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GIPPSLAND MODEL ENGINEERING SOCIETY
Founded in 1978, the GMES operates the Newman Park
Miniature Railway, located via Peterkin St, Traralgon for the enjoyment of the
Latrobe Valley residents and visitors. The Railway has 200 metres of 3½" Gauge
track, and 1,100 metres of
parkland 5" and 7¼" Gauge track crossing three small bridges. Connecting tracks,
sidings & steaming bays add another 500 metres of track. The facilities are
improved as time and resources permit. The Society operates an extensive 7¼"
Gauge portable track which is available for separate hire, please contact our
Co-ordinator for details on (03) 51671780. Additional run days may be scheduled
by booking at least 6 months in advance & provided our volunteers are available.
Local building contractors had constructed the Newman Central Railway Station,
the focal point for all Railway passengers, with materials being generously
donated by local industries. Society members have restored the historic
ex-Victorian Railway’s Signal Box, relocated from the East end of the Traralgon
Railway Station and containing a 70-lever frame. During 2001 and
2002 additional
Station Platform Roofing, protecting passenger waiting and disembarking areas,
has been constructed by the Morwell based Gippsland Group Training Apprentices
and installed by Society volunteers with funds from both the Society and a
Latrobe City Council Community Minor Capital Grant.
The miniature railway locomotives are typical of mainline and narrow gauge
railways found in many parts of the world. Both steam and diesel outlines can be
seen hauling our public passenger trains. The locomotives being individually
styled to the owners requirements.
For further information on membership or hire of the Newman Park miniature
railway facility, please contact our Secretary, PO Box 569, MORWELL, VIC 3840,
or see us on a public run day 4th Sunday, February to November, 12:00pm to
4:00pm, weather permitting. Additional run days are scheduled during November
and December.
The Latrobe City Council Community Minor Capital Grant funded additional BBQ
tables & park benches, steelwork being constructed by Gippsland Group Training
Apprentices and installation by Society volunteers. The Traralgon Lions Club has
provided the free BBQ and toilet facilities and has installed several
access-for-all adventure playgrounds that are attracting wide popularity with
the community and visitors. The Victorian State Government, the Variety Club of
Victoria and the Latrobe City Council have funded these playgrounds.

The 1100 metres track includes 3 circuits of dual gauge
(5”and 7¼”) track. The inner circuit also
incorporates 3½"
gauge. All running tracks are at ground level.
The track is usually set up to form one continuous circuit, however, if
circumstances require, it can be configured as 2 or 3 separate circuits.
Club meetings are held the Saturday before the fourth Sunday run day at the club
rooms, starting at 10am and are followed by a working bee.
The club is located in scenic garden surroundings in Newman Park ,Traralgon.
To access the railway, turn off Princes Hwy at Peterkin Street (next
to the Traralgon Creek bridge).
See map below.
Generally from 10am onwards members are in attendance .
The club currently has around 50 members.
Correspondence to: Secretary PO Box 569 Morwell 3840
Group Bookings via (03) 5176 0213 or (03) 5127 6983
Portable Track Hire to coordinator (03) 5167 1780
Track Site contact (03) 5174 0035

Please note. No vehicle access from Whittakers Rd. Use Peterkin St only.

This page last updated
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
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