Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In November of 1979 , Brisbane got it's first suburban electric trains, in the form of a 3 car set , named "Electric Multiple Units" or EMU's for short.
The trains were locally built in Maryborough , Queensland , by Walkers LTD , who had made many of the steam locomotives used in the state.
The EMU's brought Brisbane into modern day commuter transport, with AC, carpet and comfy seating. For almost 50 yrs , these iconic trains have roamed the network , clocking up millions of km's , and after many rebuilds and upgrades , have come to the end of the line. Of the 88 , 3 car units built, number 59 is the last one standing , so on Saturday July 5th, 2025, EMU 59 made a historic , last run, on some of Brisbane's suburban lines.
The train was standing room only on every trip , with many fans spending all day riding and chasing the service. I caught it at Roma St , and at two stations on the local line that I maintain , and then for the final goodbye at Platform 10 , Roma St Station.
After riding these units new as a teenager, and seeing at least one every day while at work , I must say it was sad to see no. 59 leave the tracks for good .
Lets hope one is preserved and kept for heritage trips??
Hope you enjoy it,
Gregg.
In November of 1979 , Brisbane got it's first suburban electric trains, in the form of a 3 car set , named "Electric Multiple Units" or EMU's for short.
The trains were locally built in Maryborough , Queensland , by Walkers LTD , who had made many of the steam locomotives used in the state.
The EMU's brought Brisbane into modern day commuter transport, with AC, carpet and comfy seating. For almost 50 yrs , these iconic trains have roamed the network , clocking up millions of km's , and after many rebuilds and upgrades , have come to the end of the line. Of the 88 , 3 car units built, number 59 is the last one standing , so on Saturday July 5th, 2025, EMU 59 made a historic , last run, on some of Brisbane's suburban lines.
The train was standing room only on every trip , with many fans spending all day riding and chasing the service. I caught it at Roma St , and at two stations on the local line that I maintain , and then for the final goodbye at Platform 10 , Roma St Station.
After riding these units new as a teenager, and seeing at least one every day while at work , I must say it was sad to see no. 59 leave the tracks for good .
Lets hope one is preserved and kept for heritage trips??
Hope you enjoy it,
Gregg.
