Sounds of the Railways

  • Steam Train Sunday

    Steam Train Sunday

    For those who are out of town and don’t know what Steam Train Sunday is, well each 1st Sunday of the month, QR runs a steam hauled passenger train around one of two dedicated loops.  The first one that was used was out through the southern line past South Bank and up through Gloucester St…

  • The Q150 Steam Train

    The Q150 Steam Train

    The State of Queensland was gazetted in 1859 by Queen Victoria (hence Queensland) and 2009 is the 150th anniversary of the event.  Numerous celebrations were held around the state, all relatively low key, but still, at least it was recognised.  One of the key events in all the celebrations was the Q150 Steam Train, where Queensland…

  • Driver for a Day (or two…)

    Driver for a Day (or two…)

    The 27th and 28th of June 2009 was a very auspicious day for me, as this weekend was scheduled for the theory and practical examinations that had to be passed in order for me to achieve my “steam ticket”, or accreditation to operate a boiler and reciprocating engine.  The theory turned out to be a…

  • Another UK Visit

    Another UK Visit

    Once again I was fortunate that in November 2009, work gave me the opportunity to travel to the UK.  While the work was full on, at least I had the weekends free to go hunting for steam.  When it looked like my trip was firming up, I saw that the newest mainline locomotive in the…