Trainfest '99

["canetram59" <canetram59@hotmail.com>]

Was in Maryborough (Qld) today for Trainfest '99 and an open day at Walkers
Ltd.
Queensland Premier, Peter Beattie officially opened Walkers new erecting
shop built for the construction of the diesel powered tilt train intended
for the Cairns run.
The Premier also "launched" the replica of the Mary Ann, Walkers Ltd first
locomotive built in 1873. This was an 0-4-0 vertical boiler machine built
for a local timber mill owned by Pettigrew & Sim. The original, which was
lost in a flood in 1893, was of 3'3" gauge whilst the replica is 3'6" gauge.
A group, called Whistle Stop has been formed to operate the Mary Ann replica
in Queen's Park, Maryborough, as a tourist attraction.
The Whistle Stop group were also presented with their Rail Accreditation
certificate by the Qld Minister for Transport, Steve Bredhauer, during the
official ceremony held inside Walkers new erecting shop.
On display outside were the inevitable SMU units and two of the new 4000
Class locos for Queensland Rail. 4004 was outside the site administration
building and a second peered out of the new load test facility with a 3-car
SMU alongside.
After the official ceremony and the Premier and Minister had their
inevitable turn at thre throttle of Mary Ann, it was used to give rides to
the public along Bowen Street, outside Walkers works. A matching passenger
coach has been built to complement the loco.
QR had a 2000 class rail motor operating shuttle services from Maryborough
Railway Station, along the Wharf Branch to "Muddy Waters" near Walkers.

canetram59