The Lions Club of Bracken Ridge operates a 5 inch model steam only railway. The Lions just operate the track and invite model engineers along to operate their locos. The track is 680 metres long and has a maximum climb of 1 in 80 and a tight curve around the top that really catches a slack driver down on steam.
The track is located in a public park in the northern suburb of Bracken Ridge, near Brisbane. We have live steam every Sunday and haul the public on the fourth Sunday of each month. Rides cost a dollar, which is collected by the Lions club. In turn the Lions provide the track, char (refined coal, which does not block the small boiler tubes) and food for the hungry drivers. Running light engine or with goods is okay, anything adds to the spectacle. But towing passengers for the Lions Club is appreciated. We generally have about a dozen locos running.
Boiler inspection are required and these are issued by the Model Engineering Live Steamers Association.
Contact Phil Blank to phil.gwen@mag-foil.com.au.
These photos are of three locos built by Mr Neil McKenzie, and run at the Bracken Ridge Steam Railway. Click on a thumbnail to see a larger image.
AC16, imported from the USA during the war. (57 KB)
A12 run on
Queensland rail 1882. (73 KB)
B12 run on Queensland Rail 1869