Big step as restored boiler gets certified in Glenreagh steam train project

THE Tallowood Mountain Rail Trail restoration project has reached a significant milestone, with the boiler of the 148-year-old steam engine ‘1919’ officially inspected and certified for operation.

Over the past year, a dedicated volunteer crew led by a professional engineer has been working through the repairs and rigorous testing needed to get ‘1919’ to this final stage of its journey – up and running as a working steam train.

Operations Manager Stewart Mackie summed up the excitement when the whistle finally blew.

“Yesterday 1919 could be described as 60 tonnes of inanimate steel,” he said.

“Today 1919 has a soul – and it can only get better.”

The next step, now the testing has been certified, is accreditation with the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator.

Once that has been achieved, and the rails repaired, Coffs Coast locals and visitors will be able to go back in time by riding on a historic steam train.

In further news, a $15,000 grant has been received from Transport Heritage NSW for works on one of the two intact historic passenger carriages set to form part of the Rail Trail experience.

To add to the excitement, Shannondale Steam Shed, another not-for-profit group, has moved into a vacant shed in the Glenreagh precinct.

“They work on preserving all types of fascinating vintage steam machinery and associated equipment and they will also be demonstrating steam engines from their shed at Glenreagh in the near future,” said Wal Muir, Chairman of Tallowood Ventures Ltd, the not-for-profit charity behind the Rail Trail.

“Having the Shannondale volunteers here too means that steam junkies and anyone with an interest in our industrial heritage will have so much more to see and enjoy.

“But before we can fully open up train rides to the public, we need funding for infrastructure such as fencing, signage, ramps to access the platform, water tank for steam operations, parking, and amenities.

“We’re putting a call-out to any local businesses who would be willing to donate services, or funds, as well as public donations.

“Locale Consulting from Woolgoolga are working with us on a plan for the precinct.

“Coffs Harbour Hardwoods have already very kindly donated equipment, and timber offcuts for the steam engine in the future.”

Keen volunteers are now being invited to help replace around 300 sleepers along the rails as far as Tallawudjah Creek Road in the initial phase of the replacement program.
Donations of $100 per sleeper are also being sought.

“For each donation, a plaque will be applied to your sleeper so that your generosity can be seen in situ and one from your group will be able to toot the steam whistle.”

You can donate via the Tallowood GoFundMe page.

For more information email info@tallowoodventures.com.

By Andrea FERRARI