From 1906 to 1948 the Shay steam engine known as the Mapleton Tram travelled between Mapleton and Nambour carrying both produce and passengers. In 1948 it was relegated to the grounds of the Nambour Sugar Mill, slowly deteriorating, and when the Mill closed in 2003 the engine was moved to the then Maroochy Shire Council depot in Nambour.
A Maroochy Shire Council resolution in 2004 saw the Shay being given in to the care of the Mapleton community and the Shay Rail Preservation Society was incorporated. The Society’s goals are to raise the funds necessary to preserve and showcase the Shay in Mapleton on behalf of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. An area of land on the corner of Delicia and Obi Obi Roads has been granted by Council for the future heritage-style home of this important little engine with its fascinating history.
Since April 2006 the Shay has been safely housed at the Ipswich Railway Workshops, but to date no funding has been able to be raised to begin the preservation work.
The last meeting of the Society in June 2008 was attended by Councillor Paul Tatton and Mr Bob Morrow. The main issue discussed was the need for a suitable safe shed in the area where preservation work could begin, utilising the interest and skills of the local people. Councillor Tatton assured the meeting that Council would bear the cost of returning the Shay to Mapleton or Nambour when a suitable building becomes available.
There may be someone reading this article with knowledge of a shed that could be used – if so would you please telephone President Owen McCormack on 5445 7278 or Charles Thompson on 5478 6790. In the meantime approaches are being made to two organisations that may be in a position to supply both the necessary housing and skilled assistance to commence work on the engine. The Society is also addressing the issue of applying for funding grants for the Shay’s preservation. A heartening incident encouraged us all when a lady phoned to say that her 7 year old son was an avid fan of the Shay and wanted to assist in its preservation. This bodes well for the project and this little boy will be the first to sit in the driver’s seat when the Shay returns to Mapleton.
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