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All Steamed Up - Railway Living History

© Megan McConnell

When somebody says "Living History" or "Historical Re-enactment" most people automatically think of Civil War, Colonial, or Medieval re-enactment. And I was not immune to this.

However, there is a large group of re-enactors that do not immediately spring to mind: train enthusiasts.

These re-enactors are as dedicated to their living history as the rest of us - spending weekends (and evenings) lovingly researching and re-creating their passion. They hold get-togethers where they discuss the merits of 2-2-4 or 4-4-8 locos, and why steam is "better" than diesel.

They are better known to the public, as their efforts are utilised in excursions and documented by the media in loving detail.

There is something about a train that screams out romance and adventure, and the biggest re-enactment of steam is no doubt the restoration of the Orient Express - surely one of the most opulent forms of travel ever to exist.

With it's aura of luxury, the very name "Orient Express conjures up espionage and adventure, pampering and excitement, handsome men and beautiful women interacting with each other.

Every country knows the "steam buffs", and - deep in their heart - everybody feels an affinity with them: and envies these re-enactors as they drive a steam engine along a track, hanging out the cab, and returning the waves of spectators along the line.

A steam train proves that sometimes, it is the method of the journey that is the importance, not the journey itself.

But what makes a train re-enactor? As with all other re-enactors, they come from all walks of life and are all ages. Their common bond is the love of trains - many of them are also involved in model railways as well. Some of them worked the trains in the heyday of steam. Some of them were born well after steam faded from view. All of them want to "live the dream".

I know quite a bit about train people - my father was one. My family has an affinity with Queensland Rail - my great grandfather being the first Manager of the first line in Queensland. I was born in Ipswich, and lived in a little place called Redbank. The significance of Redbank: it held the rail yards for Queensland Rail, and also is the home of the Queensland Rail Museum.

When I was a child, it was a common outing to vist the museum, which is operated by Queensland Rail, and located adjacent to Redbank train station.

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