Tourist train group marks new year with ‘50s-themed ride
There are big things happening at DownsSteam Tourist Railway in 2025, including a meandering trek across the Southwest.
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The DownsSteam Tourist Railway and Museum team celebrated its first rail run for 2025 with a ‘50s themed trip to Pittsworth and back, complete with an Elvis impersonator.
It was a sellout ride that was packed with guests who dressed to the theme.
DownsSteam founder Ros Scotney said plans were afoot to extend the service with runs to Ballandean in the Southern Downs and Thallon in the South West.
“We will leave Drayton early in the morning, stop at Stanthorpe, go onto the wineries, people can have lunch, and get back late in the afternoon,” she said.
The plan is to do the run with the group’s 2000 series rail motors that have a travel time that is comparable to a car, about two hours.
If all goes to plan, then the group will offer the same service pulled by its much slower, and older steam trains.
“The Thallon run will take a lot of organisation,” Mrs Scotney said.
“We will run a charter first and see how that goes.
“With crew and cabin staff we will need about 12 volunteers to make it work.
“Logistically, it is going to be a big job.”
Along with these longer rides, the group has all of its usual services running, which include day trips to Pittsworth, Hendon and Wyreema.
But to make it all work, they need help from the public.
“We have plenty of customers, but we desperately need volunteers,” Mrs Scotney said.
“They do have to do a certain amount of training, but it is all free.
“We are very short of tour guides,” Mrs Scotney said.
To buy tickets or to become a volunteer, visit: downssteam.com.
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