Firstly, I headed to spring bluff to watch 1725 running around it's heritage shuttle.
I was at the site of the old Willowburn railway station and witnessed 2333D and 2332D hauling an empty coal train out of Willowburn yard
Next, I ventured to Willowburn yard and observed several locomotives
2497H
2320D
I then went to Toowoomba station and observed the arrival of several heritage movements
1754 resting in the dock platform
I finished my adventure at DownsSteam, just west of Toowoomba. They have a large collection of unique and interesting rolling stock, including Railmotor DP13.
DP13's Story
Suburban railcar DP13 was taken out of passenger service and converted to an inspection motor in 1959. This was achieved by the sealing of the end door and the removal of various partitions and all seating, and the fitting of tables, different seating and some kitchen components in various locations more suited to its new role. It was used for departmental purposes as required, although this was minimal compared to its passenger carrying equivalents.
The railcar was painted in Australian National's green and yellow colours in March 1981 as part of the launch of the new Launceston freight facilities. It was unusual in that it was possibly the only AN passenger vehicle from the three constituent systems to be painted in the locomotive colour scheme - mainland railcars and passenger stock generally retained their existing SAR or CR inspired liveries (or some variation), or were painted yellow with a a green panel much like the Tasmanian locomotive livery adopted in the 1990s. Through the 1980s DP13 saw little use and was normally stored securely and under cover in Launceston although it made some appearances at public events in this period as well as occasional departmental use. It was listed for sale on a number of occasions, but this wasn't carried through and it remained in storage and in AN ownership.
In the 1990s the vehicle saw much more frequent operation, regularly operating for events like the Burnie Show, Tasrail open days, enthusiast charters and departmental uses. The railcar was also used by EBR on a number of occasions. With the impending sale of Tasrail, DP13 was sold in late 1996 to a consortium of Hobart area enthusiasts and tourism operators who had formed to the Company Classic Rail Tours and had previously obtained sister railcar DP14. After a period running commercial trips, the two railcars were sold to the Burnie City Council, although they had been out of use since 2006. In May 2012 DP13 was severely damaged by fire, and the remains were later sold to DownsSteam in Queensland. By 2018 it had been rebuilt but had not entered service.
Restored Melbourne Tram Z1.80
