Article: First steam train jaunt re-enacted

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From the Queensland Times click here!

First steam train jaunt re-enacted

First steam train jaunt re-enacted

Andrew Korner | 31st July 2009

IPSWICH gave birth to steam train travel in Queensland on July 31, 1865, when four A-Class locomotives carried passengers from North Ipswich to Biggs Camp - now known as Grandchester.

Among those on board was Queensland's first governor, Sir George Bowen, who later declared the day a public holiday and marked it as a milestone in the state's history.

Almost 150 years later the importance of that first trip is still remembered among steam train fanatics, history buffs and other proud Queenslanders.

About 200 people crammed the carriages yesterday to emulate that first trip.

While it was a big American AC 16 doing the pulling this time, the start and finish point and the country covered in between were almost identical.

Maureen Malcolm brought grandson Nathan Court all the way from Logan to enjoy the hour-and-a-half return trip.

Workshops Rail Museum director Andrew Moritz said Q150 celebrations made this year's sell-out event even more special.

?It marked the commencement of the development of the state and brought about a revolution,? Mr Moritz said of the original journey.

One of the locomotives which took the first trip - an A10 - is restored and can be seen at the Workshops Rail Museum.

For more information on other steam train rides running from North Ipswich, contact the museum on 3432 5100 or visit www.theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au.