Wednesday, April 14, 2010

All Aboard!


We've been watching James May's Toy Stories at our house - a series inspired by James May's desire to get children away from their console games and playing with old-fashioned toys. My favourite episode to date was an attempt to run a model railway between two towns miles apart but once joined by a real railway. It's re-ignited my love of model railways and I figure it won't be long before I head down to the hobby shop to look for a layout.

Or maybe I don't have to? We spend a bit of time in the Southern Downs, and the Southern Downs Steam Railway run scenic tours along disused rail lines. This weekend they are travelling from Warwick to Wallangarra via Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt, and we're lucky enough to have secured tickets.

This is the ultimate model railway - its real sized. The group is volunteer run, and members can perform all sorts of tasks - ticket seller, usher, even train driver. There are even volunteers in cars who go ahead of the train and act as mobile crossing guards.

The photo above was taken in the 1960's - its the actual locomotive we'll be riding behind on Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Southern Downs Steam Railway). I can't wait to get aboard!

1 comment:

Eleni Konstantine said...

Fascinating Fi - what a treat to see how these old trains functioned. Many a-tale could be inspired by that methinks. :)) Enjoy your train ride.

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