A restored steam train has returned to the Sunshine Coast town it serviced a century ago and will be on permanent display.
The Krauss locomotive, owned and renewed by the Buderim-Palmwoods Heritage Tramway Inc, was craned into the middle of Buderim on Friday.
Work will now get underway to build a purpose-built shelter around it, ahead of an official opening next year.
The 16-tonne locomotive operated in the area from 1914 to 1935, running from Palmwoods Station through Chevallum, Forest Glen, Mons and Telco to the Buderim Terminus.
The Krauss played a vital role in transporting people and produce, and in promoting tourism to the Sunshine Coast, in the early 1900s.
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.
After the line was decommissioned in 1935, the Krauss was sold to the Bingera Sugar Mill before being saved from scrap in 1967 by a private enthusiast.
The Buderim-Palmwoods Heritage Tramway Inc (BPHTI) has since restored the locomotive and is working to deliver a purpose-built structure so the train can be displayed for future generations to enjoy.
The state government provided $350,000 in this year’s state budget to ensure the it could be given a permanent home in Buderim.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Member for Buderim Brent Mickelberg said the placement of the train, behind the town’s old post office in a purpose-built structure, on Friday was a significant moment.
“This project has been a labour of love for the BPHTI volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to bring the Kraus home, and we’re proud to be supporting their efforts to make this a reality through our $350,000 investment,” he said.
BPHTI vice president Bill Dunn said the return of the Krauss to Buderim aligned with the 111th anniversary of the tramway’s unofficial opening in late 1914.
“With the Krauss locomotive now in place, the builder can proceed with completion of the building, with a grand opening early next year.”
For more information visit the Buderim-Palmwoods Heritage Tramway website.
