Vintage trains given a new look

The region’s transport history has come back to life with the reopening of the Boyanup Museum with a new name and new look.

The South West Rail and Heritage Centre, formerly the Boyanup Museum, has undergone more than $200,000 worth of work since it closed in March 2005.

Volunteer Norm Chapple said the old displays remained but many more were now operational.

“When the Boyanup Museum closed in 2005, the facilities had sort of fallen into such a state where they weren’t safe for visitors,” he said.

“Today the site is in reasonable nick for the public to come in.

“Hopefully we can get more people interested and keep the repairs going.”

Locomotives including the Leschenault Lady, working farm machinery and early diesel rail cars from Perth’s suburban system are just some of the items which are on display.

Much of the farm machinery has been restored by an informal men’s shed group which gathers at the site once a week to work on the items.

The centre is also home to an original Australind train carriage and an old guard van which has been converted into a picnic and party van with tables and seats.

The centre received a number of grants, including Royalties for Regions funding and Capel Community Grants, to rebuild the toilet block, convert some carriages, replace walls and repair vandalism.

The South West Rail and Heritage Centre is located on Turner Street at Boyanup.

It will be open every fourth Sunday of the month from 10am to 3pm to coincide with the Boyanup & Districts Farmer’s Market.

Entry is by donation.