Mostly we are a bunch of people who like to play with trains. The Grandchester Model Live Steam Association is a not for profit organisation set up by a group of like minded people for the purpose of providing a venue for people interested in model engineering, steam locomotives and miniature railways to operate and enjoy the fruits of their hobby. Originally founded in 1994 the club operated on a portable track until the current site was leased from the then Moreton Shire council in 1997.

Over the next 12 months the club members laid the first 365 metres of track including  a short timber bridge in time for the official opening on Sunday  1st August 1998.

Since the time the club has continued to grow with the track length tripling and the addition of numerous buildings on site including workshops, steaming bays, picnic shelters, the refurbishment of the old Yarongmulu Signal Cabin, a significant steel bridge crossing the gully which divides the site and a small concrete tunnel.

In more recent years, we have raised the signal cabin above flood level and upgraded it to allow for centralised control of all points and signals. We have also restored and recommissioned the historic semaphore signal tower that used to sit on Grandchester’s main line.

Future plans include additional track, points and signals for smoother operations.

Page photo: Rhiannon Hurdle