical production, tipped to draw a crowd of more than 8000.

We will be on hand to record all the drama behind stage during rehearsals and will also host a video and picture gallery on our popular website, couriermail.com.au, so you will be able to experience the excitement at home.

[ButFli]

I wonder what the Queenslanders of 150 years ago would think of today's rail system?

[ozbob]

Q150 Steam Train ticket structure

--> http://www.q150.qld.gov.au/CelebrationHighlights/ticket_price.aspx

[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
02/04/2009

WISH COME TRUE: NEW Q150 STEAM TRAIN SEAT RELEASE GIVES MORE QUEENSLANDERS A CHANCE TO TRAVEL BACK IN TIME

Premier Anna Bligh today welcomed the release of more seats aboard the Q150 Steam Train that begins its five-month, six-sector journey around Queensland on 14 April 2009, marking Queensland's 150th anniversary year of separation from New South Wales.

The Q150 Steam Train is presented by Santos and The University of Queensland. It is one of the key activities the Queensland Government has organised to enable as many Queenslanders as possible to be touched by Q150 Celebrations.

"The release of these seats by Q150 and Queensland Rail could be a wish come true for many Queenslanders who want to grasp the opportunity and travel aboard the Q150 Steam Train on the first leg of its journey," Ms Bligh said today.

"This is one of those journey's of a lifetime, not to be missed.

"That we have more seats on the first leg of the journey which travels from Roma Street to Rockhampton between 14 and 19 April is fantastic.

"So far we have almost 200 people seated aboard the first leg of the Q150 Steam Train's journey and now we have room for about 40 more.

"Bookings can be made in person at TravelTrain or by telephone on 1800 QLD 150 (1800 753 150) until Monday 6 April.

"The first leg takes passengers from Brisbane's Roma Street to Nambour, Gympie, Maryborough, Bundaberg, Gladstone and ends in Rockhampton.

"It's no secret - these towns have gone out of their way by more than a country mile to make Q150 Steam Train passengers welcome.

"I thank them for being so ready to grasp the Q150 celebratory spirit.

"The excitement of the communities in these towns is fantastic.

"Travelling aboard the Q150 steam train and enjoying good old fashioned country hospitality along the way is one of the best ways I can think of to celebrate Queensland's birthday year.

"The good news is that there are also some seats left on some of the other Q150 Steam Train sectors.

"The message is Queenslanders, don't be shy about booking your once in a lifetime Q150 Steam Train trip. This year's celebrations are all about our people, our places and our stories. Make it yours.

"The memory's you create by going on the Q150 Steam Train journey will be priceless as you share your stories with future generations."

From 14 April, the Q150 Steam Train will take a five-month journey as far north as Cairns, as far west as Quilpie, Winton and Mt Isa and south to the New South Wales border and historic Wallangarra.

The second sector of the Q150 Steam Train begins on 28 April when the train departs Rockhampton to travel to Winton and ends on 9 May. Find out more about sectors of travel aboard the Q150 Steam Train at www.q150.qld.gov.au.

The Q150 Steam Train is presented by Santos and The University of Queensland and supported by media partners Network 10, Macquarie Southern Cross Media, APN Newspapers, Quest Community Newspapers and Triple M.

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[ozbob]

Today is the day!

http://www.q150.qld.gov.au/CelebrationHighlights/q150Train.aspx

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BB18? 4-6-2 No. 1079 (Walkers 547/1956) pulls the Q150 train through the new section of the north coast line at Beerburrum station, on the first leg Roma St to Gympie.

This was one of the first trains to use the new line! 









Photographs R Dow 14th April 2009

[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
14/04/2009

STUDENT MESSAGES OF Q150 GOODWILL CONNECT COMMUNITIES AROUND THE STATE

Premier Anna Bligh today said the voice of youth, students aboard the Q150 Steam Train, would spread Q150 messages of goodwill between more than 30 communities around the State between April and August. beginning with Holly Wilson, a year 10 student from Bundamba State Secondary College.

Ms Wilson arrived at platform 10 Roma Street from Ipswich today, to deliver the first official student welcome speech from Ipswich to Brisbane.

"The students of today like Holly Wilson and the more than 30 students involved in spreading Q150 messages of goodwill and telling their Q150 stories, are Queensland's future," Ms Bligh said.

"It's great to see how eager they are to share their family stories and their personal aspirations for the future.

"The messages from their community to the next on the Q150 Steam Train's journey will become a Q150 legacy for generations to come.

"In August last year when I first announced the Q150 Steam Train would be a key part of Q150 Celebrations this year, it was Edyta Tumalski from Springwood State High School who started the ball rolling and shared her family's story and her aspirations with Queenslanders.

"Queensland's 150th birthday year is all about celebrating our people, our places and our stories as well as reflecting on our past and looking to the future with confidence.

"With these remarkable students and their peers I can see that Queensland's future is in very good hands."

Ms Wilson said she felt honoured to have the opportunity to speak the message of good will on marking Queensland's 150th celebration and representing Bundamba State Secondary College.

"Being from Queensland and acknowledging the efforts we've been through to reach this milestone is an honour.

"In Ipswich we see how we've learnt from the past and changed for the better for all through improvements to health, education and construction upgrades.

"I'm really grateful to have this opportunity to share goodwill from Ipswich with Brisbane."

Stephanie Dixon a year 12 student from Brisbane State High School will board the Q150 Steam Train at Roma Street today to take the Q150 message of goodwill from Brisbane to Gympie.

Dixon said opportunities such as these only came around now and then.

"What a fantastic opportunity this is," she said.

"To be chosen to represent Brisbane and be part of this Queensland Government initiative connecting communities across the State by Q150 Steam Train is so amazing.

"For me this is about building on everything that's been achieved over the past 150 years and pursuing what we believe in and what values we have.

"It's about really pursuing and ensuring that the youth of today, my generation, can further improve on what's been achieved so far and have a secure and brighter future for everyone."

Students involved in welcome and/or farewell ceremonies for the Q150 Steam Train on the first sector - Roma Street, Brisbane to Rockhampton - are:

    * Holly Wilson, Bundamba State Secondary College
    * Stephanie Dixon, Brisbane State High School
    * Patrick Taylor, Gympie State School
    * Jack McGovern, Bundaberg North State High School
    * Jackie Hunter, Gladstone State High School
    * Alex Tanglao and Megan Chalk, Yeppoon State High School

The Q150 Steam Train is presented by Santos and The University of Queensland and supported by media partners Network 10, Macquarie Southern Cross Media, APN Newspapers, Quest Community Newspapers and Triple M.

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[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
14/04/2009

ALL ABOARD! Q150 STEAM TRAIN 5-MONTH JOURNEY BEGINS FROM ROMA STREET TODAY

The Q150 Steam Train begins its five-month journey around the State from platform 10 at Roma Street today to commemorate Queensland's 150th anniversary year, Premier Anna Bligh said.

The train pulls into platform 10 at 8.55am and departs on its journey at 9.30am amidst much fanfare with more than 100 passengers aboard for the first leg of the Q150 Steam Train journey, which travels Brisbane to Rockhampton (14-19 April.).

Over the next five months, the train - presented by Santos and The University of Queensland - will stop at more than 30 locations around the State as it travels on six separate journeys, going as far north as Cairns, as far west as Quilpie and as far south as Wallangarra.

"We've been talking about the Q150 Steam train since I announced it in August 2008 as a key part of the Q150 program for 2009 and now here we are for the start of its five-month journey," Ms Bligh said.

"This is a 'Wow' moment, an exciting time in Queensland's history as more than 3500 people step back in time on sector one of the Q150 Steam Train journey to experience the way we were 150 years ago.

"In fact it's fantastic to see the lengths some communities have gone to make the Q150 Steam Train and its travellers welcome.

"There are welcomes and farewells by local Indigenous communities, Mayors and school children where a student from each town travels to the next town to tell their Queensland story.

"The students will talk about what they want to see in the future and pass on messages of goodwill from one community to the other.

"Local arts and crafts, food and entertainment are part of many of the welcoming activities.

"In some cases, train travellers will be forgiven for thinking they have travelled back in time as locals dress in period costume.

"Some councils have also been able to organise short steam train rides for the local communities and tickets for these have been snapped up in the blink of an eye.

"In addition, councils are planting 150 trees to help offset the carbon emissions of the Q150 Steam Train.

"Farewells will also see dignitaries including presenting sponsors Santos and The University of Queensland handing the traditional travelling 'staff' to the train driver which in the past signified permission to travel in their territory."

Rick Wilkinson, President of GLNG and Queensland said Santos, one of Australia's largest energy companies, was proud to support the pioneering spirit of Queensland through sponsorship of this historic five-month train journey.

"We're excited to be joining communities along the train route to celebrate Queensland's 150th birthday, and will be hosting community events in Gladstone and Roma - where our employees live and work - to mark this milestone," Mr Wilkinson said.

"Santos has been part of this State since 1954, and we are now pushing forward with our most significant investment ever - the multi-billion dollar Gladstone LNG (GLNG?) project - the first major international project to convert Coal Seam Gas (CSG) to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and provide clean Australian energy for Asia."

UQ Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Greenfield, also congratulated the railway communities for their work to enhance the Q150 Steam Train journey.

"Many of the most fascinating and significant chapters of Queensland's history unfolded at great distances from the capital city, and the railways frequently played a part," Professor Greenfield said.

"It says a lot for the spirit of these communities that they remain committed, in 2009, to sharing their histories with Q150 Steam Train travellers."

Ms Bligh said communities on the Q150 Steam Train itinerary had pulled out all stops.

"I thank them for playing such a large part in celebrating Queensland's 150th anniversary," she said.

"For instance, Gympie, today's first stop, is putting on a day of celebrations with the morning highlight being the arrival of the Mary Valley Heritage Train and a free sausage sizzle.

"The Q150 Steam Train arrives in the afternoon to a mock bush ranger hold-up.

"It's great to see the Gympie community so into Q150 Celebrations.

"They have grasped that this is a once-in-a-150-year opportunity for us to celebrate our people, places and stories as well as our past and look forward to a bright future for our children and children's children.

"If you're in Brisbane on the morning of Tuesday 14 April, you too can be part of the fun and excitement.

"Come along and farewell for passengers leaving from platform 10 at Roma Street.

"There is also still room aboard some other sectors of the train for Queenslanders wanting to participate in this historic commemorative Q150 Steam Train journey.

"Book now by telephoning TravelTrain on 1800 QLD 150 or 1800 753 150."

There are six sectors altogether. The second sector of the Q150 Steam Train journey begins on 28 April when the train departs Rockhampton to travel as far west as Winton and ends on 9 May. Find out more about sectors of travel aboard the Q150 Steam Train at www.q150.qld.gov.au.

Ms Bligh said rail had played a big part in opening up Queensland to European settlement.

"It was the major form of transport and freight for many years and continues to have an important part in the way the State's transport and freight system continues to operate.

"In fact this may well be one of the last 'long' steam train journeys possible because of the pressures of modern life and the demand on our rail systems to be on-time for passengers and freight.

"It makes us acutely aware of how Queensland has gone from a sleepy frontier to a fast paced State that has rightly carved a place for itself on the national and international stage."

Lance Hockridge, Chief Executive Officer, of QR, said QR was proud to have its iconic historic steam trains involved this important event for Queensland.

"Since inception in 1865, QR has played an integral part in the social and economic development of Queensland.

"We can reflect proudly on the contribution we have made to the state and look forward to working in partnership with Queensland communities and industry for many decades to come."

The Q150 Steam Train is presented by Santos and The University of Queensland and supported by media partners Network 10, Macquarie Southern Cross Media, APN Newspapers, Quest Community Newspapers and Triple M.

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[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
14/04/2009

Q150 TRAIN STEAMS INTO GYMPIE ON FIRST LEG OF FIVE-MONTH JOURNEY AND IS MET BY 'BUSHRANGERS'

Premier Anna Bligh said the Gympie community were staging day-long family fun celebrations to welcome the Q150 Steam Train to their town today.

The Q150 Steam Train is presented by Santos and The University of Queensland. It left Roma Street at 9.30am this morning beginning its five-month, six sector journey around the State and Gympie is the first official stop. The train arrives at Gympie at 2.40pm at the Historic Gympie Station.

"I am blown away to see just what some towns will do to welcome the Q150 Steam Train in this Queensland's 150th anniversary of separation from New South Wales," Ms Bligh said.

"Each town on the Q150 Steam Train's itinerary has it's own spin on activities and for Gympie, it's all about turning back the clock.

"This is a once-in-a-150-year opportunity to celebrate our people, our places and our stories and the people of Gympie are giving it their all.

"The passengers aboard the Q150 Steam Train could be forgiven for thinking they had gone back to the future with 'bushrangers' making sure the train stops in their town.

"They're all fired up and ready for action as this morning the Mary Valley Rattler will have already whetted the appetites of locals for a short steam train ride aboard the Q150 Steam Train

"In fact, it's the first time in a very long time two steam trains will have pulled up side by side in a friendly game of one-upmanship at the historic Gympie Railway Station.

"It's great to see that the passion for yesteryear is alive and well in Gympie and what a fantastic way to create lasting memories for generations to come of Q150 celebrations.

"This is going to be a huge local event and we want to encourage as many locals as possible to enjoy it, but remember safety comes first around railway lines.

"Queensland Rail are ensuring that the community is reminded of safety aspects in each of the towns the Q150 Steam Train travels too.

"This is a time for locals and passengers to enjoy and stay safe."

The Gympie Q150 Steam Train day includes a sausage sizzle, rock wall jumping castle, giant swing and live entertainment.

Ms Bligh said the early expansion of rail in Queensland went hand in hand with opening up and developing the State as did the discovery of gold at Gympie.

Cr Ron Dyne, Mayor of Gympie Regional Council, said Council and the community had been very supportive of the Q150 Steam Train coming to Gympie all along.

"Gympie has had a close association with the history of Queensland being the town in which gold was discovered and subsequently saved Queensland from bankruptcy," he said.

"We have had a number of minor celebrations already where we have for example, involved the community in tree planting to help offset the carbon emissions of the Q150 Steam train.

"We will also have more than a good crowd today because Gympie people are very supportive of these things.

"I look forward to the big occasion," he said.

QR Chief Executive Officer Lance Hockridge said: "The Q150 steam train is a great opportunity to experience a part of Queensland's history."

"Rail safety is a priority every day of the year for us, but we know there will be a heightened level of interest in the steam train and want to ensure its arrival will be a safe and positive experience for everyone.

"People welcoming the train on platforms and along corridors should stay well back from the track, and local motorists and pedestrians need to remain vigilant around level crossings.

"This is a terrific event for local communities and the last thing we want is to have celebrations marred by unsafe behaviour, or worse, by people being injured," he said.

Ms Bligh said 2009, Queensland's 150th anniversary year of separation from New South Wales, was all about touching as many Queenslanders as possible and the Q150 Steam Train was one of the key celebratory activities.

The train began the first sector of its six sector, five-month journey around Queensland on 14 April when it departed from Roma Street Station in Brisbane. Gympie is part of the first leg of the train's journey.

The Q150 Steam Train travels to more than 30 locations around the State going as far north as Cairns, as far west as Quilpie and as far south as Wallangarra.

The Q150 Steam Train is presented by Santos and The University of Queensland and supported by media partners Network 10, Macquarie Southern Cross Media, APN Newspapers, Quest Community Newspapers and Triple M.

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[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
15/04/2009

MARYBOROUGH HAS SPECIAL Q150 STEAM TRAIN LINK

The arrival of the historic Q150 Steam Train in Maryborough, hauled by the Walkers-built loco No 1079, adds a special 'welcome home' dimension to the today's sesquicentenary celebrations, Premier Anna Bligh said today.

Passengers aboard the Steam Train would be treated to some good old-fashioned country hospitality when they arrive at the Maryborough West Railway Station at 11.25am (today 15 April).

The Q150 Steam Train is presented by Santos and The University of Queensland.

1079 is a BB18 1/4 locomotive built by Walkers in Maryborough in 1956.

"It's fantastic to see the community spirit shine like it is in Maryborough as people grasp the spirit of the Q150 Celebrations," Ms Bligh said.

"This is a once-in-a-150-year opportunity to celebrate our people, our places and our stories.

"In Maryborough Q150 Steam Train related celebrations begin with an official welcome by Mayor Mick Kruger of Fraser Coast Regional Council and the official firing of the heritage cannon on the station platform by town crier Ken Ashford.

"What a way to set the seen for an enjoyable day.

"The Q150 Steam Train passengers will be taken by bus, entertained and given lunch at Woo Koo Park.

"It also frees up the seats aboard the Q150 Steam Train for locals to enjoy a short trip themselves before the train resumes its journey north at 1.15pm.

"What a great way to create a memory to be shared with future generations.

"We want to encourage as many locals as possible to enjoy the local Q150 Steam Train celebrations by Council, but remember safety comes first around railway lines.

"Queensland Rail are ensuring that the community is reminded of safety aspects in each of the towns the Q150 Steam Train travels to.

"This is a time for locals and passengers to enjoy and stay safe."

Fraser Coast Mayor Mick Kruger said it was fitting that the Q150 Steam Train was visiting the Maryborough region.

"The city's impressive rail history dates back to 1873 when its famous old engineering company Walkers built Queensland's first steam engine," he said.

"To take a steam train ride to Mungar from Maryborough West Station is also a fantastic opportunity for Fraser Coast residents.

"As they chug along, they can relive the region's glory days of steam travel and marvel at those men who first built the track, using just picks and shovels, way back in the late 1870s."

Ms Bligh said 2009, Queensland's 150th anniversary year of separation from New South Wales, was all about touching as many Queenslanders as possible and the Q150 Steam Train was one of the key celebratory activities.

The train began the first sector of its six sector, five-month journey around Queensland on 14 April when it departed from Roma Street Station in Brisbane. Maryborough is part of the first leg of the train's journey.

The Q150 Steam Train travels to more than 30 locations around the State going as far north as Cairns, as far west as Quilpie and as far south as Wallangarra.

The Q150 Steam Train is presented by Santos and The University of Queensland and supported by media partners Network 10, Macquarie Southern Cross Media, APN Newspapers, Quest Community Newspapers and Triple M.

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[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
15/04/2009

Q150 TRAIN STEAMS INTO THE BUNDY OF YESTERYEAR

Premier Anna Bligh said you knew a region was serious about it's celebrations when its Councillors dressed up for the occasion - in period costume - which they have done today to welcome the arrival of the Q150 Steam Train at Bundaberg Railway Station at 2.55pm.

The Q150 Steam Train is presented by Santos and The University of Queensland.

"It's amazing to see just how into Q150 Celebrations a region can be and Bundaberg has pulled out all stops to celebrate Queensland's 150th anniversary of separation from New South Wales," Ms Bligh said.

"This year is our year. It's our once-in in a 150-year- opportunity to celebrate our people, our places and our stories.

"Q150 is all about touching as many Queenslanders as possible and the Q150 Steam Train is one of the key celebratory activities around the State.

"In Bundaberg, it's great to see that Councillors and locals alike are getting into the Q150 spirit and dressing up in period costume for the occasion and there's so much hoopla.

"The Bundaberg Municipal Band will perform on the platform as the Q150 Stream Train arrives and the Bundaberg Red Hatters will assist and welcome passengers.

"There are welcome speeches by dignitaries and local school children.

"But what most melts the heart is the Q150 Cocktail Express on tonight that Council has organised to raise funds for the Children's Ward at Bundaberg Base Hospital.

"Locals have a fantastic opportunity to enjoy themselves and at the same time dig deep for charity.

"At 8.30am on Saturday, 18 April, locals will be have the added opportunity to farewell the Q150 Steam Train and its passengers as they head north.

"What a great way to create lasting memories of Q150 Celebrations for generations to come."

Ms Bligh said the welcome and farewell of the Q150 Steam Train were attracting more people than usual to Bundaberg Railway Station and asked that everyone be mindful of safety.

"We want to encourage as many locals as possible to enjoy the celebratory activity, but remember safety comes first around railway lines.

"Queensland Rail are ensuring that the community is reminded of safety aspects in each of the towns the Q150 Steam Train Travels to.

"This is a time for locals and passengers to enjoy and stay safe."

Bundaberg Regional Council Mayor Cr Lorraine Pyefinch said having the Q150 Steam Train come to the region was a boon.

"Not only is everyone able to welcome and farewell the train, but they have the opportunity to take a short ride on the train themselves and we get to raise funds for our local hospital.

"In fact tickets for the local stream train ride sold like hot cakes and tickets for the fund raiser also sold strongly.

"We are really grateful that we have the opportunity to stage the Q150 Cocktail Express to raise funds for the Children's Ward at the Bundaberg Base Hospital.

"As for dressing up in period costume, that just goes to show how much we want our region to be involved.

"The opportunity to celebrate like this is not going to come around again for another 50 years at least."

The train began the first sector of its six sector, five-month journey around Queensland on 14 April when it departed from Roma Street Station in Brisbane. Bundaberg is part of the first leg of the train's journey.

The Q150 Steam Train travels to more than 30 locations around the State going as far north as Cairns, as far west as Quilpie and as far south as Wallangarra.

The Q150 Steam Train is presented by Santos and The University of Queensland and supported by media partners Network 10, Macquarie Southern Cross Media, APN Newspapers, Quest Community Newspapers and Triple M.

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[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
19/04/2009

Q150 TRAIN STEAMS INTO ROCKHAMPTON

Rockhampton was one of the luckiest towns in Queensland with two visits by the Q150 Steam Train which steamed into town for the first time today (Sun) at 3pm, Premier Anna Bligh said today.

The Q150 Steam Train is presented by Santos and The University of Queensland.

"Rockhampton is the only town in Queensland that has eight local steam train rides in sector 1 and sector 2 of the Q150 Steam Train's journey around the State, and they are all sold out," Ms Bligh said.

"That's an indication of the Q150 Steam Train fever that's hitting towns around the State like Rockhampton.

"It's a fever fuelled by the traditional pomp and ceremony afforded welcomes of yesteryear when steam trains ruled the railroads.

"Rockhampton is no exception with the Q150 Steam Train being welcomed by Rockhampton Regional Council and locals alike.

"The Rockhampton City Brass Band will welcome the train and its passengers with music from the 1950s, 60s and 70s .

"There'll be a ceremonial handing over of the staff of authority for the train to be on Rockhampton tracks and messages of goodwill from one community to another.

"As soon as passengers have left the train, locals who booked their seats early will set off on a journey into bygone days."

Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten congratulated locals on their incredible support during Queensland's 150th anniversary year.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to be part of Queensland and local history," Mr Schwarten said.

"It's no surprise that locals have jumped at the chance to take a trip down memory lane on board the Q150 Steam Train while it's in town.

"Rockhampton is a great place for anyone to visit, so it makes sense that our town would be the destination to end sector 1 and kick-off sector 2 of this historic journey."

Mayor of Rockhampton Regional Council, Cr Brad Carter said he was looking forward to w elcoming the Q150 steam train to Rockhampton.

"We certainly have so much to celebrate here in Queensland and in Central Queensland particularly, with wonderful people, an enviable natural environment and great facilities and services," Cr Carter said.

"The Q150 celebrations are a great chance to both look back on our history and at what has made us who we are today, and also to look forward to our exciting future."

Cr Carter said he was proud of Fitzroy River Water's contribution to the celebrations.

"FRW are supplying 150,000 litres of water free of charge to the steam train during its three stopovers in Rockhampton," he said.

"I'm pleased to see the carbon emissions of the train's journey will be offset by planting 150 trees at each stop throughout Queensland, and I'm looking forward to our own tree planting ceremony to mark this historical occasion," he said.

The Q150 Steam Train is presented by Santos and The University of Queensland and supported by media partners Network 10, Macquarie Southern Cross Media, APN Newspapers, Quest Community Newspapers and Triple M.

[Derwan]

Finally added my photos of the Q150 train taken at Beerburrum:  http://www.derwan.com/photography/album.asp?album=46

This one is my favourite - and shows the contract between the oldest train and newest station in Queensland:

 
.

[ozbob]

Excellent photo Derwan!

[Derwan]

Excellent photo Derwan!

And if you look closely, you'll see that you appear in it too!   

[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
27/04/2009

Q150 TRAIN STEAMS OFF ON HISTORIC 2nd SECTOR OF JOURNEY

The Q150 Train steams out of Rockhampton this morning (Tue) at 8.45am on the second sector of its historic journey around Queensland, Premier Anna Bligh said today.

The train presented by Santos and the University of Queensland, left Roma Street Station in Brisbane beginning a five-month, six sector, journey of Queensland on 14 April. On its second sector the train travels to Emerald, Barcaldine, Longreach and Winton.

"The Q150 Steam Train has captured the imagination of hundreds and hundreds of Queenslanders eager to get on board or catch a glimpse of history in the making as the train travels into and through their towns," she said.

"Wherever it's arrived on its journey so far, the train has been mobbed like the movie-star of the moment.

"The excitement has been palpable.

"It's fantastic to see such a response and why not? This is our birthday Queensland. This year is ours to enjoy, celebrate our achievements, learn from the past and build a bright future for our children.

"Q150 Celebrations are being put on for everyone, everywhere, by communities, Councils, the Queensland Government and this train is leading the way.

"I thank the communities and Councils that have put so much into welcoming and farewelling the Q150 Steam Train to-date and look forward to catching up with the train later on in its journey.

"Rockhampton has been especially lucky to be visited by the Q150 Steam Train not once, but twice and this morning farewells the train with pomp and ceremony."

Ms Bligh said students Alex Tanglao and Megan Chalk from Yeppoon State High School would board the train carrying a Q150 message of goodwill from Rockhampton to the next stop, Emerald in Central Queensland.

The Mayor and Council representatives will have the pleasure of handing over the staff of authority to the driver of the train and waving it off from Rockhampton station.

Brad Carter, Mayor of Rockhampton Regional Council said he would like to acknowledge the great contribution of the Queensland Government in providing the Q150 Steam Train to Rockhampton.

"Its popularity was reflected in the very strong local turn out when Rockhampton welcomed the train earlier this month," he said.

"There was tremendous excitement in the community and former railway employees who had fond memories from their days with Queensland Rail dressed up in memorabilia.

"The Q150 message of goodwill by student Jackie Hunter from Gladstone was excellent and shows just how important it is for us to have good cooperation between Gladstone and Rockhampton."

The Q150 Steam Train arrives into Emerald at 4pm today.

To book a Q150 Steam Train ticket on any sectors of the Q150 Steam Train contact TravelTrain on 1800 QLD 150 or 1800 753 150. For information on the Q150 Steam Train and where it is travelling to visit www.q150.qld.gov.au.

The Q150 Steam Train travels to more than 30 locations around the State going as far north as Cairns, as far west as Quilpie and as far south as Wallangarra.

The Q150 Steam Train is presented by Santos and The University of Queensland and supported by media partners Network 10, Macquarie Southern Cross Media, APN Newspapers, Quest Community Newspapers and Triple M.

[ozbob]

The Q150 Steam Train arriving at Longreach 7th May 2009.

[ozbob]

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
30/06/2009

MACKAY START FOR DOUBLE THE Q150 STEAM TRAIN EXCITEMENT

It is a return to a rare double-powered steam train event when the Q150 Steam Train heads south out of Mackay headed for Rockhampton today (1 July) hauled by not one, but two historic BB18 ? steam engines, Premier Anna Bligh said today.

Locos 1089 and 1079 will head the Q150 Train as it makes its way back down the coast on the fifth sector of its six-sector, five-month journey around the State.

"The last time a 'double header' steam train was that far north was for the VP50 Townsville Celebrations (Victory in the Pacific) in 1995," Ms Bligh said.

"This will be a unique opportunity for Mackay people to see a double-header steam train in full flight. It will be a awesome sight. Grab your cameras and capture this historic moment."

It will be through Rosella at 9.32am, Balberra 9.42am, Dawlish 9.48am, Sarina 9.57, Yukan 10.19am, Koumala, 10.48am, Ilbilbie 10.48am, Carmilla 11.15am, St Lawrence, 12.25pm. The through the afternoon on to Rockhampton for a 5.10pm arrival.

The Premier said for its journey south to Brisbane the Q150 Train would be hauled by the two grand locos.

"The 'double header' arrives at Roma Street Platform 10 at 5.10pm on Saturday 4 July.

"This is a rare opportunity to see two Q150 Steam Train locomotives together on the same train, something that won't happen for a long time," she said.

Schedule:

6.10pm 30 June Arrives Mackay

9.20am 1 July Departs Mackay

5.10pm 1 July Arrives Rockhampton

8.30am 3 July Departs Rockhampton

3.50pm 3 July Arrives Bundaberg

8.30am 4 July Leaves Bundaberg

5.10pm 4 July Arrives Roma Street, Brisbane

The BB18 ? 1089 was the last mainline steam locomotive built in Australia at Walkers in Maryborough in 1958. The BB18 ? 1079 is the same class of engine and was built in Maryborough in 1956 and has been operating for QR for well over 50 years.

==============================================================

[QGT]

I Got Pictures of the Q150 Train at Roma Street
Go here for Pic's
http://sites.google.com/site/qgtsphotostation/Home/the-photo-s/q150-event-bb18-1-4-roma-street

[WTN]

I was there too!  That SMU on platform 9 was what I arrived on.  I took some pictures too, but they're still on my camera.

[WTN]

I finally processed my pictures of the train.

See here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/wwwinno/Q150TrainAtRomaStreet#

[ozbob]

The Q150 Steam Train completes on Sunday, big day at the Workshops Museum  
--> http://www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au/exhibitions/events/annual_workers_reunion.asp



Q150 -->   http://www.q150.qld.gov.au/CelebrationHighlights/q150Train.aspx

[ozbob]

The Q150 Steam Engine returning back to the Workshops at the end of an epic journey ...





Photographs mufreight 30th August 2009

[ozbob]

Media Release 30 August 2009

Queensland:  The Q150 Steam Train journey ends, memories linger forever ..

RAIL Back On Track (http://backontrack.org) a web based community support group for rail and public transport and an advocate for public transport commuters has hailed the completion of the state wide journey of the Q150 Steam Train.  This epic journey over the past months has been a great success. 

Robert Dow, spokesperson for RAIL Back On Track said:

"The tour of the state of Queensland by the Q150 steam train has been a highlight of Queensland's 150th celebrations.  Attracting enthusiastic crowds where ever it went it has rekindled the romance of rail in many hearts."

"Congratulations to the organisers of the Q150 Steam Train, the Q150 Advisory Committee, Queensland Rail and the Rail Heritage staff and volunteers for making this epic journey a reality.  Well done!"

"Queensland's history is inextricably linked to rail. Queensland's and Australia's future will also be inextricably linked to rail.  Rail is safe sustainable transport for the future."

"The value of the Queensland Rail Heritage Fleet in terms of social benefits far outweighs the operation and maintenance costs.  Our rail heritage needs to be actively preserved for future generations." 

Contact:

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org

[ozbob]

From the Queensland Times click here!

Memories rekindled

Memories rekindled

Melanie Maeseele | 31st August 2009

CROWDS flocked to The Workshops Rail Museum yesterday to take a walk down memory lane and watch the Q150 train steam into Ipswich.

More than 5000 people visited the museum for the annual workers' reunion and family open day but, for a few Ipswich residents, the day was a chance to reminisce about an enjoyable pastime.

Noel Wensley caught up with old mates he'd worked with in a career with Queensland Rail (QR) spanning five decades.

?It's good to come and meet with your old workmates, because sometimes you only see them once a year,? Mr Wensley said.

?You rekindle old memories and you can retell old stories about things you did and shouldn't have done.?

Mr Wensley began working for QR in October 1950 and in 1965 left to work at the Redbank diesel shop.

In 1992 he was asked to return to the workshop in Ipswich.

?They asked me to come back to work on the restoration of Blue Baby steam engines for six months but that turned out to be eight years,? he said.

Mr Wensley retired in 2000 and has been visiting The Workshops every year since for the annual workers' reunion.

But yesterday was even more special, with the return of the Q150 steam train to Ipswich - the end station of the sixth and final sector of the train's five-month journey around Queensland.

Neil Linnehan, also a former QR employee, for 47 years, said the Q150 train gave the event a special highlight.

?The Q150 train puts an extra edge on it but the reunion is good because you get to meet people that you don't see much any more,? he said.

[ozbob]

Q150 Steam Train video highlights

==> http://www.q150.qld.gov.au/MediaRoom/train_videos.aspx

[ozbob]

The Q150 steam train, departs on its way to Toowoomba, Bound for a 14 day trip to Charliville and back, Here we see BB18 1/4 1089 and AC16 221A departing Roma Street at 9:45 am, 17/08/09

[ozbob]

This is the Q150 steam train when it visited wallangarra station 29_8_2009