Families take trip back in time for steam engine’s 80th birthday celebrations

• Queensland Rail’s iconic AC16steam locomotive turns 80!
•  Father’s Day fun was on show for the whole family.
•  More than 300 rail enthusiasts rode the historic steam engine from Ipswich to Grandchester station.

Today more than 300 rail enthusiasts rode Queensland Rail’s historic steam engine, the AC16 221A, making a return trip from Ipswich to Grandchester station to celebrate its 80th birthday.

In partnership with the Australian Railway Historical Society Queensland Division (ARHS),Queensland Rail hosted a ‘birthday’ send off at the North Ipswich Rail Yards station.

Passengers rode in historic wooden carriages, travelling past picturesque farming land and the historic towns of Walloon and Rosewood before arriving at Grandchester station, where the first section of railway opened in Queensland in 1865. 

The event is the first public open day held atGrandchester station since an agreement between Queensland Rail and the ARHS to reopen the station was signed earlier this year. 

The trip also aligned with the Galvanized Ipswich Festival, which showcases the best heritage experiences and events Ipswich has to offer until 10 September.

Quotes attributable to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:

“Today is Father’s Day, and what better day out for the family than taking a trip back in time and celebrating the long and rich history rail has in Queensland.

“This trip is about honouring the AC16’s incredible service to our state as well as the many people who have shared in its impressive 80-year journey.

“Today we’re not only hearing fond memories of this iconic steam engine, but also creating new memories for the next generation.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Ipswich Jenifer Howard:

“There are few Ipswich locals without a connection to the railway, so this event is a fitting tribute to that rich history.

“Happy Birthday to the AC16 – thank you for 80 years of service.” 

Quotes attributable to Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton: 

“Ours is one of just two AC16s left in the entire country, so it's a rare and special opportunity for the next generation of visitors to ride on this important piece of Queensland rail heritage and celebrate an incredible milestone.

“The AC16 has such an interesting story. Landing in Queensland in 1943 from America, these steam engines ferried troops during World War 2 and served the state's communities in freight well into the late 1960s.

“Our fantastic Ipswich Workshops specialists overhauled this one in 2003—replacing the boiler, cab, tender and brakes system as well as the installation of auto couplers. Since then, the team has kept it in impeccable condition, so it will be a treat to see it at home on the track.

“Formerly known as ‘Bigge’s Camp’, Grandchester Station opened in 1865 as the end of the first rail line in Queensland, but it really signified the beginning of prosperity for the state so we’re thrilled it will again be experienced by the community in all its glory.”

Quotes attributable to Australian Rail History Society Queensland Division President Steve Lamprecht:

“It’s an incredible experience to travel on an 80-year-old steam locomotive, to a 160-year-old station – it is truly like a ride through history.”

“Australian Rail History Society Queensland Division is proud to partner with Queensland Rail for this special event.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Queensland Rail to ensure important fragments of rail history can be enjoyed by all at our regular open days and community events.”

ENDS