Carriage BL 488
All aboard...gearing up for our ride to Bundy
QR Heritage volunteer Tom, welcoming guests
Time for a chat with Joan Boaty and Ron McGuire
Hettie and Don Florance
All aboard the Q150 Steam Train! I'm usually the kind of girl who likes to reach places at pace - the quicker the better. So I have to admit I was wondering how I'd cope traveling on a chug-along steam train, carriages of which date back to the late 1800s!
But it's impossible not to be caught up in train fever, as the locomotive puffs and whistles its way into the station, greeted by a cheering crowd.
We boarded the train at Gympie, bound for Bundaberg. Seats aren't allocated, so we decided to jump on the third carriage - BL 488. Tom, our smiling conductor, welcomed us on this historic journey. All the conductors are volunteers - passionate about trains, and patriotic to Queensland. His enthusiasm and humour were contagious - he soon had the entire carriage laughing… we were ready to ride!
The carriage itself is a working piece of Queensland's history. It was made in Maryborough 100 years ago, and has been charming its passengers ever since. But what does her name mean? "B" - for second or B class; "L" shows she has a lavatory; and "488" is her identifying number.
There's something about steam trains that gets people talking. We sat opposite Ron McGuire and his friend Joan Boaty. Ron worked as a steam train driver and fire man for the railways for 46 years, eight months and four days (exactly!). It was hot, hard, physical work. He'd be away from home for months on end. He even passed out on one journey, after catching pneumonia. Just the same, he loved the job - and made lifelong mates along the way. For Ron, the Q150 Steam Train journey was a trip back in time - and for once, he was able to sit back and enjoy the passing scenery.
A few seats back, Eric Perkins was traveling with his neighbours' children, 11 year old twins, Adam and Emily. He thought it would be a once in a lifetime chance for the kids to experience steam train travel first hand. Emily and Adam love the creaking, rattling journey - they stick their heads out the window and wave at crowds as we roll through local towns.
We chatted to seniors, students, travelers and train enthusiasts. Everyone has a tale to tell, and their own personal reason for being aboard BL 488. But one couple in particular attracts a lot of attention - Hennie and Don Florance. They sit at the back of the carriage, dressed in the finery of period costume. They tell us it's their way of "feeling" our history.
Traveling at pace has its advantages, but I've now also seen the benefits of taking things slowly. What a fantastic way to see Queensland! It was such a novelty to meander through the breathtaking scenery, in such traditional style. Royalty has warmed those seats in the past, you know - and the characters we met on BL 488, were just as grand!
Last reviewed 21 April 2009
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