1924 locomotive Kilrie joins other antique trains at DownsSteam Museum

The 1924 built Kilrie had been off the tracks for some years but will return to duty thanks to DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum volunteers.

Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway’s Kilrie is back on track thanks for the expertise of volunteers at Toowoomba’s DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum.

Built in 1924, the Kilrie locomotive hadn’t run for about six years but due to the dedication and skills of the DownsSteam workers who worked on it for six weeks, it’s ready to go back on the tracks and return to it’s home in Ipswich.

Train driver Brett Halford at the Triple SteamUp day at DownsSteam. Saturday, August 20, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“It runs to the racecourse at Bundamba,” explained Jeff Smith of DownsSteam.

However, visitors to the DownsSteam Museum in Drayton on Saturday were able to get a preview of the newly restored Kilrie which chugged in and out of the station alongside the museum’s regular attractions The Pride of Toowoomba loco and stationary engine Robey.

(from left) Elizabeth, Lydia, Katherine, Isabella and Sam Duddy at the Triple SteamUp day at DownsSteam. Saturday, August 20, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

A steady stream of visitors also got a sneak preview at the stainless steel carriages under restoration which are schedule to take passengers early next year.

“We’ll do testing up until about Christmas and they should be ready for passengers from January,” Mr Smith said.

(from left) Zakariah, Mohamed, Linda, Ruqayah and Amina El Attar at the Triple SteamUp day at DownsSteam. Saturday, August 20, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“They will run to Wyreema firstly and then we’ll do the Pittsworth line run and then to Clifton.”

DownsSteam has open days on the third Saturday of each month and keen train enthusiasts can catch a ride on the Westlander on the first Thursday of each month, leaving Toowoomba Railway Station at 7am for a ride down the Range to Helidon.

Matt and Max Carruthers at the Triple SteamUp day at DownsSteam. Saturday, August 20, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Passengers are picked up in Helidon by the Toowoomba Sightseeing bus for a tourist trek back up to the Garden City.

(from left) Joshua, Josephine and Alana McGregor at the Triple SteamUp day at DownsSteam. Saturday, August 20, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Enjoying a snack at the Triple SteamUp day at DownsSteam are (from left) John, Luke, Amanda and Emme Png. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Alana McGregor (left) and her niece Josephine McGregor at the Triple SteamUp day at DownsSteam. Saturday, August 20, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Trainspotting at the DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum are (from left) Zoe, Andrea, Henry Curthoy with John O'Riordan. Picture: Nev Madsen.