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RAILCO - the Ravenshoe and Atherton Insteam Locomotion Company

Railco has a lease on the QR line from Atherton to Ravenshoe, a distance of about 40 kilometers. At present only the 7 km section from Ravenshoe to Toumoulin is operational.
    'Capella', an ex Brisbane suburban tank locomotive D17, has had its tanks removed as they are full of holes and it hauls a water wagon instead. Runs are at 1:30 pm every Saturday and Sunday and most public holidays.
    A second locomotive, 'Roger', a C17 is currently restored but idle at Atherton.
    There are no runs from Atherton due to a shortage of volunteers and insufficient funds to repair the line to Herberton. There is also a diesel-electric loco at Herberton but it is in a sorry state having been vandalised somewhat.
    The 6 km from Toumoulin to Kaban could be upgraded to running status fairly easily with more volunteers and money. The section from Kaban to Herberton has some bridges missing (one demolished by Main Roads) so it would take a major effort to re-open.
    Volunteer days are Monday and Tuesday. Monday is firewood cutting day. It takes about 1 tonne of wood per trip. Coal is not an option since there is no rail transport to bring it up from Blair Athol. Tuesday is trackwork day and the volunteers generally replace about 25 sleepers every Tuesday. Volunteers are always welcome and can learn to drive up to obtaining a driver's ticket. Rail enthusiasts can usually get a cab ride on trip days, especially if they ask in advance.

qldrailheritage.com site developed and maintained for Queensland's rail heritage providers. Contents provided for non-commercial use only and are copyright © A C Lynn Zelmer or as indicated. Page last updated: 24/9/04 [lz].

Additional details from the company's web site.
Safety suggestions when visiting the railways.