April 20, 2009

Fun on the Steam Train .. and the kids liked it too!

The end of the school holidays took us to the train station, and a fun ride on the Q150 Steam Train. Now I'm not a trainspotter, or even a train buff, but I tell you I was so excited that I felt like a kid again! Just a snippet :-

The University of Queensland-sponsored Q150 Steam Train departs Ipswich (Tuesday, April 14), embarking on a journey that will span five months and visit more than 30 Queensland communities. The heritage-listed steam train's trip is part of a year-long celebration of Queensland's 150th anniversary of becoming a state.

We had bought the tickets nearly 6 weeks in advance and for those 6 weeks told the kids we were going on a treat but they had to guess what it was. We got everything from the horse races, to the movies, to a ride in an aeroplane. They never guessed! My son loves trains and has a huge collection of die cast Thomas the Tank Engine trains and bits and pieces so I was sure to dress him in his best train related clothing!

The carriage we were in was a 1st class sleeper from 1924, it was so beautiful (completely not appreciated by three kids, I must say!) but the woodwork and the fittings took me back to years gone by.

I sat and wondered how many people had travelled in this carriage, and how different life would have been back then. Easier, I would imagine. We had a train ride, the kids had a photo opportunity in the steam train itself (and they still shovel the coal into the fire, which amazed the kids). We then had free breakfast and facepainting, so for $5.00 each, it was a great day.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh how much fun! I bet the 6 week suspense was killing them. My girls would never have lasted 6 week!

Farmers Wifey said...

Terri, they were coming up with the most funny things, and it took all my self control not to tell them we were going on a train!!!! I think I was more excited than they were lol.

Mayberry said...

That sounds so fun and I love that you made them guess--great idea.

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