Help needed to keep miniature trains running

Nambour’s popular miniature railway is looking for a new generation of volunteers to help keep its much-loved train days on track.

Sunshine Coast Railway Modelers Society Inc. says more local residents are discovering the railway each month, with hundreds of visitors coming to ride the trains.

That popularity means the society must keep almost 1km of track operational, maintain enough trains and carriages, and ensure there are enough volunteers available to run public train days.

But with an ageing membership, the group says it urgently needs new people to learn the skills needed to keep the railway going.

“Basically we urgently have to have more members to ensure our operation can continue,” spokesman Ken Coulter said.

“Without more members we realise we will not be able to provide the train days for residents as we currently operate.”

The society still has experienced members who can maintain the track, operate locomotives and look after the trains and carriages, but Mr Coulter said those skills needed to be passed on.

“We urgently need to train a new generation to take over these experiences,” he said.

The railway owns two steam locomotives and two battery-operated locomotives, as well as a fleet of carriages.

New members can help with maintenance and may also be trained to drive the locomotives.

The society also needs help with electrics, electronics and everything from selling tickets to assisting with the sausage sizzle.

Mr Coulter said there were opportunities for people with a wide range of interests, whether they wanted to become members or simply help as volunteers.

“So if you think you have the interest in helping our railway to operate then we are sure we will have something to interest you,” he said.

Volunteers need a Blue Card, but the society can help people obtain the free card.

A special open day will be held on Sunday June 14 from 10am until noon at the railway at 1 Florence St, Nambour, off Hospital Road.

Visitors will be able to see the operation close up and find out whether the railway is of interest to them.

There will be no train rides on the day as track maintenance will be underway.

For enquiries, call Ken on 0417 769 993 after 8am.