LAST Sunday was the 26th birthday for the Grandchester Model Live Steam Association and they celebrated doing what they do best, riding and showing off pint sized versions of the real thing.
All engines at this station are puffing and huffing like they would at any regular one except these ones are a lot smaller.
Visitors or passengers, wait to board the train in front of the original signal cabin from Yarongmulu – a town on the Little Liverpool Range between Laidley and Grandchester circa 1866.
And as happens in the bigger versions, train drivers stoke coal, top up water and release steam blowing their whistles ready to go on the green traffic light.
Sunday’s birthday event also signalled the completion of some timely upgrades.
The association has been working on the tracks to make them safer for passengers and drivers.
The feeder track to and from the steaming bay now has a dedicated set of points and signals so drivers no longer reverse into oncoming traffic and instead reverse into a passing loop then merge into the main line.
Two historic semaphore signal towers have been restored and recommissioned along with the original Grandchester main line signal gantry that was restored last year.
This attraction is open the first Sunday of the month, if you’re planning to ride the trains you need to be wearing fully enclosed shoes.
Rides cost $3 each, there is a carpark, ablutions, picnic area as well as food and drinks.
The Model Live Steam Association is based in Ipswich Street, Grandchester.
