Heritage Weekend: The Coffee Pot Returns!

HERITAGE WEEKEND – Featuring the Coffee Pot and other unique treasures of the Pichi Richi Railway

23–24 April 2016, Quorn, Flinders Ranges, South Australia

In April the volunteers of the Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society will throw open the doors of its Quorn workshops, to share rarely-seen treasures from its extensive railway heritage collection. Be welcomed in the historic outback railway town of Quorn, at the heart of the stunning Flinders Ranges. Stay a night or two and enjoy the many historic pubs, cafés and other nearby attractions.

 

Steam Motor Coach No. 1 on a trial run at Quorn, 1906. Photograph courtesy of the State Library of South Australia. SLSA: B 45335.

Program

The Coffee Pot Returns: Official Launch

  • 10am Saturday 23 April
  • Quorn Railway Station
  • Free

The unique “Coffee Pot” is the last operating example of its type worldwide. Our volunteers have lovingly restored this ornate Edwardian-era steam engine and carriage, now more than 100 years old. In 2016 we are excited to announce the Coffee Pot’s return to the rails after a long period out of action for mechanical repairs.

Coffee Pot Shuttles & Workshop Tours*

  • Regular departures from Quorn Railway Station, starting from 12 pm on Saturday and 10 am Sunday
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • $5 per person

Board a Coffee Pot Shuttle from Quorn Station for a behind the scenes tour of our workshops. See restoration works in progress, and hear the intriguing stories behind our collection.

* Tickets available on the day, first-come-first-served. Please note that sturdy, covered footwear is required in our workshops. Prams and wheelchairs cannot be accommodated in either the Coffee Pot or workshop area. Usual terms and conditions of travel also apply.
Looking for a longer trip?
The Coffee Pot Heritage Rail Experience has two public departures this year, on 12 June and 2 October. Tickets go on sale 23 April. Learn more

Pichi Richi Explorer

  • Departs Quorn Railway Station 2.30 pm on Saturday 23rd, and 10.30 am on Sunday 24th
  • 2.5 hour round-trip to Woolshed Flat in the heart of the Pichi Richi Pass
  • Historic steam locomotive and restored, historic carriages
  • Fares and booking information available here, or phone 1800 PR RAIL (1800 77 7245)

Pichi Richi Explorer

Collection highlights

Steam Motor Coach No. 1, "The Coffee Pot"

Returning to the rails for the first time in ten years.

The MacArthur Car

Commonwealth Railways Carriage NRC36 (now NIA36) was the vehicle used by General Douglas MacArthur following his escape from the Philippines in 1942. He said, "I came out of Bataan, and I shall return" at Terowie.

Car 5

Discover its role as a WWII troop transport, and see the marks left by soldiers heading to and from the front.

The Motor Inspection Car – MIC126

This 1937 Morris 25 car was converted to run on rails by the South Australian Railways and used by the SAR paymaster and the resident engineer from Peterborough.

Locomotive Yx141

Built in Gawler by James Martin & Co in 1892, this historic SA-built engine has seen it all: a tragic accident, a complete rebuild, and life in a children’s playground. See the restoration of this significant locomotive in progress.