Mary Valley Rattler C17 974 and heritage carriages at Amamoor Station from the air-web

First Mary Valley Rattler steam train run to Amamoor

The Mary Valley Rattler is even closer to being operational with the successful first run of the C17 974 steam engine and heritage carriages on the Mary Valley Rattler line, as part of continuing volunteer driver and safety training on the weekend.

The journeys are the next vital step in final preparations for relaunching the Mary Valley Rattler, according to Mary Valley Rattler general manager Lisa Raklander.

“This was the first time the steam engine has operated to Amamoor since September 2012 when operations were suspended until vital track upgrades could be made.

“There was lots of excitement on both Saturday and Sunday at Gympie, Dagun and Amamoor Stations as well as along the route, but this was also an important stage for us in terms of our driver and safety training.

“We are now closer than ever to the Mary Valley Rattler tours resuming which will be an important tourism boon for the region, with the tours previously attracting more than 33,000 guests a year.

Ms Raklander said driver and safety training would now continue for the next few weeks.

“We continue to urge caution around the tracks and encourage parents to use the opportunity to teach children about rail safety as for some this is the first time they have seen trains on the Mary Valley line.

“We will be ready to make an announcement about when we will launch soon.”

MVR safety coordinator Julis Avis speaking to Dagun State School students

Mary Valley Rattler takes safety message to schools by train

The “Safety Train” will this week travel along the Mary Valley Rattler track to local schools in an effort to spread the TrackSAFE message.

Mary Valley Rattler safety and training coordinator Julia Avis said the visit, on Thursday 16 August, is not only to illustrate the importance of rail safety, but also a unique opportunity for students to see one of the Mary Valley Rattler’s fleet of diesel engines in action.

“Children always love to see trains and the meticulously restored carriages in the Rattler fleet,” Ms Avis said.

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