RAILWAY volunteers are still steaming at the ears, as they step up their campaign to secure a serviceable diesel locomotive to back-up their broken down steam train.

Members of the Southern Downs Steam Railway have been left furious after five years of searching for a diesel locomotive has again fallen on deaf ears, this time leaving the group off the tracks indefinitely.

A tour to Wallangarra had been scheduled for tomorrow, but was cancelled on Thursday after a steam leak forced the group's popular steam train off the tracks.

Southern Downs Steam Railway president Peter Gregory said he was frustrated by the situation.

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Would it be possible for organisations to share a diesel locomotive eg the SDSR, Downsteam and the MVHR?

Last year I was keen to travel to the end of the line at Wallangarra because of its historical significance and because family members of mine have spoken about changing trains at the border.

How does 5 years of searching fall on deaf ears? You either have the cash to buy one or you don't.

Is it 5 years of asking to be donated one has fallen on deaf ears?

How does 5 years of searching fall on deaf ears? You either have the cash to buy one or you don't.

Is it 5 years of asking to be donated one has fallen on deaf ears?

The people you ask have to have one for sale...

The people you ask have to have one for sale...

Then if they don't, it hasn't fallen on deaf ears... Surprising a 1720 isn't available, even for lease over last 5 years.

SDSR has done well to get as far as they have in the time frame, but you cannot force the big boys to hand over hardware at a whim.