APRIL 18, 2017 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
Tim Reid with son Thomas and wife Prue Todd-Reid. (Shawn Smits)
Mini train out of steam By Esther Lauaki New Gisborne’s miniature trains come off the rails next month, hit by high insurance premiums and the demands of volunteer life on busy families. Gisborne Vintage Machinery Society vice-president Tim Reid has run the trains as part of a children’s party business from the society’s Calder Freeway grounds for the past six years. He’s the one responsible for the old Melbourne tram that’s become a roadside attraction for the society’s annual steam rally.
Mr Reid said the past six years have been a great adventure, but high costs and time pressures have forced him out. “When I joined the Gisborne Vintage Machinery Society, I set out to restore the train line, and enable children and families to enjoy the miniature train park,” Mr Reid said. “It’s been a wonderful ride, with lots of birthday cakes, parties and kids having fun. “Many families have enjoyed their celebrations at the park but sadly, due to time pressures, having a young family myself, we’ve had to make the hard decision to close. “Our hand was also forced by very high
insurance rates, making it prohibitive,” he said. “On behalf of my family, I would like to say a big thank-you to the community, to the vintage machinery society and Macedon Ranges council for enabling us to operate.” Mr Reid said the track and the miniature train will stay at the park, and he hopes the society will be able to raise enough funds to get them back on the tracks again one day. But, sadly, the SW 897 tram has to go. Mr Reid said the historic carriage does come with a hefty price tag, after so many hours spent in its meticulous restoration, but it would make a great backyard bar, playroom or sewing room.
“Putting a price on an item like this is hard to quantify, but due to the unique nature of it, we would hope to get around $10,000,” he said. “We are looking for someone to not only purchase it, but to continue its preservation … and to look after this rare piece of iconic Melbourne history. “The opportunities for the tram are endless and would only be limited by one’s imagination … and available space to accommodate it. “We’ve had a lot of interest thus far, even from as far as Dubai.” Locals have one last chance to bid the trains bon route on May 21 at the 2017 steam rally.