Museum

DAV1131 was originally one of the “Pullman” first class sleeping cars built at Ipswich Workshops during the 1920’s and one of 17 recoded DAS around 1935. DAS1131 was part of the 'pilot train' during the Queensland part of H.R.H. Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester's visit to Australia in the latter part of 1934.

During the period 1975 – 1982, 13 DAS coaches were converted to Travelling Crew/Brake vans and re-coded TLV (Trainmen's Lavetory Van). Following the appearance of steel brake vans about 1980, the wooden TLVs were reclassified DAV. 

DAV1131 is now our Museum carriage conveniently positioned on the dock platform at Drayton Railway Station where visitors can view important historical artefacts that were once an essential facet of railway operations on the Downs.

Some of the artefacts on display include: Locomotive firing shovels, Locomotive and wagon builders plates, Locomotive operating manuals, Historical railway photographs, Old Railway maps, Railway Crockery and Cutlery. 

Donations of any railway items or memorabilia are gratefully accepted as we continue to expand our Museum collection.

Arriving in Sydney on 10-4-1911. The 3hp Class A SC Portable engine was the smallest of engines built by Robey. Class A refers to the simplest of valve gears, a slip eccentric driving a slide valve. 

Since arriving at DownsSteam during 2007 it has undergone restoration to full working order and can be found in operation during DownsSteam open days and special events.

Spencer Works No. 6 is a very special 1/3 scale replica steam traction engine, completed in 2004 after a 15 year labour of love by the late Damian Strofeld.  Damian proudly showed No. 6 at many shows & rallies around the Toowoomba region until donating her to DownsSteam. 

No. 6 is still regularly steamed up at DownsSteam for special events.

The OLO wagons came from NSW in early 1992 whilst still owned by Ampol.  After Caltex purchased Ampol a couple of years later, the 18 OLO wagons were stored on the old grain sidings at Pinkenba from around 1994 until 1996 when Queensland Rail bought them from Caltex. 

Queensland Rail's initial plan was to make use of the bogies and brake equipment, with majority of the OLO wagons being repainted in the usual wagon grey. This most likely would have been done in Toowoomba as it was one of only two remaining wagon maintenance facilities. Due to operational requirements, the "Golden Fleece" tanker is now stored on our Drayton East site & is not available for public viewing.

Donated by Neil Mansell