General Correspondence: P.O. Box 1615, Queanbeyan NSW 2620 Street Address: Queanbeyan Railway Station, Henderson Rd, Queanbeyan Office Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am-3pm Bookings Phone: (02) 6284 2790   Facsimile: (02) 6284 2791 Email: trains@trains.org.au

Support the Restoration of Heritage Trains

Your donation will make a difference!

When considering how you can support your community, please remember the Canberra Railway Museum Trust (CRMT) which restores and operates heritage trains and operates Canberra Railway Museum.

The saving and restoration of this part of our heritage benefits both present and future generations who can enjoy and learn from these important parts of our history.

Donations made to the CRMT are applied to the work of the Society in maintaining and operating heritage trains and our associated museum activities.

While most of the restoration work is done by ARHS members who volunteer their services, there are still considerable costs in obtaining replacement parts and materials, and engaging specialist labour.

You can help this valuable work by making a donation which - should you wish - can be directed to a particular appeal. The needs are great. For example:

CPH rail motor appeal
Rail motor CPH 27 has had its engine overhauled and one end strengthened, but there remains a need to install impact-resistant glass. The estimated cost is $5,000.

Once complete, it will replace CPH 37 as the Society's operational unit, so that 37 can have similar repairs and modifications.

While the generous bequest of former member Geoff Parkinson has funded most of the repairs for CPH 27, there is a shortfall in funds to complete both rail motors, so they can operated in pairs, able to carry up to 70 passengers.

Beyer Garratt steam locomotive 6029 restoration appeal
In 1975, the Society took custody of the 265 tonne Beyer Garrett steam locomotive 6029. It operated Society trains from 1976 until withdrawn from service in 1982, when it required extensive boiler repairs.

As the largest engine class to ever operate in Australia, this is an important part of NSW railway history. But the cost of rebuilding is significant.

"6029 Project", a plan to gather resources for this work, was launched in May 2007. More details are on this website.

Rolling stock appeal
The Society has an operating fleet of around 30 sitting and sleeping cars, and repairs and upgrades are always underway. While much of this work is done by Society volunteers, funds are required to buy materials and some specialist labour.

Michelago Tourist Railway (MTR) appeal
Since 1993, the Society has operated the Michelago Tourist Railway by leasing 49km of the former Queanbeyan-Cooma line and running picnic and dinner trains on this 120-year-old route.

Trains currently operate as far south as Royalla - to keep just this section operational, 600 sleepers need to be replaced each year.

Wooden sleepers which have reached the end of their life are being replaced with steel sleepers which cost around $70 each (steel sleepers have an expected life of at least 50 years compared to around 20 years for wooden ones; they are also easier for Society volunteers to handle and insert).

Several bridges also need repair as their 100-year-old timbers become due for replacement (some bridges may be converted into culverts or filled in completely). The cost will be many thousands of dollars.

Canberra Railway Museum appeal
The Society's museum preserves exhibits and memorabilia of railway heritage value for viewing by the public and school groups. Funds donated to this appeal will be used to maintain and further develop museum facilities and exhibits.

Steam in the ACT appeal
Two century-old steam locomotives - 1210 and 3016 - are currently in service on the Society's heritage trains. Apart from their historical value, their presence is always a central attraction to the young and old alike who travel on, or see, our heritage trains. Funds donated to this appeal will help the Society maintain these valuable locomotives.

Other projects
You may wish to direct your donation to another particular project - please feel free to discuss this with the Society's Treasurer, John Cheeseman, on (02) 6286 3630 (ah), or 0412 263 736 (mobile).

All donations of $2 or more to the Canberra Railway Museum Trust are tax-deductible. Please remember to include your return address, so we can issue you with a receipt.

Our online form will make it easier to record your information. And please accept our grateful thanks for your support.