Train showpiece is back on track

THE history of the rail was on show over the weekend with huge crowds flocking to the Workshops Rail Museum.

Stacie Robertson, 13, and her three-year-old sister Emma check out the trains.

THE history of the rail was on show over the weekend with huge crowds flocking to the Workshops Rail Museum.

The museum opened its gates for free over the weekend, after a fire destroyed a building on site last Monday.

Families from across the south-east made their way into the museum.

Rebecca and Brendan Weber said their two sons, Thomas, 3, and Noah, 1, had had a fantastic time at the museum.

"My dad used to work here for many years," Mrs Weber said.

"The kids really enjoy it. Thomas just loved seeing all the trains, as well as some of the colouring in."

Mr Weber said his side of the family was also heavily involved in The Workshops' history, with his grandfather working there for 20 years.

Holiday event The Great Train Robbery was highly popular, with strong crowds at each showing.

Raelene and Les Simonsen said their children, Marty and Anna, had loved the show.

"The train robbery and getting to dress up was a favourite," Mrs Simonsen said.

"They loved getting ink all over themselves and climbing all over the trains."

Despite the museum's power being supplied by a generator since the main power was cut off in the fire, the museum got through the weekend with no major hiccups.

As well as the holiday special event, The Workshops had its regular exhibits as well as a huge display of historic train and rail equipment.

The show of community support came as a huge bonus for the museum, with staff using the free weekend to remind people they were still open and operating, despite the fire.

The Workshops Rail Museum director Andrew Moritz said he had been overwhelmed by the community's support following the fire.

The museum was fortunate not to be damaged in the fire on Monday night when two old engineering buildings, already slated for demolition, were burnt.

A 17-year-old North Ipswich man was charged with arson over the fire after he handed himself in on Tuesday.

Originally published as Train showpiece is back on track