NEWS FLASH

July 2023

 Miniature Railway announces MajorTrack Extension

The Tamworth Miniature Railway is set to open new areas and extend its public running track by nearly 600 metres over the next few years with an ambitious expansion of the existing lines to head through and down major inclines north west toward Daruka Road and the back of the TAFE.

The last expansion was the ‘Oxley Loop’ some years ago, including the ‘Keith Singh Bridge’ which provides some of the best railway views in the region. The new track will veer off the Oxley Loop and head down the hill alongside existing woodland, before climbing back up the hill and directly under the Keith Singh bridge before re-joining the Loop not far from its departure point. Whilst it took four years to plan and fully construct the Oxley Loop, we hope to be able to build this extension and bit quicker, but have allowed plenty of time just in case. 

The extension will add extra riding time and railway fun for the thousands of people who ride the miniature railway every year. Importantly, it will also allow more trains to run on the track at any one time, allowing people to enjoy the ride with less hold-ups. It is estimated people take more than 5000 rides every year on the railway on public running days alone, plus the number of children who also enjoy ‘birthday runs’ which have been organised by families almost every weekend of the year.

Operated by the Tamworth and District Model Engineers (TDME), the initial track has been open for nearly 15 years and has slowly expanded in three major stages, the latest now being stage 4, including major embankments, gully bridges and the bridge underpass. Tunnels and crossings have been added over the years by TDME volunteers, supported by many local businesses. 

The railway boasts its own ‘Victoria Station’, two tunnels, club rooms, two steam locomotives, numerous petrol-driven locos and passenger carriages, plus a workshop and the Roger Barwick memorial storage sheds. There is also a ‘Loco Café’ which operates as a professional kitchen, plus the Howard Penrose pavilion and large open family picnic areas. 

Located in the Botanic Gardens Precinct (just past the Men’s Shed and Astronomy Club) at the top end of Piper Street, the miniature railway has long been supported by Tamworth Regional Council and sits on TRC land, set aside just for this purpose. Recent upgrades have included a toilet block, expanded carparking and new signage, thanks to TRC.

July 2022

TDME continues support for Riding for the Disabled

Tamworth Miniature Railway operators, Tamworth District Model Engineers (TDME), has been a long-time supporter of Tamworth Riding for the Disabled (RDA) and now, with crowds returning to the railway, we have been able to again support local charities.

TDME President, David Scott, is shown below presenting a cheque for $500 to RDA committee member, Nick McGhie, during the July public running day.

June 2022

Toot Toot Club 1,500th Member

The Toot Toot Club commenced with Tamworth Miniature Railway Inc in October 2009 - and today we signed up the 1,500th member - Celeste Burns (below), with her mum, Fiona and brother, Percy - so that’s over 100 new members every year who love trains. We now have an increasing number of youth members who get involved in running our trains and helping with maintenance tasks at the Mini Railway. We are always open to new members so come and talk to us on our 3rd Sunday of the month running days or the working bee every Wednesday morning at the track from 9.30am (we especially love retired people with any trade skills), or contact the Club President, David Scott, on 0409 418 278. 19/06/22