The Sunlander

There was a big crowd and the train proved to be very popular all day.

So there you go, all you gloom and doom forecasters. The ride is reopening - Dreamworld has officially reported.

Yes - The Perry was transported from Dreamworld to the Australian Narrow Gauge Railway Museum Society's site at Woodford on 6 November 2014.

Have you looked for one behind the Trainshed? One was there last time I looked not so long ago. Negotiations for the one at Woodford started about 8 years ago and yes, sometimes things move slowly. It did finally go with the Perry.

Yes. 20-odd years ago two trains operated. The carriages running at the present time are the original set from "Day 1" and are exact replicas of the carriages at Disneyland (although running on two foot gauge track instead of three foot.) The van where the conductor rides is known as "The Motz" (Motzarella van) because of its red/white/green paint scheme. It houses an axle-driven air compressor for air-braking through the train and an alternator for the public address system and lighting for night running. The second set of three open carriages - the so-called freight cars - was dispensed with around 20 years ago - one was scrapped, one was donated to Woodford about 8 years ago, and one remains (in poor condition) and resides outside the Trainshed. It has been used on occasions to transport branches from trees trimmed from line-side, to a point where they can be transferred to truck for disposal. Hi, Don't forget to get a good photo of the Perry under repair there.

Yes, an old photo alright - displaying the polished appearance the engines were always presented in. The style of overalls worn by the driver was not used in the last 16 years, It appears to be a specially posed photo (as a publicity shot perhaps??) as there are no carriages attached. Thanks T-bone.

Thank-you Ashley for your help here. So that means that the only rides that are still with us from Day 1, 34 years ago, are The Train, Vintage Cars (although on a different location), and Log Ride.

Thanks, Ashley. A little shaky, but a good look at what was there in 1989. So much has changed. In earlier days there was much about entertainment - the barbershop quartet, bushrangers, magician and card tricks, shooting gallery, Blue Lagoon aquatic area, IMAX theatre, Captain Sturt paddle-wheeler - whereas today emphasis is on new rides guaranteed to make you lose your milkshake. The IMAX was a real eye-opener. Some of the earlier buildings survive, somewhat prettied up, and the original rides - The Train, Vintage Cars, and Log Ride still provide for the guests. Clothing styles have changed too! Short shorts and mini-mini skirts have made an appearance in recent years. A question - Was the River Rapids ride open on day one? If so it can be included in the group of three rides above that have survived. Here is a flash-back video-clip of 1981 by Channel 7 in2010. Admission price in the beginning was $11.50 for adults. https://youtu.be/Z2qwWCyVZxQ

You are both right, Brad2912 and buzzkill13 in your explanation of difficulties in the event of something mechanical going wrong on the ride. These things do happen on occasion - a very good point to ponder. One must always expect the unexpected.

Not everyone examines a website before going to a location such as Dreamworld. I for one, bought a year pass to movieworld/seaworld some time back and went there without examining the website. I picked up a list of attractions when I arrived and had an enjoyable time, with no drama. It is a bit much to expect that guests will find all of these (fine print) details before hand. It would have saved the day for the quests if DW had explained all details at the admission gate and made suggestions about appropriate rides. I believe that the guest knows of her abilities more than some other person who has never seen her, and upon viewing a ride in action, can make up her own mind. I do not believe there should be an issue of the guest being thrown out of the ride in operation, as all harnesses and safety devices lock the guest in place, and once locked, should be foolproof.

did not like the ride -

Seeing DW regularly over the years it is very obvious that East Asian tourists are the money spinners. DW must have a good, aggressive campaign to woo them. Without them, I am sure DW would go broke. After all, tacking on a morning at DW is nothing compared with the trip to Australia/Gold Coast. The sad thing is that souvenirs appear to be almost exclusively made in China. I can imagine a Chinese tourist picking up a koala souvenir and exclaiming - Look, this is what cousin Jimmy makes at his factory.

I vote for Lassiters Lost Mine ride.

Best? It must be the first coaster I ever went on - I must rate it highly. The old woodie at Sydney Luna Park back in 1966. Being my first, it carries a special mention - I went on it a couple of times. Worst? Hard to say - I've been on a few disappointments in my time.

For those who are not aware, AC16 221A is a "big sister" to Dreamworld's engine, as it also was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia, in 1943. Twenty of these came to Queensland in 1943 to assist in the war effort, and two survive - one still with QR in the heritage fleet, and one at Zig Zag Railway in the Blue Mountains.

Yes, Wil_i_am_not, during the last ten years of operation a number of different whistles were fitted on the engines, including a couple of 3-chime whistles at different times, so it was not just your imagination. These were supplied by an enthusiast who has a collection of whistles and wanted to put them to good use. A couple were VERY loud, with a 3-chime one being most melodious. Different styles and dimensions of whistles produce different sounds. "Wear" would not be a factor in producing a different sound, as the only part to wear is the whistle valve, which would allow a little leakage all of the time. Refacing the valve would cure that.

I for one loved EurekaMine Ride. The first time through was a real thrill. After that it was blasé but still a good ride. Popularity was high and the queue line was often far too long. Is there any way of speeding up?

You are right, red dragin in stating that a 100 year old loco is not all original. The boiler is one major component that would have been replaced as a matter of course. The boiler must undergo a thorough inspection by a qualified boiler inspector on a periodic basis. He may recommend replacement of stays or firetubes, or welding of specific areas, or if it has deteriorated to a level where repair would not be cost effective, may condemn it. How long a boiler will last is difficult to foretell. It may be as little as 25 years, or even more than 50 years. A lot depends on water quality, water treatment chemicals, and the storage situation. If a boiler is left unused with water in it for months on end, corrosion will make itself felt. For long-time storage the boiler should be emptied and left dry. Boiler plate may be15 mm thick or more, so there is a good factor of safety, but corrosion is a killer. It is surprising just how much is original, though. Original components on our engine include the mainframe, wheel centres (tyres are replaced when worn to condemning level), axles, valve gear, cylinders, (yes, the cylinders ARE original), sand dome, steam dome casing and more. The transformation carried out to work at Dreamworld included provision of new components - cow-catcher, smoke-stack, cab, headlight, bell and other minor decorative components.

Hi AlexB - I note your keen interest in the operation of steam engines so will attempt to explain. All steam engines go through the same basic procedure when being made ready, whether they are 1 year old or 100 years old. They are all built to the same principle and the technology is the same - nothing has changed for a "basic" engine such as operated at Dreamworld.. First, the boiler water level is checked by way of the sight glasses to ensure there is sufficient water, and a quick look under the loco to ensure there are no leaks anywhere. Dreamworld's engines were originally coal burners, but were converted to oil firing (dieseline) as there would be no coal dust, ash to get rid of, nor smoke, making for a much cleaner work environment. In the firebox is a device known as the "atomizer", where fuel is sprayed in a mist by steam, and burns with a fierce flame. In the absence of steam pressure in the morning, a compressed air line is attached to atomise the fuel. The fuel is lit and the heating process has started. Adjustments to the fuel supply and the compressed air ensures a clean burn. Now the ritual of oiling-round is performed, where oil is applied by an oil can to various moving parts - axleboxes and the valve-gear etc - two dozen points on the Baldwin. An experienced eye looks over the running gear to note if anything was amiss. The lubricator which delivers "steam oil" to the valves and cylinders is topped up. The fuel tank is topped up from a hose just like at a service station. It was Dreamworld's practice in later years to run an engine for an extended period (even a year or more) while the other just sat in the shed or had some maintenance performed. So the water in the boiler being warm from the previous day, did not take long to boil and create steam pressure. Once steam pressure was at 50 psi (pounds per square inch) the compressed air hose to the burner could be removed, and steam provided to the atomizer. Steam pressure was allowed to rise slowly to the point where the safety valve lifted at 150 psi. The boiler was blown-down - some water was released from the lowest point to carry away sludge and lower the amount of Total Dissolved Solids. The boiler water was topped up by use of the injector and all was ready. Dreamworld allocated the driver 2 hours to prepare the engine if warm, and 3 hours if from cold - generous figures. Minor maintenance such as taking a few minutes to adjust the packing of the piston rod glands may be performed as required, but the engines are robust and reliable and can operate every day for 12 months with virtually no maintenance whatsoever. This exact same procedure would be carried out in preparing a brand-new engine. Age does not affect the procedure. There are no "delicate parts" nor other things to go wrong. A steam engine does not change and become fragile simply because it gets older. I hope this can explain some points that other Members have too.

The Train Shed - the only equipment - arc welder, bench vise, bench grinder. Utilities - electricity, water, compressed air.

Yes, that is it alright. It is a little unusual in being what is termed a "well-tank" engine, carrying water for boiler feed in a tank between the frames below the boiler. The Perry is a more usual "side-tank" engine, carrying water in tanks beside the boiler.

The little Fowler 0-4-0T worked at Rocky Point sugar mill and when laid aside in the 1950s went for a short time at the Pleasure Island fun park near the Water Ski Gardens on the Nerang River. That venture did not last long and the loco went to Gilltrap's Auto Museum. Later it went on display at Dreamworld and was partially dismantled to ascertain its condition and suitability to be restored and added to Dreamworld's roster. With the decision not to go ahead the engine was returned to Rocky Point where it underwent a cosmetic restoration. The engine has since been placed on display at the Beenleigh Historic Village, where, in the open, it is showing the effects of the weather. It is a beautiful looking little machine and would have looked great hauling Dreamworld's train. If only .....

No, JakeV8, this photo was taken before park opening hours several years ago. The Perry had had some maintenance done, and to check that it was fit for work, was given one trip around the circuit with the train, including the dead Baldwin loco to add a bit of weight. A special stop was made approaching Rocky Hollow for a photograph of this unique occasion. Only one trip was made, then back to the shed and the Baldwin was detached, to allow the Perry to run for the day.. Note, that if the Baldwin had indeed failed, it would be rescued by the Simplex loco, instead of waiting two hours to prepare the Perry. Could you please explain why it would take longer? I know of no obstacle.

You are perfectly correct, WorldFun in stating that the steam engine will not take longer to prepare for a day's run because it is old. Does my 50 year old car take longer to start than your one year old car?? Certainly not. No matter how old or new the engine is, it will take the same time to prepare. A lot of "smoke and mirrors" and red herrings are put forth by individuals who do not have a clue about the facts, or are trying to invent some impediment. Dreamworld allows the driver 2 hours to prep the steam engine of a morning - oiling, greasing, lighting the fire, refueling, raising steam. A brand-new steam engine would take the same time. So, any suggestion that the steam engine takes longer to get ready because of age is pure nonsense.