The Queensland Rail History Podcast

We pass through train stations every day, but have you ever wondered who designed them? In this episode, our historian Greg Hallam and Annette Caesar explore the remarkable life and legacy of Elina Mottram, Queensland Railway's pioneering female architect, who set new benchmarks for women in the profession. Elina’s story is one of determination, talent, and trailblazing achievement. We’ve got a carriage‑load of episodes available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and we’re working on putting our back catalogue on YouTube. Please leave us a review and email us at [email protected] with questions or feedback. 

In this episode, Annette and historian Greg Hallam dive into the surprisingly colourful world of Queensland Rail’s locomotive liveries. From emerald greens and royal blues to bold Broncos‑inspired maroon and yellow, they trace how paint schemes have evolved from the 1800s to today. Greg shares the stories behind iconic locomotives, quirky nicknames, and the artistry hidden in heritage paint specifications. Plus, we chat with Daniel Croatto one of our maintainers working at Portsmith, Cairns. Daniel takes us behind the scenes of restoring century‑old Kuranda Scenic Railway timber carriages,  revealing the craftsmanship, heritage colours, and pride that keep these classics shining. A rich journey through colour, history, and the people who preserve it.We've created a collection of historical images relating to the episode here.

Episode 28 - ‘On ya Bike’ - Along the Brisbane Valley Line - Some stories about the railway to Yarraman (and a bit beyond that…)In this episode Annette and our Historian Greg Hallam take listeners on a nostalgic journey along the Brisbane Valley Line, a rural railway that once stretched from Wulkuraka to Yarraman. They explore its origins in the 1880s, the decades-long construction, and its role as the backbone for farming communities, timber, and dairy industries.We cover the 'stopping places' where passengers waved down trains, the condensed milk factory at Toogoolawah, and the German immigrant farming communities that shaped the region. Greg shares stories of station mistresses, railway refreshment rooms, and the engineering feats needed to climb the Balfour Range.Greg and Annette also reflect on the last steam train in southern Queensland in 1969, marking the end of an era, and how the line’s closure in the 1990s paved the way for today’s Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, a popular cycling and walking route. Here's a collection of images from Linville to Yarraman.

In this mini Rail Tale episode, our host Annette and Queensland Rail Historian Greg Hallam take listeners on a nostalgic journey through Queensland’s rich history of seaside holidays and rail travel. From the origins of “taking the waters” in 18th-century Europe to the rise of beachside and mountain retreats in the Sunshine Coast, they explore how railways opened up access to iconic destinations like Palmwoods, Buderim, Montville, Mooloolaba, and Caloundra.If you have a railway question for Greg, he would love to hear from you! email: [email protected] follow for future episodes and leave us a review, it really helps!

Rail Tale Episode 5 - The Mecca of our Desires.The Tourist train, the forerunner of today’s Kuranda Scenic Railway (KSR) experience has a long history going back to very beginning of the Cairns Railway.  In 1913 as a result of what was termed a “rapid increase” in tourist traffic to Barron Falls, plans were prepared for what was termed four up-to-date observation carriages. It was hoped to have the new carriages ready by the 1914 tourist season, however the outbreak of the Great War saw an end to this project. The Grandstand Train was introduced in in 1930’s with innovative carriages, where the seats faced outwards to take in the passing scenery. The popularity of the train was well received but was unfortunately cancelled with the outbreak of the Second World War.  Here's a collection of images discussed during the episode.Book your tickets for the KSR today!For more episodes, please search for the 'Queensland Rail History Podcast' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or listen on our website: https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/ourhistory/the-queensland-rail-journey/history-podcast Please email your railway questions to our historian Greg: [email protected] Thanks for joining us on this journey so far - make sure you're following for future episodes, leave us a comment and let us know what we should cover for a future episode. If you can, please leave us a review or a like, we would love to hear from you!

In today’s world of selfies, social media and smartphones – everyone has a camera in their pocket. But, 160 years ago, a picture told a thousand words! These were seen as living images, forming an incredible archive - created by artists – professional photographers, employed by railways across the world. And even here, in Queensland there was those travelling the vast landscapes and documenting what was happening on the ground in front of them... And just like Instagram - this was curated content!  In today’s episode – ‘Picture Perfect’ – we’re going to change our focal length and zoom in on some of the Queensland Railway’s photographers over the past century and a half and hear about a profession, the artistry, the tourism, the marketing and why their work was so important - not just for the railway - but for regional towns, connecting so many communities through a captured frame…Here's a collection of images discussed during the episode.Also - a link to the painting referenced at 34:16.For more episodes, please search for the 'Queensland Rail History Podcast' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or listen on our website.Please email your 160th railway questions to our historian Greg: [email protected] Thanks for joining us on this journey so far - make sure you're following for future episodes, leave us a comment, review or a like, we would love to hear from you!

160th Special - People, personalities and the early beginnings of our railways.On 31 July 1865, the first section of railway line opened in Queensland, between Ipswich and what was then called 'Bigges Camp' (today’s Grandchester). The story of our railway is much bigger than just a series of facts, figures, and statistics. It is more than a roll call of railway line openings, introduction of rollingstock and dates of events. The real story of the Queensland Railways was, and still is, about people. So – let’s take stock and look back to that beginning – discussing our first Commissioner and his Irish influence, a sparkling member of the Greek nobility, who inaugurated the railway works in 1864, the Scandinavian and other influences on the choice of gauge, and our first locomotives and rollingstock - and the battle of economy over engineering in that origin story. We also chat with Arthur, whose own connection with the railway story stretches nearly a third of those 160 years, while enjoying some of Annette's homemade slice - which was quite amazing! You can watch the video version of this episode here. For more episodes, please search for the 'Queensland Rail History Podcast' on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or listen on our website: https://www.queenslandrail.com.au/ourhistory/the-queensland-rail-journey/history-podcast Please email your 160th railway questions to our historian Greg: [email protected] Thanks for joining us on this journey so far - make sure you're following for future episodes, leave us a comment, review or a like, we would love to hear from you!

Rail Tale Episode 4 - Telegraphically YoursWhen the first railway line opened in Queensland in 1865, alongside it also went the electric telegraph line. The wires that accompanied the rails would be a vital part of the connection of our communities and enable communication that was the very much at the forefront of technology in the middle 19th century. Got a question about our railway's history - send us a telegram, fax or e-mail to: [email protected]

Why do trains run late sometimes? How do you even plan a train time table? What does it take to become a train controller? What happens to the rail network during disruptions – like say, a tropical cyclone...? Here's our full interview with Matt Green, Senior Manager, RMC Product, Strategy and Planning. We hear about his love for trains, breaking down the key roles and responsibilities at the Rail Management Centre and why he always wanted to work in the railway.

Episode 25 - Signal Central - The Rail Management CentreWhy do trains run late sometimes? How do you even plan a train time table? What does it take to become a train controller? What happens to the rail network during disruptions – like say, a tropical cyclone...? In today's episode we chat to someone from our Train Planning team and find out all of that, and more!We also chat with our Historian Greg Hallam about The Rail Management Centre (RMC) Project. The project involved the design and construction of a new three-storey structure on the site of the existing Mayne Control Centre, located at Bowen Hills. This is the heart of our Brisbane rail operations for the next 30 years.  The RMC provides oversight over all Queensland Rail's passenger and freight movements in SEQ. Planning and scheduling of all 'business as usual' rail operations, reponse teams, security and incident management control.  Let's take a look at the beginning of the Mayne Control Centre, and today’s 21st centre of train control.Here's a collection of images Annette and Greg chat to throughout the episode.Annette's full interview with Matt Green is available here. Thanks so much Matt for your time!If you love trains and you love history, and you love train history, please follow the podcast and leave us a review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, we would love to hear from you!Also - do you have a QLD railway question ahead of our 160th anniversary? Email Greg at [email protected] and we can try and include it in our upcoming episode!

Episode 24 – Made in MaryboroughIn 1873, Walker's Limited built Queensland's first steam engine and went on to become a major manufacturer of railway Rollingstock. The first B15 steam locomotives came from Walkers, and they built steam locomotives up until 1958.Walker's Limited built over 550 steam powered, 12 diesel electric and 144 diesel hydraulic locomotives.In today's episode we'll discuss how over 140 years this small Maryborough company grew through various name changes and ownership, made big things for Queensland Railways and other states of Australia too.

Episode 23 - Trains in King George SquareIn February 1914, Queensland Railways commemorated the 50th anniversary of the beginning of construction for the first section of railway line in the state.  This section of line from Ipswich to Bigges Camp (today’s Grandchester, west of Ipswich) opened on 31 July 1865.The Commissioner of the Railways had formally written to the Mayor of Brisbane, asking for permission to exhibit in Market (Albert) Square, "an example of the progress made in locomotive construction." The decision was taken to put on display what was then, the largest and most modern locomotive in the Queensland Railways roster.  This was C18 class locomotive No. 692, which would be one of three locomotives of this class eventually put into traffic. Along with it was the oldest “star” attraction A10 No.3, from 1865.The crowds certainly turned out to see the “Trains in the Square”, and it was considered a good public relations exercise for Queensland Railways.  So how did Queensland Railways get two steam trains into the centre of Brisbane, and rewrite some of its own history in the process? Well, join us for episode 23 of the Queensland Rail History podcast and find out more. We'll also be joined again by special guest, Rob Shiels, Curator for the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, and hear about his own experience moving a large piece of history across the country and back.Historical images discussed throughout the episode can be seen here.Got any railway history questions? hit up our Historian, Greg Hallam. Please email: [email protected] you like what you're listening to, please follow our podcast and leave us a review, we'd love to hear from you and want to know what you'd like us to feature in a future episode.  

Rail Tale Episode 3 - ‘Filling’ in time: The School Rail Dental ClinicsDid you know one of the first travelling dental clinics in Queensland was a railway carriage? The school dental scheme was developed by the Department of Public Instruction in the late 1920s. The Rail Dental Clinic ensured people from the country received the same level of care as those living in the city. Operating for half a century, the Rail Dental Clinic service was discontinued in the early 1980s, but helped save many a tooth in Queensland, via rail.Here's a collection of historical images here.

Episode 22 - Not quite set in concrete?Today on our podcast, we will go on a journey, and look at when things were not set in stone, but, rather, poured in concrete.  Queensland Railways was a pioneer in the early use of concrete, where remarkable structures, bridges, dams, and buildings sprang up all over the state using this innovative building material.   We will also talk about getting the mix correct with Peter Osborne, Heritage Strategist in Queensland Rail and here about his love for concrete culverts... Here's a link to a collection of images discussed during the episode, including all things culverts, concrete station buildings and structures.We hope you will be a culvert convert after listening to this episode, make sure to follow and leave us a review, and please email [email protected] with all your railway questions, we would love to hear from you! 

Rail Tale Episode 2 - A Runaway Premier (or a runaway Premiers’ carriage?)In 1931, the then Queensland Premier Arthur Moore travelled to Monto and opened Monto's Third Annual Show on Friday, 1 May 1931. Monto was a "new town" to which rail connection had been opened via Gayndah on 15th September 1928. The official party comprised the Premier, Arthur Moore, his wife, and Mr. R. L. Boyd, Country Party M.L.A. for Burnett from 1928 to 1932, who had a dairy farm near Wetheron in the Burnett district. The Premiers’ carriage (Possibly No. 920) was attached to the regular Saturday Goods (it may have been a Mixed train carrying both passengers and goods etc. on account of the Show; normally, the Mixed ran only Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from Monto). The journey back to Brisbane was 321 miles (517 km) and would be taking close to 24 hours. The trip was proceeding uneventfully until it was discovered that the Westinghouse brake on the Premier's carriage was defective. The carriage had been attached at the rear of the train so that the Premiers’ party could enjoy the view unimpeded and have a minimum of disturbance from shunting. However, with the brake out of action, it was of concern to the railway employees as in the event of coupling coming loose, especially as the train had to climb the steep Bin Bin Range on the branch.The carriage was then uncoupled to place it ahead of the Guard's van (ahead of the ‘roadside wagon’ that was used for transporting perishables, and deliveries to various stations along the line, general practice was that the roadside wagon stayed next to the Guards van). The carriage wheels were ‘spragged’ (a piece of iron or timber placed in between wheel spokes) to prevent it running away, and the train remarshalled to reattach the carriage. As the driver was easing back to allow the Guard to swing the screw coupling onto the carriage, there was a jolt. The jolt knocked the sprag out and the carriage began to slowly move under its own momentum down the line.It was not until they had travelled about 20 yards that the Premier and the travellers realised something was wrong. The Guard, (Hutton), gave a warning shout and raced after the carriage. After a short sprint, he climbed aboard just as the carriage was gaining speed. As the carriage had no handbrake it was with a 'thump' that the Guard realised that nothing could be done. The carriage was soon "swaying round the curves at a fast pace". The Guard thought they would stop, (or rather roll to a halt) at Byrnestown but this was overly optimistic. As the Premier said to the newspaper, “We rushed through there at 30 m.p.h. (48 km/h) much to the surprise and alarm of the official (presumably the Station Mistress) … My hat and papers were swept off the table and flew out the window ....”As the carriage swept past Mr. Boyd's house, (the local member) that was plainly visible from the railway line, Mr. Boyd noticed his wife staring in disbelief from the verandah of their house.Recognising the Premier's carriage and Mrs Boyd, being described as “a person of action”, dashed to the car with her two children and chased the runaway carriage. At Wetheron station, the carriage rolled up a steep grade, and "the speed gradually reduced, the guard and the Premier jumped off on either side of the carriage and hung on to it until it was dragged to a stop just on top of the rise. Mrs. Moore and Mr. Boyd also jumped out, and in a few moments the wheels were chocked, and a strong sapling propped up against the carriage, to prevent further unauthorised movements.Mrs. Boyd arrived by car soon after the party had jumped out while the train engine, sent from Gooroolba in pursuit, arrived and took the carriage in tow. The Premier finally reached Brisbane on the Sunday morning without further incident, and full of praise for the quick-thinking Guard, and the locals, who set o

Episode 21 - The Merivale BridgeOn Saturday, 18 November 1978, the Merivale Railway Bridge, connecting Roma Street and South Brisbane Railway Stations was officially opened in the presence of 850 official guests.Crossing the Brisbane River, the bridge was constructed over a period of three years and three months and reported to have cost $20.6 million.In today's episode we discuss why the Merivale Bridge is still so important for Brisbane train travellers.We also chat with Brad Sutton, Asset and Structures Manager at Queensland Rail and hear about the work involved in maintaining the structure.Images discussed during the episode can be found here.Some great historical images of the opening are available here.

Episode 20 - The North Coast RailwayIn the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries most of the travel between the isolated railway systems, and towns of Queensland was carried out by coastal shipping. By the end of the nineteenth century there were eleven of these isolated systems of the Queensland Railways and most of them ran from a coastal point towards the bush – the closest port was considered a good enough place to start from.Or finish?However, it was these far-flung lines heading off to the interior that would form the various staging points for the North Coast Line when Parliament approved its construction in 1910, and stitching together the railway patchwork that was Queensland in that era. The North Coast Railway Act gave the official nod by the Queensland Parliament to construct 740 kilometres of railway to link Cairns and Brisbane. The line would eventually be completed in 1924, and by the mid 1940’s it was to become the major railway line, and connection in Queensland. The north coast line was crucial in the Defence of Australia, from 1942 - 1944.Today we look back a century to when a very large bridge, over a very large river in northern Queensland finally a railway construction project that really began in the 1880s, along the north coast.We also talk to Rob Shiels, from the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, about their exhibition that recognises the centennial of the completion of the railway in December 1924.  Come along and join our journey through the decades.Have a question about our railway's history? - email Greg: [email protected] to archival images discussed throughout the episode:https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/media/30853https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/media/29185

Our first rail tale about Queensland’s first Station Master…Sir Charles Fox and Son, Agents for the Queensland Government based in London, were appointed as consulting engineers to the colony of Queensland and were given the job to find administrative staff for the Southern and Western Railway, then under construction between Ipswich and Grandchester (Bigges Camp). On 12 January 1865, the agents distributed the copy for an advertisement to seek men to fill the following positions: ”Traffic Manager, Locomotive and Rolling Stock Superintendent, Station Master, Accountant, two Railway Clerks, two Head Porters and two Signalmen”. The advertisement appeared in Engineer on 20 January 1865. Each applicant was required to enclose testimonials, state the salary required and be prepared to leave for the colony before the end of February.Despite the short time available to prepare them, about 700 applications were received for the ten positions. Having carefully studied their testimonials, Fox and Son selected the most eligible for a personal interview to choose staff for Queensland.One of those selected was John Scorra. Scorra worked on the Great Northern Line in Great Britain before moving to the London, Chatham and Dover railway. In 1865, he was a highly recommended Station Master. Scorra sailed as a single man but was married on 11 September 1866, to Sarah Trickey Garrett and they were to have four children. Unfortunately, by 1873 their only son and one of three daughters had died.John Scorra was employed at the Class IV level in the then Queensland Public Service and was appointed as Queensland's first Station Master. The then brand-new Ipswich station building he was to occupy was first begun in April 1865 with a frontage to Ellenborough Street and built of materials largely imported from England. It was an impressive terminal station for the then fledgling Southern and Western Railway. The station officially opened on 1 August 1865 and Scorra, as Station Master, lived in the upstairs part of the building. The upper floor included not only the residence for the Station Master but also offices for the traffic department.Scorra moved into this residence on 19 January 1866, and was granted an allowance of £28 for his previous accommodation. After being appointed as Ipswich’s first Station Master, John Scorra rose through the ranks. By April 1869, Scorra was Station Master in Toowoomba. Shortly after this, Scorra took up the role of Pay Clerk and Station Auditor, Southern and Western Railway, that was based in Brisbane. In September 1873, the Scorra family had an address in Kent Street, Brisbane. Scorra was promoted to the position of Clerk in the Locomotive Department. It was while in this role that John Scorra fell ill and died on 28 October 1879, reportedly “much regretted by officers of the department who held him in high regard”.Sarah and her remaining two daughters travelled to England in 1882 but returned to Queensland where her daughters later married. Sarah Scorra passed away in 1945 and was buried with John in Toowong Cemetery.Have a question about our railway's history? - email Greg: [email protected]

Episode 19 - Cobb & Co and the Queensland Railways - A long lasting shared journeyFrom the mid-1860s until 1924, travel in Australia involved trains hauled by steam locomotives, sailing and steam ships, paddle steamers, cable cars in the big cities, bicycles, and later the motor car. Plus, one of the great icons of transport in Australia - the horse-drawn coach services called Cobb & Co. As the railways grew, and other transport evolved, the legendary coaches and their magnificent horse teams, withdrew to places longing for transport, rather than compete with the new forms of travel. The vast distances of Queensland, and its people, maintained a solid demand for coaching, with routes here peaking at more than 7000km in 1900. Our podcast today, is a special one – we step beyond the steam locomotive footplate, and the carriage steps, and swing up onto the box seat to share the story of Cobb & Co, and its shared connection with the Queensland Railways.Hosted by Annette, and our Queensland Rail Historian, Greg Hallam, we are also joined by Curator for Transport, Cultures and Histories, Amy Goldston. Recorded at the Cobb + Co Museum, we talk about the roaring days, and reflect on the last run of a Cobb & Co coach in Australia, from Yuleba, to Surat in August 1924. We also discover Amy's railway heritage.  Here is the historical image referenced during the episode. Here is a great link to a series of images on the Cobb & Co services in Queensland.Discover more about the Cobb & Co Museum here.If you have any questions about our rail history, please email our Historian, Greg Hallam– he’d love to hear from you! - [email protected]  Also - if you're enjoying what you’re hearing, please leave us a review. We’d love to hear from you, what you love about the podcast, and what you’d like us to feature on a future episode!  

Episode 18 - The Tilt TrainIn today's episode we look at how over 25 years ago, Queensland Rail began its ‘tilt to the future’ with an innovative technology and a number of Australian rail firsts, and how two trains revolutionised the train service between Brisbane and Rockhampton.  We also chat with Jack, one of our Regional Rollingstock Project Delivery Managers involved in a recent traction package upgrade for the ETTs (Electric Tilt Trains). Here's a collection of images looking back at the Tilt Trains over the years.If you have any questions about our rail history, please email our Historian, Greg Hallam– he’d love to hear from you! - [email protected]  Also - if you're enjoying what you’re hearing, please leave us a review. We’d love to hear from you, what you love about the podcast, and what you’d like us to feature on a future episode!  

Episode 17 - Electrifying TimesThere were two events in the 1960s and early 1970s that led to a massive change in South East Queensland’s passenger railways. The first was the replacement of steam with diesel-electric locomotives by 1969. This inevitably led to faster and cleaner trains. The next big step forward was the introduction of modern electric trains for the suburban system in Brisbane with the first services in November, 1979. On 8 May 1979, the first section of the new system was energised, from Roma Street to permit testing and driver training. On 17 November the same year, the Darra to Ferny Grove sections were officially opened. Today, in Queensland the suburban passenger services in South East Queensland are operated by Queensland Rail electric multiple units, as well as electric tilt train services as far as Rockhampton. The Queensland network is the largest in Australia with over 2,000 kilometres under wires. Today we look at how these electrifying times began for Queensland Rail. We also chat with Neil, he's a Maintenance Group Leader working in our electric train depot at Mayne Yard. If you have a question about the history of our railways in Queensland, send an email to our Historian, Greg Hallam. He would love to hear from you! email: [email protected]

Episode 16 - Rail MotorsChristmas time and the school holidays would bring back memories of long train journeys to far flung parts of Queensland, for many people. The link between country and regional towns, and the smaller townships, was the railmotor. For many decades in Queensland, the small red painted 45 horsepower AEC motors (based on a London bus design), ‘red rattlers’, or the later incarnations of the ‘Tin Hares’, through to the streamlined 2000 class ‘Silver Bullets’ provided an important connection for many Queenslanders to the railway townships. School children made their journey to school on the ‘RMs’, special stops in regional towns were made for intending passengers, and places such as Cooktown, and Normanton became a ‘railmotor’ dependent railway from the late 1920s. This episode looks back on the distinctive petrol- and diesel-powered railmotors that were such an iconic part of the Queensland Railways throughout the 20th century.     We also talk with Glen Watson who at the time of recording was Officer in Charge at Normanton and driving the Gulflander. He shares many stories and personal experiences to do with his time both in Queensland and around the world for Queensland Rail.You can find images to go along with the episode here:https://queenslandrail.intelligencebank.com/customshare/index/0MXzp?trackingId=JnpAlYou can also book your Gulflander experience today.

Today, we’ll be looking at the era in the late 1880s and into the early 20th century, when many towns close to the South Coast (now known as the Gold Coast) all wanted their own railway to their own ‘slice of paradise’. When taking the train to your favourite holiday spot on the beach, or the bay was all part of the adventure. We’ll also chat with special guest, Deni, Assistant Station Master at Varsity Lakes station and hear about how the Gold Coast line was renewed as a modern, world class railway in the 21st century.

Episode 14 - The Landers1953 was one of the truly revolutionary years for the Queensland Railways, with the introduction of air conditioned trains on our long distance services in Queensland. The Sunlander commenced service on the 4th June 1953. This new air conditioned train was hauled by a diesel locomotive and by eliminating steam locomotive servicing stops, the transit time from Brisbane to Cairns was reduced from 45 to 41¼ hours.In this episode we’ll chat about how these air conditioned trains and their steel bodies coaches, with showers, hot and cold running water and special dining cars revolutionised travel for many people regionally, allowing passengers to keep their cool during Queensland’s summers. We'll discuss where the 'Lander' name for our travel trains originated from and also the marketing campaigns the Railways used to promote these luxury tourist services.We’ll also chat with special guest, Jen Cahill, and hear about how her career has progressed into becoming a regional train driver. We chat about her time at Queensland Rail, and hear what it's like driving the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Spirit of Queensland between Townsville and Cairns.We've also pulled together a collection of images that Greg and Annette discuss, you can find these here.If you have any questions about our rail history, please email Greg – he’d love to hear from you! - [email protected]  And, if you're enjoying what you’re hearing, please leave us a review. We’d love to hear from you, what you love about the podcast, and what you’d like us to feature on a future episode!  

1952 was one of the truly revolutionary years for the Queensland Railways. It was in that year that the first DEL (Diesel Electric Locomotives) entered service. The new motive power would forever change the railway landscape of Queensland. Almost overnight, it demonstrating the economic, and operational benefits of modern diesel locomotives. In this episode we’ll look at how Queensland Railways progressively transitioned from steam to operate with diesel for the next three decades, on long distance, suburban, and freight trains.We also chat with Melanie Fyfe, Manager of Regional Train Service Delivery at Queensland Rail. Mel discusses the new 2900 diesel loco upgrades, the team of regional train drivers her team oversees, and her career in the railway so far. 

A10 No. 6 is one of the oldest steam locomotives in the world, still capable of operating on a main line. The tiny locomotive has a long, and remarkable history. It was there (well, almost) to witness the beginnings of the railways in Queensland. Today, we will talk about the story of this steam powered time traveller, how in 1965, it was the showpiece of the centenary celebrations of the railways in Queensland, and how important it still, in the third century of its existence.   We also chat with Train Operations Inspector (TOI) Matthew Bushnell and find out first-hand what it was like to drive the A10 No.6! Matt had the great opportunity to drive the A10 back in 2015 for the 150th anniversary of Queensland Rail. We also chat about how his father drove the A10 back in 1991, after the loco had been completely restored.Greg refers to numerous photographs of the A10 No.6 throughout the episode, we've pulled together a gallery of images to view here.If you’d like to see the A10 No.6 in person, head to the Workshops Rail Museum website – www.museum.qld.gov.au and book yourself a ticket! If you have any questions about our rail history, please message us on the Queensland Rail Instagram or Facebook accounts or just email Greg himself: [email protected] And, if you're enjoying what you’re hearing, please leave us a review. We’d love to hear from you, what you love about the podcast, and what you’d like us to feature on a future episode.  

Once upon a time, three little letters, ‘’R R R’’ would bring a smile to any weary traveller’s face. Those three letters stood for the Railway Refreshment Rooms, and for 140 years it also meant passengers could hopefully enjoy a hot cup of tea, coffee scones, or even a full three course meal in all of 20 minutes! It was a full dining experience at big stations with trains arriving at strange and possibly odd hours for many places throughout Queensland. It really was a case of miles and meals to go! In today’s episode we’ll talk about how these Refreshment Rooms satisfied the hunger of the long-distance traveller, how a veritable army of women performed miracles in dispensing iron rations during World Wars and we’ll find out why these catering facilities slowly disappeared.  We’ll also chat with a chef who worked at the last of Queensland’s Railway Refreshment Rooms and find out how he’s continuing to satisfy customer’s hunger today.  Footnotes:Bowen Refreshment Room photo:https://www.qhatlas.com.au/photograph/refreshment-room-bowen-proserpine-railway-1922Gympie Railway Refreshment Room photo:https://www.pinterest.com.au/pin/348395721144751138/

Today we are discussing a place many of our listeners will be familiar with – Roma Street station. We will cover its grand beginning as a major terminus, to the many face changes over the years. We also chat with Operations Performance Manager for SEQ Operations, Ian Heidke, who shares the importance and challenges of Roma Street.

An encounter with the South Brisbane railway system during the 1960’s was truly a step back in time to the early 20th century. On our latest episode, we’ll talk about how the Gabba depot came to be, why it disappeared, and how a ‘flag and bell man’ was such an iconic part of the old streetscape and railwayscape of inner-city Brisbane for many decades.   We’ll also talk with Greg Rooney, General Manager of the Rail Management Centre (or ‘RMC’) and South East Queensland Operations for Queensland Rail. Greg shares his story of his father working various trains over to Wooloongabba depot and why he’s excited about the new underground tunnel that will again change public transport on the south side of Brisbane.

Annette and Queensland Rail Historian, Greg Hallam, talk about a time of trains bringing families together to celebrate the holidays, delivering presents and good wishes. From everyone at Queensland Rail, we would like to wish our listeners a happy Christmas,  and we're looking forward to connecting with you again in 2023 with new stories of the railways in Queensland.     

Episode 8 - It's been an honour... Queensland Railways Honour BoardsIn this episode, we talk about how over a century ago, Queensland and the Queensland Railways found themselves thrust into a great conflict. When it began in 1914, it seemed literally half a world away yet within four short years would have a devastating effect on the lives of many people in Queensland.Few people today understand the great contribution that was made by Queensland Railways during the two major conflicts of the twentieth century. Whilst our involvement is relatively well known during the Second World War, the activity of the Great War is lesser known. The role of the Queensland Railways at this time was to provide volunteer enlistment, patriotic support, and a vehicle to transport, and recruit for the Australian war effort. Throughout Queensland, recruitment trains travelled to places such as Wallumbilla, Warwick, Barcaldine, and many other distant towns and stations, encouraging men to sign up and serve their country. News of the war was conveyed by train. Wounded soldiers, and returning troops made many of their journeys home by train. Our Hosts, Annette and Queensland Rail Historian, Greg Hallam, talk about how the Queensland Railways commemorated the great conflict in quiet places, and in noisy ones along the Queensland lines, with beautiful ‘Honour Boards’ that recognised the loss and impact on so many families in Queensland. We also hear from Dale McDonald, Assets Manager, Central West who has overseen the refurbishment and conservation work on a remarkable survivor of Queensland Railways from the First World, the Rockhampton station Honour Board.

In this episode, we talk about how 80 years ago, Queensland and the Queensland Railways found themselves thrust into a crucial role during the Defence of Australia.When Japan entered World War II, Australia was under threat of invasion. Darwin suffered the worst bombing and heavy casualties. Fortunately, the bombs that fell on Townsville and near Mossman brought no loss of life. Until the tide turned in the Battle of the Coral Sea, invasion seemed to Queenslanders in 1942, a very real likelihood.Our Hosts, Annette and Queensland Rail Historian, Greg Hallam, talk about how the Queensland Railways rose to the occasion and assisted in defending Australia during those dark days of the Second World War.We also hear from Paul Slater, Manager of Heritage Assets who works on a remarkable survivor of Queensland Railways from the Second World, that is housed in the magnificent Ipswich Workshops.

In 1914, Queensland Railways launched a garden competition to encourage railway staff to beautify the stations with colourful flowers and plants, and to grow fruits and vegetables.The Commissioner for Queensland Railways at the time, Colonel Charles Evans, introduced the prize to also allow for employees to demonstrate their pride in their workplaces – not only railway stations but also locomotive depots, railway workshops, and workplaces in general.  In today’s episode, we chat with Station Master, Glen Currie who is based at Kuranda station in Cairns – one of the last great survivors of this garden competition. Glen shares with us some of the interesting plants on display at Kuranda and the tale of a unique guest who feasted on the station’s garden.  

Episode 5 - A Very Up and Down Place - Building the Main Range railwayToday we're talking about the crossing of the Main Range from the present day township of Murphy's Creek to Toowoomba, and what truly was a marvellous feat of Victorian era engineering. We also speak with Gavin Anderson, Asset Manager West Moreton for Network Operations South at Queensland Rail. He commenced his career as a ‘Nipper’ in a Bridging gang at Miles on the western line, and has been with Queensland Railways etc for 36 years.   As Asset Manager, Gavin looks after the Main Range railway, and follows on a tradition stretching back nearly 155 years of maintaining this important piece of railway infrastructure. He commenced in the Asset Manager role in 2013. If you have any questions about our rail history, please message us on the Queensland Rail Instagram or Facebook accounts. You can also email the team at: [email protected]  We’d love to hear from you, what you love about the podcast, and what you’d like us to feature on a future episode. 

Today we are looking into design and standardisation of the railway. Be it early prefabricated buildings brought over on ships, the choice for narrow gauge or the adapting and tweaking of designs, to give a local solution to problems faced when building a railway in Queensland’s climate and landscape. We’ll also hear from Andrea Kriss, a Senior Design Manager here at Queensland Rail and hear how the process for building train stations has changed over time. 

The Christmas period was always one of the busiest times for travellers in Queensland, who went to visit family, or go on holidays, on the Queensland Railways.

What are some of the great Queensland Railway lines that never were? What we might today think of as a big, connected network across the state, actually began as a number of scattered railway lines that stretched inland from the coast. They were very much their own identity. In this episode, we chat with Ken Fairbairn, Driver of the Gulflander and Officer in Charge of the Normanton Railway*, an isolated section of track in North Queensland that very much reflects that 'patchwork' approach started in the 1860's. *Since recording this episode, Ken has moved on from his Officer in Charge role and is pursuing all things steam related elsewhere, we miss him and wish him all the best!

In the 2nd half of our two-part special, we’re going to cover the completion of the Kuranda Scenic Railway (KSR). If you haven’t listened to part 1 yet, please make sure you start there first. We’ll explore some of its famous landmarks that can be seen along the journey. We’ll discover what happened to the line when war broke out and why it’s still such a popular tourist destination in Far North Queensland today. We’ll chat with our Driver in Charge of the Cairns region, with over 25 years of experience driving on the Kuranda range and a Business Associate from our Travel & Tourism team, who began her career at Queensland Rail working as a service attendant onboard the KSR.Construction of the Cairns to Kuranda Railway was an engineering feat of tremendous magnitude. This enthralling chapter in the history of North Queensland stands as testimony to the splendid ambitions, fortitude and suffering of the hundreds of men engaged in its construction. It also stands as a monument to the many men who lost their lives on this amazing project.Rising from sea level to 327m, the journey to Kuranda passes through flat farm fields outside of Cairns, heading up through a dense world heritage listed rainforest, winding through man-made tunnels, over the Barron Gorge, and over towering bridges, passing spectacular waterfalls along the way. This year also marks the 130th anniversary since the Kuranda Scenic Railway was opened. To book a ticket onboard the KSR, please visit: www.queenslandrailtravel.com.auIf you have any questions about our rail history, please message us on the Queensland Rail Instagram or Facebook accounts.We’d love to hear from you, what you love about the podcast, and what you’d like us to feature on future episodes.

In this two-part episode, we’re going to dive into one of the most iconic pieces of railway in Australia, arguably in the world: The Kuranda Scenic Railway – the KSR - located in Far North Queensland. It has become such a popular tourist attraction in Cairns, truly a must-see experience. We’ll chat with our historian, Greg and deep dive into how this railway came to exist and we’ll also chat with a Train Driver with over 25 years of experience driving on the Kuranda range. Rising from sea level to 327m, the journey to Kuranda passes through flat farm fields outside of Cairns, heading up through a dense world heritage listed rainforest, winding through man-made tunnels, over the Barron Gorge, and over towering bridges, passing spectacular waterfalls along the way. This year also marks the 130th anniversary since the Kuranda Scenic Railway was opened. But how did this railway get built...? and why did they build it...?  Construction of the Cairns to Kuranda Railway was an engineering feat of tremendous magnitude. This enthralling chapter in the history of North Queensland stands as testimony to the splendid ambitions, fortitude and suffering of the hundreds of men engaged in its construction. It also stands as a monument to the many men who lost their lives on this amazing project. If you have any questions about our rail history, please message us on the Queensland Rail Instagram or Facebook accounts.  We’d love to hear from you, what you love about the podcast, and what you’d like us to feature on a future episode. FOOTNOTE:Journal by the Royal Historical Society Adoption of the 3ft. 6ins. gauge for Queensland Railways

In the last weeks of July 1865, the population of Southern Queensland watched with increasing interest and confidence, the anticipated completion of the first section of the Southern and Western Railway. Looking back at that era, it is still easy to discern the excitement and pride that had manifested in the colonists of Queensland as they read reports in the local papers of the approaching opening.