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Right: This 1/4" scale model fairlt accuratelt represents Mapleton Tramway's 2' gauge Shay locomotives. It's a KTM On3 model, converted to On24 (aka On2) by Brian Millar of Mackay and runs on 1/2" gauge track. Owned by Ron Aubrey of Yandina. Opposite side photo also available.

  On2 model of Mapleton Shay.
  Mapleton Tramway book

John Knowles book, 'The Mapleton Tramway', is the best resource for this 2' gauge Shire tramway. Privately published in 2004 (ISBN 0-9593651-5-X), the book contains tramway history, maps, photos and equipment plans. Available from ANGRMS or your local rail museum.

The Moreton Mill Shay was constructed from pieces of the two Mapleton Shays. It has been preserved and will be displayed in Mapleton after restoration.

 

Mapleton Tramway

The Mapleton Tramway started life as a mill-owned sugar cane railway before being purchased and extended by the Maroochy Shire. The Moreton Central Sugar Mill (Nambour) eventually retook ownership of the tramway and reverted to sugar cane haulage.
    The tramway climbed one of the most difficult areas of the Blackall Range and used two Shay-type locomotives to climb the steep grades involved. Rolling stock included log bogies; passenger, cream and brake vans; flat, covered (box) and livestock wagons.
John Browning Collection, Moreton Mill Krauss on ex-Mapleton Tramway line
Above: Moreton Central Sugar Mill 'Moreton' Krauss 0-6-0TT - Nambour to canefields with empty wagons. This 3 mile line is all that remains in use of Mapleton Shire Tramway. 'Moreton' is Mill's oldest engine. 26 Oct 1961; photo from the John Browning Collection.

 

 

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