The Society

Background

John Peel, Special Project Officer with the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce Inc and local train buff was aware of steam loco 106, which was built by the Toowoomba Foundry and housed at the Ipswich railway workshop, was awaiting restoration.

In July 2000 the Chamber held a meeting with Queensland Rail CEO Mr Vince O?Rourke about the development of ?Federation Park? at the Toowoomba Railway Station, to enhance Toowoomba?s Heritage Precinct after a multi-million dollar restoration of the Railway station. During these talks Mr O?Rourke also agreed to a request to return loco 106 to Toowoomba for restoration.

Further investigations located four carriages, property of the Australian Historical Rail Society, in a decrepit state that could be restored.

Subsequently discussions with Mayor Di Thorley and Councillors Ramia and Shelton led to a commitment from the Toowoomba City Council to assist. The Australian Historical Rail Society also committed their support to this project.

After a public meeting to gather support from the known dedicated band of steam train lovers, a committee was formed to undertake this huge project. This committee has now been formalised as a Company Limited by Guarantee.

The aims of the Society
To successfully restore of steam locomotive 106 and four historical carriages to original working condition so that they can remain on the Darling Downs and be enjoyed by future generations. After a successful restoration the Society aims to offer steam train experiences for customers throughout the Darling Downs as a destination tourism attraction for the region.