Princess Diana, Prince Charles’ train carriage during 1983 Big Pineapple tour restored to its former glory

The train carriage which carried Princess Diana and Prince Charles on a tour of the Big Pineapple in 1983 has been painstakingly restored to its former glory after years of sitting in storage. SEE THE PICTURES

Train carriage which took Princess Diana and Charles on a tour through Big Pineapple in 1983 has been restored to former glory. Patsy Flint and train driver Trevor Loats take a trip down memory lane. Picture: Patrick Woods

A train carriage which carried Princess Diana and Prince Charles during a tour of a tour of the Sunshine Coast has been restored to become a permanent feature at the Big Pineapple’s Diablo Oasis bar.

The royals came to the Coast in 1983 and visited the Big Pineapple and Yandina’s Ginger Factory.

The restoration was completed just in time for the Big Pineapple’s 50th anniversary this month.

Diablo Oasis owner Dimitris Limnatitis said the carriage had been in storage for the past 20 years and had been found with its original plaque to commemorate the royal visit in 1983.

“When we discovered the carriage with the plaque we thought we’d give it a little bit of TLC and turn it into something people could come along and have their photo taken when they visit the bar,” Mr Limnatitis said.

“This year marks the 50th birthday of the Big Pineapple so it’s fitting that an iconic Sunshine Coast tourist attraction showcases the legacy of the royal visit to our region on April 12, 1983.

“For many people Princess Diana was an icon of her generation and she’s just as popular today so we feel that it is fitting that we restore this carriage to commemorate what would have been her 60th birthday this year.”

Patsy Flint, 92, was one of the first employees at the Big Pineapple when it opened half a century ago.

Prince Charles and Princess Diana on their 1983 Australian Tour.

According to Sunshine Coast Council’s heritage library, waves of residents lined the streets for a glimpse of the royal couple.

The royals enjoyed a buffet luncheon prepared by staff in colourful dresses to represent a tropical atmosphere.

Queensland Police kept a watchful eye on the couple.

One of the officers involved was a young constable Mal Meninga, now a Queensland sporting hero.

Patsy Flint and train driver Trevor Loats with the memorial plaque. Picture: Patrick Woods