Steam into Spring Part of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 19 – 28 September 2003

Downs Steam

Other running days for 2003 are:
August 17
September 21
October 19
November 16
December 21

General Information
Aims
The aim of this club, is the bringing together of people of all ages, and varied occupations, who have an interest in the building and operation of model/miniature mechanical devices, predominantly powered by steam.

History
This club was formed in 1973, and has been operating at this location since 1998.  Negotiations with the Toowoomba City Council culminated in August 1996, with the granting of the lease of this land at Kearneys Spring Historical Park.

What you see today is the result of many thousands of hours effort from hard working members, and the support of the Toowoomba City Council, in the massive task of preparing the foundations, and the building and laying of the track, fixtures and buildings.

Meetings
Monthly meetings are held at City Hall, Ruthven Street, at 7:30PM on the 4th Thursday of each month. Prospective members and visitors are most welcome to attend.

Membership
Membership is open to any persons interested in the objects of the association, and being prepared to pay the associations annual subscription.  Membership is subject to approval by the management committee.  Application forms are available from the Secretary, and prospective members and visitors are always welcome to come and have a chat.

Location
The railway complex is located at Kearneys Spring Historical Park, Spring Street, Toowoomba, Queensland.
The track meanders its way through the park, beside trickling streams of spring-fed water, and through areas of trees and shrubbery, mostly native to the area.  Visitors are able to view native birds and sometimes animals, feeding and drinking, from quite a close distance, as the trains make their way through the park.
Picnic and BBQ facilities are available free of charge, within the park.
Adequate roadside and off-street parking is available, and toilet facilities are situated nearby.

Railway Features
The Railway consists of a 5" and a 7 1/4" dual gauge circuit.  The mainline is 656 metres in length, with a passing loop at the station and an in-and-out loop line to the maintenance area, turn-table and steaming bays.

At the southern end of the railway, near the steaming compound, can be seen two sets of conventional operating points, whilst at each end of the station area are 2 sets of hydraulically driven, remote controlled points.

A point of note to steam buffs is that this is not a flat track, and the steam locos can be heard working as they pull their loads up the 1 in 80 grade climb, the way in which they should be heard.

Locomotive Power
Our locomotive fleet consists of models of steam, diesel, diesel-electric, and electric powered units owned by the club and by individual club members.  Some members also have miniature steam traction engines, and the park has an adequate operational area within the bounds of the railway to accommodate these.

Finance
The construction and operation of the railway is carried out voluntarily by the members, and all finance comes by way of train-ride donations, members subscriptions and grants courtesy of the Gaming Machine Community Benefits Fund.  The Toowoomba City Council financed the extensive earthworks for the track-bed.

Contact Infomation

Name:Toowoomba Live Steamers Inc Address: PO Box 916, Toowoomba Q 4350 Phone: 4635 5428 Web: Email: