It was our last day in Toowoomba and we couldn't leave without visiting the 'Downs Steam Tourist Railway and Museum'. There were old trains on display and a big shed where the volunteers were renovating old trains. They also have steam train rides but not today. The old station had beautiful gardens like everywhere in Toowoomba. No wonder it is called 'The Garden City'.
This is the old "Sunlander" train, which used to travel from Brisbane to Cairns. We travelled on it some years ago. See here:
In the repair shed there was a rail motor that had just been refurbished by volunteers. These are photos of what it was like when they received the burnt out wreck. Below is what it looks like now.
After visiting the museum it was time to find a coffee shop for you know who and then we drove home down the ranges. Everywhere was dry and parched but we are having rain now so hopefully the farmers will benefit.
Our daughter Carol's father in law used to be the pianist on the Sunlander train.
I love to see the work done by volunteers to restore these grand machines. As someone who regularly struggles to get a bicycle on board a train I can't imagine how they got that piano on board.
ReplyDeletefantastic restoration of that old burnt train. my favorite photo is the one that says look out for train. it has a train, which I love and flowers and is just beautiful.... I really would like to visit Toowoomba . also would like to ride in those red chairs and hear the piano. so cool
ReplyDeleteThe Sunlander train is fabulous Diane, those chairs that piano! What a treat a trip aboard must have been, I hope you were also sipping cocktails ☺ Toowoomba really is a beautiful city 🌼🌷🌺🌹💮🌸
ReplyDeleteWhat a transformation for that train. I would have thought it would be impossible to restore. What fun it would have been, sitting in those cozy chairs, watching the scenery go by, and listening to the piano. Nothing like being stuffed in an airplane seat for travel these days!
ReplyDeleteHello, the flower gardens are beautiful. The old train are cool, those red chairs really are a pop of color. Gorgeous view on the road. Happy Sunday, enjoy your day and have a great new week ahead.
ReplyDeleteLove that wagon with the red chairs!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty gardens and the old train, how I would have enjoyed taking a ride on it in those comfortable looking old chairs, and listening to the piano music while gazing out the windows.
ReplyDeleteflowers with red and violet colors look beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove them.
I think all of us of a certain age have a very soft spot for railways of the past.
ReplyDeleteThis would be a wonderful place to see in person. Thanks for taking us along with you
ReplyDeleteHow nice to have that personal connection with the train. Wherever you look the flowers are in abundance and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSimply fantastic, I'd love to go there myself :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Well done Diane.
ReplyDeleteA most informative series of posts on the Toowoomba area.
Colin
Too bad the steam train asn't running on your visit, Diane. That restoration project was amazingly beautiful. And, yes the flowers are as well.
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Very nice museum.
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I want to go in this place.
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