24 July 2015

QUEENSLAND RAIL MARKS ITS 150 YEAR MILESTONE WITH A
JOURNEY BACK TO THE BEGINNING

This Sunday (26 July) Queensland Rail will celebrate 150 years of connecting communities throughout the state with the re-enactment of Queensland’s first ever train journey from Ipswich to Bigges Camp (now Grandchester).

Acting Chief Operating Officer Martin Ryan said the re-enactment train would pull into Grandchester station at 10.10am on Sunday 26 July and everyone, young and old, was invited to welcome her into town and relive the iconic moment in time.

“Ipswich is the birthplace of rail and we are excited to share our 150th birthday celebrations with the Ipswich and Lockyer Valley communities,” Mr Ryan said.

“We are encouraging people to come down to the station, dressed in period costumes and have their picture taken with the charming steam train, making sure you hashtag #Rail150.

“Queensland Rail’s beautifully restored 1865 A10 steam train will be re-enacting the special journey and we are honoured to have a number of special guests aboard including those whose ancestors were involved in the very first journey 150 years ago.

“The 1865 A10 is the oldest operational steam locomotive not only in Queensland Rail’s fleet, but also in Australia and fittingly turns 150 years old this year.

“Along with the A10 and her two historic wooden carriages, Grandchester station will come alive with historical railway artefacts on display, the unveiling of commemorative storyboards and a cake befitting of a 150th birthday party.”

Mr Ryan said the line between Ipswich and Grandchester had international significance when construction began in February 1864.

“The first rail line used a narrower gauge of 1067mm to help manage costs and when the 38.5 kilometre stretch was completed in 1865 it was the first main line of its type in the world and was quickly adopted by many international railways,” Mr Ryan said.

“The contract to build the section of track was worth £86,900 and labourers were brought in from Europe to construct the line, working a ten hour day in a Queensland climate much harsher than their homeland’s for approximately 35 shillings a week.

“The first locomotives to run on the line were also imported from England, costing £1260 each.”

Mr Ryan said the opening of the line on 31 July 1865 was a grand occasion, with a public holiday even being declared.

“Hundreds of people lined the railway line and attended Bigges Camp station for the inaugural service, where they enjoyed a luncheon and the drinking of many toasts before they celebrated at a glittering railway ball in Ipswich,” he said.

The re-enactment journey will kick start Queensland Rail’s celebrations as it counts down to its birthday on Friday 31 July 2015.

The A10 will depart Ipswich station at 8.50am Sunday 26 July and arrive at Grandchester station at 10.10am, where it will remain on the platform for viewing until 10.30am.

For more information visit queenslandrail.com.au

Media Contact: Queensland Rail 0459 226 970

Queensland Rail Limited ABN 71 132 181 090