MEDIA RELEASES
MVHR Press Releases
All aboard for the Rattling Old Time Dance Train
If you are into Old Time Dancing, or would like to try, come and join us on a rattling old time rail trip.
On Saturday 18th September the Mary Valley Heritage Railway’s Silver Bullet rail motor will depart the Old Gympie Station for a trip down the Mary Valley to Kandanga.
Arrive at the Old Gympie Station at 5:30pm and partake in nibbles and a glass of champagne. The Silver Bullet rail motor will depart at 6pm, bound for Kandanga. During your trip experienced dancers will show you the steps of some old time dances or maybe you prefer to relax with a drink from our fully licensed bar.
Upon arrival into Kandanga you will enjoy a two course dinner at the Bowls Club before the trio start up the music and it’s onto the dance floor for an evening of Old Time Dance.
At 10.30pm re-join the Silver Bullet for the trip back to Gympie for an 11.30pm arrival.
The cost is $60 per person and that includes the return rail fares, nibbles, dinner and the dance.
To reserve your seats for this rattling old time dance evening contact the The Valley Rattler office on 5482 2750 or visit www.thevalleyrattler.com.
Loco 967's 60th Birthday - Sunday 22nd August
Sixty years ago a remarkable steam locomotive rolled out from Walkers Ltd of Maryborough. The train is a C17 Class locomotive number 967 and began operation at the Valley Rattler in February 2008. On Sunday 22nd August, there will be an official ceremony to celebrate 967’s 60 years of service. The ceremony will commence about 9:30am before the departure of the full day steam tour at 10am. As a gift for the occasion, any person who is 60 years of age this year will be able to travel free on this commemorative day. Bookings are available at The Valley Rattler office on (07) 5482 2750. If you are 60 years of age please inform the Rattler staff when booking your ticket. Ride the Valley Rattler and help us celebrate 60 years of this remarkable locomotive.
Locomotive history …..
In 1950 Class C17 locomotive #967 entered service with QR and operated in the Rockhampton – Emerald – Yeppoon area until it was withdrawn from service in 1969. It was then preserved in a park in Caloundra until purchased by the Ghan Society in 1985. In 2000 # 967 was purchased by Beaudesert Rail and returned to service in 2003. Upon the closure of Beaudesert Rail #967 was returned to QR and in 2007 was bought outright by the MVHR.
WILD WILD WEST –14th and 21st AUGUST 2010
Roll back those years to when Saloons & Gambling Houses were all part of the action.
This is an exciting Adults Only event onboard the “Licensed Casino Rail Motor” on Saturday 14th and Saturday 21st August. Dress up as Cowboys, Mexicans, Indians and Saloon Ladies for a night of fun and laughter.
Arrive at the Old Gympie Railway Station at 6.00pm, where you will be greeted with nibbles’ in our refreshments room before departing on the Casino Rail Motor at 6:30pm.
Your ticket price includes $250 of Rattler Chips for you to try your hand at Roulette & Blackjack. Cash in your chips at the end of the night for the chance to win various prizes.
Enjoy a Buffet Dinner at the Railway Hotel in Imbil. Continue the fun and use the rest of your chips at Roulette or Blackjack before arriving back at Gympie at about 11.00pm. The price is $60 per person.
Bookings are Essential.
Please phone the Valley Rattler Office on 07 5482 2750.
The Valley Rattler
Old Railway Station
Tozer Street
GYMPIE QLD 4570
Phone: 07 5482 2750
Email: rattler@mvhr.org.au
www.thevalleyrattler.com
THE WIZARDS EXPRESS – 3rd July 2010
Enjoy a Magical Train Ride these School Holidays on the 3rd July with a team of Dragons, Witches, Wizards, Magical Broomsticks and Hagrid (to keep you safe in case you get scared).
On arrival at Old Gympie Station, you will collect your tickets and be assisted by Hagrid, to jump through the Brick Wall onto the Platform 9 ¾ to board “The Wizards Express.” Hagrid and various witches and wizards will wander through the train with games and puzzles as you travel to Amamoor and return.
You will then make your way to the Great Hall at Eltozer Castle where you will be joining Professor Bumbledorf for entertainment and an exciting magic show followed by a wizardly feast outside the Great Hall.
Lots of games and prizes. Fun for all ages. Come dressed as your favourite character!
The price is $35 per Adult and $25 per Child. Arrive 2:30pm for a 3:00pm departure.
Bookings are Essential.
The Valley Rattler
Old Railway Station
Tozer Street
GYMPIE QLD 4570
Phone: 07 5482 2750
Email: rattler@mvhr.org.au
www.thevalleyrattler.com
The Valley Rattler Steam Train has its Revenge
On Monday June 14th, a record breaking crowd gathered at the Old Gympie Railway Station to witness the arrival of the runners for the 2010 Race the Rattler Challenge. The numbers of entries this year exceeded expectations. This included 163 individual runners and 52 teams, (made up of four competitors, each of whom completed approx 4.5km).
Facing their 3rd defeat in a row, the Valley Rattler has steamed back into the Old Gympie Station ahead of almost 400 runners posting a convincing win in yesterday’s Race the Rattler footrace. It was the 7th Race start and 2nd time as driver for Peter Alder, who this year teamed up with a rookie fireman after being beaten by 5 seconds in last year’s race.
The fine conditions greeted the starter’s gun at Dagun station in the Mary Valley with the runners taking an early lead while the less energetic supporters boarded the train for the 18.5km journey into Gympie. It was neck and neck but the runners’ early lead soon went up in smoke as the Rattler arrived at the first relay changeover close behind.
Meanwhile back at the Old Gympie Station the excitement grew as the large crowd strained to sight the first runner but it was the sound of the engine that greeted them first as the rattler steamed up the last hill and crossed the finish line in 1 hour 1minute and 28 seconds.
Patrick Tiernan was the first runner to cross the finish line with a time of 1 hour 4 minutes and 13 seconds. He was a member of the “Losers Team.” This is the second year in a row that the Losers have been the first runners to cross the finish. The first male individual runner was Steven Page with a time of 1 hour 7 minutes and 17 seconds. The first individual female to cross the finish line was Clare Geraghty with a time of 1 hour 10 minutes and 40 seconds.
After achieving victory this year the Rattler crews are keen to make up for the defeats of recent years and are already looking to next year’s event.
The score now is Rattler – 7 and Runners – 5.
GET FIT to RACE the RATTLER! – 14th June 2010
Lace up those joggers, put on those sweat bands and gear up for “Race the Rattler" on Monday 14th June - the Queens Birthday long weekend.
This is the twelfth year the Mary Valley Heritage Railway will be hosting this prestigious 18.5km foot race, with individuals and teams racing against the famous “Valley Rattler”, a 1950 restored steam locomotive pulling the heritage carriages.
The race entrants travel out on the Valley Rattler, then strive to beat the steamer back to the old Gympie Railway Station from the village of Dagun, nestled in the foothills of the lush Mary Valley.
Commencing at 9:30am from Dagun Station it is expected that the first entrants will cross the finish line around 10:30am.
If individuals feel they are not up to that distance then groups of four can enter the Team Challenge where each runner completes just over 4.5km of the course.
Supporter’s tickets are also available. The train has a capacity to transport 300 supporters to cheer on the runners. Supporters are transported to Dagun by bus where they board ‘The Valley Rattler’ to cheer on the runners as the train makes its way back to the Old Gympie Station.
Entertainment at the Gympie Railway Station will commence after the initial runners have arrived and continue into the early afternoon. Food and Drinks will also be available.
Manager for MVHR Jim Walker states, “Last year was the biggest Race the Rattler on record and we are hoping we will be able to beat this record again. This event keeps growing every year and has become a major sporting event for South East Queensland”
Entry forms and further information can be obtained by visiting the website: www.thevalleyrattler.com or phoning The Valley Rattler office on (07) 5482 2750.
Brisbane Model Train Show – 1st – 3rd May 2010
The Valley Rattler will be holding a display stand at the Brisbane Model Train Show on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd May. The Model Train Show will include model trains of all types and sizes, a large range of train shops, interactive displays for children and demonstrations of wagon and building assembly.
The Brisbane Model Train Show is the largest in Australia and over 11,000 people attended in 2009. This is a great opportunity to promote The Valley Rattler as a major tourist train attraction in Queensland.
If you are in Brisbane during the May Day long weekend then come and check out The Valley Rattler stand at the Model Train Show. It will be held at the RNA Showgrounds in Alexandria Street, Bowen Hills. Prices for entry are $12 per Adult, $10 per Concession and $6 per Child.
Ultimate Steam Festival - Gympie's iconic tourist attractions join forces
Queensland Events has granted funding to assist in the marketing and running costs of a four day Ultimate Steam Festival to be held in Gympie during 9th-12th April 2010. The festival promotes three of Gympie’s vital heritage tourist attractions – “The Valley Rattler” steam engine adventure trip, The Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum and the world class Woodworks Forestry and Timber Museum, with a “guest” appearance of the Mary Ann replica down from Maryborough, running on the Rattler tracks.
For the first time, all three Gympie heritage attractions will combine forces to present a unique experience, not just for steam buffs, but for all people, young and old, to experience the various uses of the power of steam.
For many years discussions have been held with regard to the three attractions collaborating as it is well recognised that the synergy of combining these unique complimentary assets has immense potential. It is envisaged that the Steam Weekend will be the first of what will become a strong united front for Gympie’s tourist attractions.
Visitors will experience a full range of heritage steam working across a range of industries with combined ticket prices giving entry to all venues for four days of exceptional value and entertainment.
The highlights of the festival will include rides on the unique ‘Mary Ann” full size replica of an 1873 timber line steam engine. Watch the huge 1899 working steam winding engine, combined with a steam powered compressor, used to power jackhammers and rock drill in the mine and steam powered electric generator. Woodworks Museum activities will include a mobile saw milling competition and traditional handtool demonstrations, while the Rattler will run two return trips each day to Amamoor, 23 km down the old Mary Valley branchline.
“We are confident that this event will attract people from all over South East Queensland and many from a lot further afield. Test marketing has shown that the event will also attract large numbers of ‘Grey Nomads’ touring the country. It is estimated that some 250,000 caravans and mobile homes will be touring around Australia in 2010 and this festival is a great opportunity for the Gympie region to capture some of this market as many of them head north for winter” states Amanda LePeilbet, Gympie Cooloola Tourism’s General Manager.
Jim Walker from the Rattler is looking forward to the event “We will have our 1920s steam engine and carriages taking 300 passengers at a time to Amamoor from the beautifully restored Old Gympie Station, while at the same time we will host Whistlestop’s Mary Ann replica taking 75 passengers on a (slow) jaunt north along the old Queensland Railway main line. Its great to get our neighbours down from Maryborough to blow the cobwebs out of our bridges. It’s a must for anyone interested in industrial steam, or just looking for a relaxed weekend with a difference.”
The Gold Mining Museum’s Ralph Richardson spoke from the controls of the massive steam winding engine located on original foundations “ as well as the chance to see this magnificent engine, believed to be the only example of a Walker engine built for the Gympie Goldfields, we plan to also assemble a variety of other steam powered equipment including a steam traction engine, steam roller and steam launch engine to supplement the range of heritage power spread among other exhibits in our museum precinct”
“With the estimated patronage for the Steam Festival of up to 4000 people, we are excited by the opportunity to promote the region through the festival and we are looking at ways to gain national exposure for the event,” said Amanda LePeilbet.
Book now as there is only 4 weeks to go. Phone the Rattler office on 5482 2750 or visit www.gympieultimatesteam.com.
Romancing the Rails – 13th February 2010
The ever popular Romancing the Rails Valentines Train is back to journey through the moonlight and stars along the beautiful Mary Valley on the 13th February. Enjoy Champagne on arrival at Old Gympie Station, a Buffet Dinner in Imbil and end with Coffee and Dessert on this romantic journey.
Arrive at the Old Railway Station, Tozer Street, Gympie at 5:30pm for a 6pm Departure. The Silver Bullet Railmotor returns at 10:30pm. The price is $60 per person. *Not suitable for children*
Bookings are Essential. Please phone the Valley Rattler Office on 07 5482 2750.
Pirates of the Valley – 15th January 2010
Ahoy there me hearties! Captain Rattlebones is calling for all his pirates to assemble at the Old Gympie Station on Friday 15th January to board the “Blueskellies Diesel Express” for a treasure hunt through the Mary Valley.
Captain Rattlebones has stolen a map which indicates hidden treasures are there to be found. Ticket price includes a sausage sizzle, drink and a game of tug-o-war at the end of the treasure hunt. Dress in your best pirate outfit!
The train departs Old Railway Station, Tozer Street, Gympie at 10:00am and returns at 2:30pm. The price is $25 per Adult and $15 per Child.
Bookings are Essential.
Hurry and make your booking today! Click here to make a booking.
Enquiries: Phone the Valley Rattler Office on (07) 5482 2750 or email: rattler@mvhr.org.au
Steams Back on at The Valley Rattler
As from Wednesday 23rd December our steam locomotives will be hauling our heritage carriages again through the scenic Mary Valley.
The Valley Rattler is ready and steaming for the busy Christmas holiday season. Our trains are running as scheduled over the Christmas/New Year Holidays. Manager Jim Walker said “We have had the locos fully serviced and ready for the green light, so the sights and sounds of our steam engines are back in time for the holidays.”
Photo courtesy of Geoff Webber
Full Day steam tours depart every Wednesday and Sunday. The train departs Old Gympie Station at 10am. The first stop is at Kandanga Station where a selection of local produce is available. The train then travels onto Imbil for a lunchtime stop. On the return journey the train stops at Dagun Station to savour local wines and cheeses. The train arrives back at Gympie at 3:30pm on Wednesdays and 4:00pm on Sundays.
Half day steam tours depart every Saturday and travel to Amamoor and Dagun Stations. Marvel at the splendour of the stations, restored to capture the original character of the early 1900’s. Enjoy arts and crafts, wine and cheese tasting and local produce. The morning tour departs Gympie at 9:30am and arrives back at 12:15pm. The midday tour departs Dagun Station at 11:30am and arrives back at Dagun at 3:15pm. The afternoon tour departs Gympie at 1:45pm and arrives back at 4:45pm.
The Red Rocket Railmotor departs Gympie every Tuesday morning at 9:30am. The Red Rocket Railmotor travels to Amamoor Station where you have time for morning tea and a stroll through the craft shop before arriving back at Gympie at 11:30am.
Hurry and make your booking today! Click here to make a booking.
Enquiries: Phone the Valley Rattler Office on (07) 5482 2750 or email: rattler@mvhr.org.au
All Aboard for the Half Price Diesel on Saturday 12th December
The Valley Rattler is celebrating “5 years of operating to Amamoor” by shouting our valued passengers to a special Half Price Discount on the Diesel Locomotive on Saturday 12th December.
You will be travelling on a 1620 class diesel electric locomotive which was built by The English Electric Company at Rocklea in Brisbane. This class was introduced into Queensland Rail in 1967.
You will enjoy our regular half day tours on Saturday 12th December at HALF PRICE!
The half day tour travels to Amamoor and Dagun Stations. Marvel at the splendour of the stations, restored to capture the original character of the early 1900’s. Enjoy arts and crafts, wine and cheese tasting and local produce. The morning tour departs Gympie at 9:30am and returns at 12:15pm. The midday tour departs Dagun at 11:30pm and returns to Dagun at 3:15pm. The afternoon tour departs Gympie at 1:45pm and returns at 4:45pm.
The special price for Saturday 12th December is: $14 per Adult, $12 per Senior/Aged Pension and one Child is Free of Charge per paying Adult. Extra Children are $7.
This is a once only opportunity to enjoy a ride on our Diesel Locomotive at Half Price.
Please note: If it rains and the fire bans are ended, our steam engine will be used.
Hurry and make your booking today!
Please note: To receive the special half price discount you need to phone our office
on (07) 5482 2750
Christmas Capers –Saturday 21st November
Begin your Christmas festivities by taking a train ride on the Silver Bullet Railmotor through the beautiful Mary Valley. Indulge in a glass of champagne and nibbles on arrival. Enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner and sing-along at Imbil! Join in the Christmas trivia fun to win prizes. A great night for staff Christmas parties. Dress in red, white and green.
Arrive 6:00pm for a 6:30pm Departure. The train will arrive back at approximately 11.00pm. The cost is $50 per person. **Not suitable for Children**
Bookings are Essential. Phone the Valley Rattler Office on (07) 5482 2750.
4 September 2009 - The Valley Rattler is now on Facebook
The Valley Rattler now has a Page on Facebook.
Facebook is a social networking website where users can add friends and send them messages.
Additionally, users can join groups and networks organised by city, workplace, school, and region.
The official Facebook Page of The Valley Rattler allows you to get exclusive content and photos.
Have a look at the Page on:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gympie-Australia/The-Valley-Rattler/115456001858?ref=mf.
15/8/2009 - Under 70’s Rod & Custom Car Club - Amamoor Station
If you are a fan of hotrods then travel on The Valley Rattler Steam Train on Saturday morning the 15th August. The steam train will depart Gympie at 9:30am and travel to Amamoor Station.
The Under 70’s Rod and Custom Car Club will be showcasing approximately 50 of their Hot Rods at Amamoor Station from 10:00am until 11:15am. A craft shop, sausage sizzle and morning tea is also available at Amamoor Station. The Steam Train arrives back at Gympie at 12:15pm.
Click here to make a booking or phone (07) 5482 2750.
22 April 2009 - Valley Rattler Manager Retires
Wednesday saw long time Gympie stalwart, Ted Mitchell, retire from the General Manager position at the Valley Rattler.
Ted Mitchell left, President Tony Hallam – centre, Jim Walker – right
An engine driver in Queensland Railways, including long periods based at Gympie, Ted became a prime mover at the Rattler as it commenced in 1998, and continued as Rail Manager and General Manager until his retirement.
Under Ted’s stewardship the Rattler has grown from a once a week operation to a four days a week steam railway operation, carrying 32,000 last year and now standing as one of the premier steam railway attractions in Australia
Ted was always a hands on operator. His last two days saw him as site controller for movements of the visiting Q150 steam train, organising rail movements, ensuring the provisioning, servicing, coaling and watering of the QR engine and train, assisted by the Rattler staff and volunteers. Ted was at his diplomatic best, liaising between the QR rail staff and the Gympie Regional Council staff as the successful Q150 celebrations rolled on
Ted reflected on his time with MVHR, repeating a comment made by a member returning to work at the rattler after a long absence, being stunned at the growth in business and the developments in the project since the initial years – all a reflection on Ted’s efforts and leadership.
Ted will remain as a volunteer with the Rattler. Jim Walker, appointed as Teds replacement as General Manager, noted during the exercise to cover Teds various operational duties “it was funny how often we thought Ted was the best bloke to take them on”. To which Ted noted “ I finished on Wednesday and I’m back at 8 the next day fueling engines – I don’t think Glenice had this in mind”.
On behalf of all of us, Ted – many thanks.
14 April 2009 - Arrival of Q150 Train
As part of Queensland’s 150th Birthday Celebrations, the Q150 Steam Train arrived at the Old Gympie Station in Tozer Street on Tuesday 14th April. The Old Gympie Railway Station was the first stop over for the Q150 Steam Train during its five month journey.
A Family Fun Day was held throughout the day with hundreds of people enjoying entertainment, displays, children’s rides and a sausage sizzle while waiting for the arrival of the Q150 Steam Train.
The Valley Rattler Re-enactment Group staged a mock hold-up as the Train pulled into the station. Passengers on the Q150 Train were welcomed by the local indigenous community, Gympie Regional Mayor Ron Dyne and local school children.
This was a once in a 150 year event and was a chance for the Q150 Passengers and Gympie Community to celebrate Queensland’s history.
11 March 2009
Strategic Planning Workshop
Mr Geoffrey Charters of International Business Mentors is assisting Mary Valley Heritage Railway (MVHR) to improve its business.
Mr Charters’ brief is to:
- Review and update the Living Plan 2006 – 2011 for MVHR
- Increase passenger volumes on the railway
- Improve the long term financial sustainability of MVHR
- Assist MVHR to implement the agreed recommendations and in other matters requested by MVHR management to improve the on-going business.
On the 14th and 15th February members of the Mary Valley Heritage Railway Management Committee attended a Strategic Planning Workshop hosted By Geoff.
Geoff Charters and MVHR General Manager Ted Mitchell
The day involved brainstorming a mission statement, visions and business strategies that can be implemented to a strategic plan showing the 4-6 major paths MVHR will take to fulfil its mission over the coming years.
10 February 2009
Steam Engine drivers, Locos and Peugeots………..they just keep on puffing and purring.
Neville Caldwell and fellow railway volunteer Kevin Power, were made Life Members of the Mary Valley Heritage Rail at the recent AGM held on 5th December, 2008.
Neville Caldwell
These men have displayed amazing commitment and have been instrumental in maintaining the wonderful volunteer contribution that has formed the backbone of MVHR. Neville and Kevin were completely surprised and obviously delighted to receive their awards as presented to them by President Tony Hallam.
Neville was the driver of the first train that ran for the Mary Valley Heritage Railway on the 23rd May, 1998. Ten years on, he is still working on the footplate and loving it. The railway has been his life, having worked 48 years with Queensland Rail. He has continued his long association with steam well into his retiring years with many roles in MVHR. “Every day is a good day on the line” he says “ MVHR gives me something to look forward to and without that, who knows, maybe it helps to keep me going.”
Neville also maintains and drives his cars just as lovingly as his locos.
Each rostered day, right on 6.30am, he can be seen driving up to MVHR workshops in his immaculate deep red Peugeot 405 SRDT sedan. And the day he gladly posed for these photos with the car on the old Gympie Station platform, the little diesel engined 405 looked spotless, and almost as if it was the very day he had driven it from Gerald Cullen’s Peugeot showroom in nearby Nambour.
Kevin Power
Kevin Power has also spent most of his working life in the railways. He tells many a tale of his experiences on Victorian steam rail. Just ask him, he is a cheerful bloke and he never seems to run out of steam as he goes about his daily tasks.
28 December 2008
AEC Badge completes Red Rocket Rail Motor
MVHR has added a new addition to RM 76 (known as the ‘Red Rocket’). A person has kindly donated an original AEC badge which has now been proudly fitted to the top of the radiator. This badge represents the maker of the RM 76, Associated Equipment Company Ltd.
Associated Equipment Company (AEC) was established in 1912 as the manufacturing side of the London General Omnibus Company (LGOC). When the Underground group of companies acquired the LGOC in the same year the AEC letters were incorporated onto its famous red circle and bar motif (still the symbol of London’s Public Transport today) In 1928, the AEC circle and bar motif was then enclosed in a blue base up triangle to celebrate the development of a new chassis design that is now proudly displayed by the badge on the radiator top tank of RM 76.
RM76 was built at Ipswich Railway Workshops in 1934 and entered service on the 21st August, 1934. It was built around an AEC truck chassis with a 100 HP AEC engine. Its carriage set consisted of PL 104 and passenger /luggage PL105. It worked in the Southern division of Queensland Government Railways during the 1930s. In 1938, it was refitted with a Gardner 102 HP diesel engine at the expense of the two front seats and was still operating in the Southern division in the 1950s. The RM 76 traditionally ran the Brooloo line to Gympie providing a daily link to the town for shopping, the transportation of goods and a means for children to get to school. It was also known to have worked in the Maryborough area before its retirement. It was written off by Queensland Railway on 1st July, 1970 and sold to Bellarine Peninsular Railway in Victoria.
MVHR acquired RM76 in 2005 from the Bellarine Railway in Victoria and has a lease to operate the rail motor until 2015. The RM 76 (Red Rocket) is now an active service with the Mary Valley Heritage Railway running a weekly return trip to Amamoor on Tuesdays and is also available for charter. The RM 76 is a Railmotor of significant heritage and character and a ride on it is not to be missed.
