DownsSteam

The working steam loco, C16 class, a 4-8-0 from 1915, being readied for lighting up for Australia Day celebrations. DownsSteam exists because of this loco. It is the last surviving loco made at the former Toowoomba Foundry. The boiler in front of it is part of a recent acquisition, a BB18 1/4 4-6-2 from 1950. January 2023.

The steam loco and railcar set at DownsSteam. They are in the workshop, known as 'the shed', in almost ready condition to get onto the Queensland Railway's track. Both have been driven around the DownsSteam yard. The approvals required are mostly complete. January 2023.

An iron horse for horse's birthday, 01/08/23 here in Australia. Photo taken last April early one morning while lighting up.

One of two brass steam loco builder's plates which I am restoring at DownsSteam, where I volunteer at. These belong to DownsSteam's second loco, currently being restored. August 2023.

DownsSteam's Shed. C16 106 on the left and BB18 1/4 1037 on the right. Tomorrow, 18/08/23, at 10AM, glitches permitting, 106 will head out on Queensland Rail's track to go through testing prior to DS running steam hauled trains for the public to regional destinations. 106 is the reason for DownsSteam. The loco was built in Toowoomba in 1915 at the foundry which used to be here. 106 is the last surviving loco of the ~60 built there of several different types.

C16 106 where Oliver and I prepared her for the first run out on the Queensland Rail tracks. We stared at 5am with departure at 10am, about an hour after this photo. 106 had been used two days earlier so raising pressure was quicker than from cold. 18/08/2023. Mouse-over to see the PiPs

Out the gate, at last! 23 years in the making. Onto Queensland Rail tracks for the first test run to Wyreema and return, the next crossing loop. 18/08/2023.

Loco 106 approaching the Drayton Connection Rd level crossing on its first run on Queensland Rail (QR) tracks in about 60 years. It's going to Wyreema then returning to DownsSteam's site. August 2023. See PiP.

Part of the crowd at Wyreema station shortly after arrival. Trainee fireman Oliver, in the green shirt, and I lit up 106. In the centre Andrew, the lead loco reconditioner and part of the crew is checking round 106. The two men at the right are Evan, a trainee fireman and Clyde, trainee railmotor driver. 18/08/23.

106 standing at Wyreema station shorly before leaving on the return run to DownsSteam's site in the Toowoomba suburb of Drayton. 18/08/23.

106 approaching Karara Rd level crossing on its first return run to Toowoomba. 18/08/23.

Neil, a heritage steam loco driver and fireman, watching as 106 returns to DownsSteam's site completing the first of two runs to Wyreema. 18/08/23. Friday again, 25/08/23 HFF. A very happy fence Friday to all. This loco went through the fence, via the gate, for 3 successful trial runs. DownsSteam people were waiting up to 23 years for this event.

106 arriving at Wyreema on the second of the two runs. 18/08/23. Mouse over to see PiP.

DownsSteam's C16 106 has arrived at Wyreema station on its second run. See PiP for more detail of the cab. 18/08/23.

DownsSteam C16 106 returning to Toowoomba from Wyreema on the second run. See PiP for approach photo. 18/08/23

At DownsSteam 106 is ready for its trial run departing at 10am to Brookstead with the gin (water tank wagon). Oliver and I were in early to light up and prepare. See PiP for another view. 106 and wagon in the platform with the largely restored 1037 behind it. 19/08/23

This morning was a trial of the ticketing system. Family and friends of members were invited to make bookings online and then come here on this morning. Some 'features' were discovered and can now be corrected in the system. The passengers were seated in their booked seats and then provided with several rides back and forth in the DownsSteam yard. The volunteers responsible for passengers proved there training was good. From left to right the stainless steel carriage is one of three which comprise the cafe. The former Melbourne tram is the volunteers lunch room. The loco is the restored one which was made in our city and is coupled to 3 carriages. At the right is a boiler from another organisation which will be made ready to go in their loco by our workshop team. Mouse over to see PiPs.

A trial and practice loading was held on 28/08/23. Members and friends made bookings online over several weeks and this day they arrived at the station, were directed to their seats by carriage attendants. When all had boarded the train it made 3 short runs to the end of the yard and back. After this they left the train and were provided with a sausage sandwich or two on the platform. Three PiPs show the train in action. This photo shows the cooking and serving arrangements on the platform with some of the passengers waiting for there food.