Severn Lamb, a leader in the manufacture and supply of leisure, resort and amusement transport, has completed its latest commission for a leading Australian theme park.
Queensland’s Dreamworld Theme Park is home to the Dreamworld Express, which debuted on 15 December 1981. The idyllic train ride has since taken millions of park guests on a whistle-stop tour of the park, departing from the picturesque Central Station platform in the heart of the site.
Dreamworld was looking to give the popular attraction a refresh, and enlisted Severn Lamb with the task of upgrading the carriages.
The firm says: “Whilst the original vehicle was not one of our own, we were delighted to offer our services and manufacturing prestige when Dreamworld reached out for assistance with their refurbishment.
Renovating the railroad
Severn Lamb was given a tight deadline to have the project completed in time for the summer season grand opening. The refurbishment coincides with Dreamworld’s own station, track and loco update program, and working in conjunction with the park, Severn Lamb was able to complete the manufacture and delivery of three heritage-style carriages in just three months.
The company’s approach was to adapt its standard carriage design to work seamlessly with the existing locomotives’ hydraulic and electrical system architectures.
“To remain in keeping with the heritage look and feel of their previous locomotive and carriage configuration, we looked to our tried and tested Lincoln carriages to fulfil their requirements.”
Severn Lamb offered bespoke running boards, and other modifications were implemented so the new carriages can align for boarding with the station platform.
Whilst the new carriages maintain the nostalgic aesthetic that is long associated with the Dreamworld Express, underneath the facade they benefit from Severn Lamb’s latest chassis technology, running gear and safety features.
The carriages also feature remote locking carriage doors, lighting, and a modern PA system, alongside CCTV and a connected interface for monitoring. The carriages also provide an increase in passenger capacity over the previous units, holding up to 36 passengers per carriage and accessibility features for wheelchair users.
Severn Lamb has recently appointed Newton Montano as a director of business development for mobility solutions, representing the manufacturer in the Americas, Hawaii & Caribbean regions.
