In February 1914, Queensland Railways commemorated the 50th anniversary of the beginning of construction for the first section of railway line in the state.  This section of line from Ipswich to Bigges Camp (today’s Grandchester, west of Ipswich) opened on 31 July 1865.

The Commissioner of the Railways had formally written to the Mayor of Brisbane, asking for permission to exhibit in Market (Albert) Square, "an example of the progress made in locomotive construction." The decision was taken to put on display what was then, the largest and most modern locomotive in the Queensland Railways roster.  This was C18 class locomotive No. 692, which would be one of three locomotives of this class eventually put into traffic. Along with it was the oldest “star” attraction A10 No.3, from 1865.

The crowds certainly turned out to see the “Trains in the Square”, and it was considered a good public relations exercise for Queensland Railways.  

So how did Queensland Railways get two steam trains into the centre of Brisbane, and rewrite some of its own history in the process? 

Well, join us for episode 23 of the Queensland Rail History podcast and find out more. We'll also be joined again by special guest, Rob Shiels, Curator for the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, and hear about his own experience moving a large piece of history across the country and back.

Historical images discussed throughout the episode can be seen here.

Got any railway history questions? hit up our Historian, Greg Hallam. 

Please email: [email protected]

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