Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre

Prior to the cessation of railway operations by Steamtown Peterborough Railway Preservation Society in June 2002, a steering committee, made up of the Federation of North East Councils, the Northern Regional Development Board, and the Flinders Ranges Area Consultative Committee, as well as Society representatives, was established.

[3][4] A reception centre, which includes offices, a souvenir shop and a cafe, was built just off Main Street, at the north-eastern corner of the 1960s-vintage diesel workshop.

The Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre was officially opened on 29 November 2009 to much fanfare from the South Australian premier, Mike Rann.

[6] Guided tours, lasting about an hour and a half, provide a narrative of the equipment displayed, the infrastructure on site and its social history as well as exploring amusing railway anecdotes and experiences.

Through a skills-development program run in association with the local high school, students assisted with the refurbishment of a sheep wagon and a miniature train.

Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre logo
A picture showing the three rail gauges on the turntable
The turntable, with its three rail gauges
Switch using 1,067 mm ( 3 ft 6 in ) / 1,435 mm ( 4 ft 8 + 1 ⁄ 2 in ) track, between the roundhouse and the Peterborough West washout facilities
A picture showing part of the roundhouse showing some of the more interesting carriages
Part of the roundhose, showing some of the more interesting carriages
A picture taken inside the Diesel Shed showing the bogie drop pit
Inside the diesel shed: The bogie drop pit
Inside the diesel shop: Fairmont section car and, behind it, NSU 55
A picture showing part of the Roundhouse where several engines and the Motor Inspection Car reside
Part of the roundhouse, showing some of the engines on display
Here you can see the sheep-cattle car that the local High School students are working on at the Centre
The sheep car that local high school students restored