Restoration Work - Midland

After years working in the open air at Bassendean we were pleased to have access to part of the old Midland Workshops in 1995. However despite many promises of a State Rail Heritage Centre being developed, 2006 saw us ordered to cease our activities at Midland. Initially this was to be 'temporary' however this soon turned to an ongoing push for all our remaining railway items to be removed from the site.

Restoration work by our volunteers has included:

•  Restoration of the Heritage Train and carriages from the 'Named trains of Yesteryear'. The ARHS used to run about ten trips per year using some of these carriages. These included special events such as the Midland Centennial Trains in 1995, The Arts Train, Great Southern Railway Centenary, Wheatbelt Wanderer and 'Dinner in the Diner' trips. It is a pity that Western Australians, and their visitors, are currently unable to travel by narrow gauge train in the ambience of yesteryear.

•  Restoration of representatives of WA's freight wagons

•  Locomotive overhauls have in the past included 'Leschenault Lady' and currently work is underway on XA 1405 "Warienga", whilst recent cosmetic overhauls have included the 1885 built steam loco H18 and on the 1880 built 'Katie'.

•  Federation Train - In addition to five already restored standard gauge carriages (including three original wooden Trans Australian carriages), other ex-Trans Australian carriages are either being restored or are awaiting restoration.

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