MACKAY START FOR DOUBLE THE Q150 STEAM TRAIN EXCITEMENT
It is a return to a rare double-powered steam train event when the Q150 Steam Train heads south out of Mackay headed for Rockhampton today (1 July) hauled by not one, but two historic BB18 ¼ steam engines, Premier Anna Bligh said today.
(Media-Newswire.com) - It is a return to a rare double-powered steam train event when the Q150 Steam Train heads south out of Mackay headed for Rockhampton today ( 1 July ) hauled by not one, but two historic BB18 ¼ steam engines, Premier Anna Bligh said today.
Locos 1089 and 1079 will head the Q150 Train as it makes its way back down the coast on the fifth sector of its six-sector, five-month journey around the State.
“The last time a ‘double header’ steam train was that far north was for the VP50 Townsville Celebrations ( Victory in the Pacific ) in 1995,” Ms Bligh said.
“This will be a unique opportunity for Mackay people to see a double-header steam train in full flight. It will be a awesome sight. Grab your cameras and capture this historic moment.”
It will be through Rosella at 9.32am, Balberra 9.42am, Dawlish 9.48am, Sarina 9.57, Yukan 10.19am, Koumala, 10.48am, Ilbilbie 10.48am, Carmilla 11.15am, St Lawrence, 12.25pm. The through the afternoon on to Rockhampton for a 5.10pm arrival.
The Premier said for its journey south to Brisbane the Q150 Train would be hauled by the two grand locos.
“The ‘double header’ arrives at Roma Street Platform 10 at 5.10pm on Saturday 4 July.
“This is a rare opportunity to see two Q150 Steam Train locomotives together on the same train, something that won’t happen for a long time,” she said.
Schedule:
6.10pm 30 June Arrives Mackay
9.20am 1 July Departs Mackay
5.10pm 1 July Arrives Rockhampton
8.30am 3 July Departs Rockhampton
3.50pm 3 July Arrives Bundaberg
8.30am 4 July Leaves Bundaberg
5.10pm 4 July Arrives Roma Street, Brisbane
The BB18 ¼ 1089 was the last mainline steam locomotive built in Australia at Walkers in Maryborough in 1958. The BB18 ¼ 1079 is the same class of engine and was built in Maryborough in 1956 and has been operating for QR for well over 50 years.
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