Stores on right track

AFTER creating an antiques store out of an old Melbourne tram two years ago, Kalbar Central has expanded to trains.

Jerry and Martine Van Walsum of Kalbar Central sell lollies and antiques out of a tram and train car. . Picture: David Nielsen

AFTER creating an antiques store out of an old Melbourne tram two years ago, Kalbar Central has expanded to trains.

The fleet of rail-themed buildings at the store has expanded with a former train cart from Ipswich now serving as a lolly shop.

Kalbar Central co-owner Martine Van Walsum said her use of unique buildings as stores was part of an effort to create a one-of-a-kind attraction to the small Scenic Rim town.

"We're trying to get more people to come and visit Kalbar," she said.

"We're selling antiques from the tram and now lollies out of this old train."

Having the train cart at the store is the culmination of a dream for Mrs Van Walsum, and her husband Jerry, after originally deciding on a 1974 Melbourne tram when they thought installing a train cart would require them having to build a high platform for access.

Instead Mr Van Walsum installed a ramp up to the car in place of a platform.

The lolly shop is run by the couple's daughter Cathy, who set the store up to complement the tram.

"She came to us and she said wouldn't it be a great addition to have a train to go along with the tram," Martine said.

However the Van Walsums' isn't the only attraction in town, with Kalbar featuring a growing number of collectable stores.

"There are some really great attractions in our little town.

"When people from Brisbane and Ipswich come out here on the weekends they just love it here."

The train cart was constructed in the 1930 at Ipswich and was used as a rail workers' sleeping quarters.

The cart has been done up, resealed and repainted by Mr Van Walsum, with work done on the inside as well to convert it from sleeping space to a sweets store.

Kalbar Central's train-based lolly shop sells a range of imported and homemade lollies as well as cake and gelato.

Originally published as Stores on right track