Save Leongatha Station
In 2015 South Gippsland Tourist Railway (SGR) closed down for good. Nyora Station has become an op shop and Korumburra Station still has a caretaker who manages the station, which includes railway memorabilia open to the public. And then there's Leongatha Station, a pretty little building that now lies dormant.
I have had an idea to turn the station into a gigantic model railway for several years.The model would be all-working with community participation in mind. The layout would reflect South Gippsland Railway of old.
Some years ago I presented a plan to SGR and although its President warmed to the idea, nothing came of it. I also gave a Powerpoint Presentation to South Gippsland Shire Council (SGSC) but again nothing came of it.
When I heard that SGR had closed, I asked the Leongatha Star newspaper to publish an article calling for expressions of interest for a model railway at Leongatha Station.
Then in mid 2016 came the news that a massive redevelopment of Leongatha Station and the adjacent railyard was planned for the area. Despite previous publicity about the model railway, there was no mention of it in Council's master plan. So I contacted one of the people from Council involved in the redevelopment and asked for the model railway to be included in the planning discussions.
For ex SGR members and friends, yes your railway has closed for ever - or has it. The railway could be reopened in the near future, albeit in miniature. If it succeeds, it will a fabulous exhibit. The layout could be built inside the main room or alternatively inside a carriage parked at the station.
Plans are already underway for a Hitachi carriage to be housed at Bass for a similar project. Details are within this website. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/GippslandModelRailway
In 2015 South Gippsland Tourist Railway (SGR) closed down for good. Nyora Station has become an op shop and Korumburra Station still has a caretaker who manages the station, which includes railway memorabilia open to the public. And then there's Leongatha Station, a pretty little building that now lies dormant.
I have had an idea to turn the station into a gigantic model railway for several years.The model would be all-working with community participation in mind. The layout would reflect South Gippsland Railway of old.
Some years ago I presented a plan to SGR and although its President warmed to the idea, nothing came of it. I also gave a Powerpoint Presentation to South Gippsland Shire Council (SGSC) but again nothing came of it.
When I heard that SGR had closed, I asked the Leongatha Star newspaper to publish an article calling for expressions of interest for a model railway at Leongatha Station.
Then in mid 2016 came the news that a massive redevelopment of Leongatha Station and the adjacent railyard was planned for the area. Despite previous publicity about the model railway, there was no mention of it in Council's master plan. So I contacted one of the people from Council involved in the redevelopment and asked for the model railway to be included in the planning discussions.
For ex SGR members and friends, yes your railway has closed for ever - or has it. The railway could be reopened in the near future, albeit in miniature. If it succeeds, it will a fabulous exhibit. The layout could be built inside the main room or alternatively inside a carriage parked at the station.
Plans are already underway for a Hitachi carriage to be housed at Bass for a similar project. Details are within this website. In the meantime, follow us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/GippslandModelRailway