Thanks to the generous donations made by the Ipswich City Council, Babcock & Brown and Payce, the Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway was able to buy "Kilrie" outright for a total sum of $45,000!

To show it's appreciation for their support, the QPSR ran a special open day on Sunday the 27th of April 2008 where members of the public could ride the train for just a gold coin donation.

The day was enormously popular with well over one thousand people turning up for a ride on the train behind Kilrie.

At 12:30pm, Ipswich City Council Mayor, Paul Pisasale presented a cheque to ANGRMS for $45,000 to pay for Kilrie and also unveiled a plaque on Kilrie dedicated to her major sponsors.

Publicity leading up to the event was provided free of charge by River 94.9, and the The Queensland Times/Ipswich Advertiser. River 94.9 also supplied an outside broadcast truck at Swanbank station to provide entertainment for the crowds!

Other entertainment at Swanbank included kids face painting, a jumping castle and a display of vintage cars by the South West Brisbane Motoring Club.

The open day was made possible by the support and donations made by:

Major Sponsers:

Ipswich City Council Babcock & Brown Payce

Other Sponsors & Supporters:

River 94.9 Ipswich Advertiser East Coast Apprenticeships Targeted Talent Executive Cleaners Big Dad's Pies Niche Hotel Orion Springfield Budget Express Promotional Products