Albert the Apex train displays his new paint job
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DECEMBER 2015 | Joanne Eisemann
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MEMBERS OF Deloraine Apex stood around reminiscing of the times they enjoyed riding the train when they were youngsters.
That has not changed if the look on four-year-old Justin Saltmarsh’s face is anything to go by.
He has eyes only for Albert the Apex train, with its shiny new makeover, as it motors off the trailer for a spin around the caravan park.
The locomotive has been blowing its horn at events in Meander Valley for many years, bringing delight at Agricultural Shows, school fetes and other events where small children are in attendance.
Apex has managed the bookings for the past 20 years and before that, Rotary.
President Danny Saltmarsh explains the refurbishment. “It was looking ratty and rundown. The carriages were falling apart.”
The overhaul was a joint effort. Deloraine Community Shed (formerly the Men’s Shed) renovated the carriages. Mike Yard Bodyworks repainted the engine a dazzling bright blue and Sunrise Trailers resprayed the trailer used to transport the train to events.
Apex originally formed in Geelong in the 1930s.
“This is our 60th year here, says Danny “building better communities and helping people in need is our purpose.” The twenty members manage several properties.
“We have got the (Deloraine) caravan park, the Red Hills football ground on Mole Creek Road and the Huntsman Hideaway up the back of Meander,” he elaborates.
“We are always doing something,” he adds. “Our next project is doing up the steam train at the Train Park. Apex hauled it there using tractors long before my time.”
Deloraine Apex meets at the Bush Inn every second Monday 6:30 for 7.00pm. For enquires, call Danny on 0409 965 712.
[udesign_icon_font name="fa fa-camera" color="#000000"] Mike Moores
