A PUFF of steam will rise above Swanbank Train Station once again when the country’s second-oldest working steam locomotive has been upgraded thanks to a generous donation.
The nostalgia of the track will continue to create memories with the recent announcement of a substantial donation from Australia’s leading rail company Alstom.
The contribution will support the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway heritage steam railway’s restoration its star attraction, the PB15 448.
Jarrod Mitton from the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway said the locomotive was a treasured piece of Queensland’s railway heritage.
“Being one of five of the PB15 class preserved today, it’s very special,” Mr Mitton said.
“The PB15 448 is currently out of service with its last steaming was in December 2020, when its boiler certificate expired.
“Built in 1908 by Walkers Ltd in Maryborough, it was one of over 200 locomotives of its class, hauling both passenger and freight service for Queensland Government Railways (now Queensland Rail).
“PB15 448 served faithfully for over six decades before its official retirement in August 1970,” Mr Mitton said.
“Recognising its historical value, a group of passionate railway enthusiasts from Ipswich and Brisbane purchased the locomotive, founding Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway (QPSR) to preserve and celebrate Queensland’s railway history.
“Since the Festival of Colour in 1978, PB15 448 has been a highlight of QPSR, enchanting visitors with its charm
“Though currently out of service, PB15 448 remains a symbol of Queensland’s industrial heritage and our volunteer’s dedication to preserving history.”
Alstom ANZ director of communications and corporate social responsibility Robert Gunning emphasised the significance of Alstom’s support for Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway.
“We’re thrilled to be able to contribute our support in such a meaningful way to a local volunteer-led, community organisation, created by the community for the community,” he said.
“Our involvement reinforces Alstom’s commitment to positively impacting the communities in which we operate and highlights our dedication to preserving Ipswich’s rich rail heritage for future generations.”
Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway chairman Robert Shearer expressed the importance of Alstom’s support.
“We’re a hundred per cent volunteer-run railway,” he said.
“We’re excited that local Ipswich families, visitors, and tourists will soon once again be able to experience the joy of vintage steam travel aboard one of Australia’s most iconic and treasured steam trains.”
QPSR currently operates three vintage locomotives, carrying about 800 passengers per month, and significantly enhances the local leisure and tourism economy.
The restoration of PB15 448 is projected to boost railway operations significantly, with estimates indicating an increase of 1000 to 2000 passengers annually once it returns to service.
