On Saturday 27th January 2024, the Southern Downs Steam Railway conducted a day of training for selected train crew on a return journey to Toowoomba.

Upon arrival in Toowoomba and after turning of the locomotive, it was advised that all lines in the region were closed, this was due to the high temperatures and the risk of track buckles. This resulted in the train having to be stabled in the Toowoomba platform overnight.

The return working to Warwick was made just before 5am on Sunday 28th January, in weather conditions that were the complete opposite of what had been experienced the previous day. Torrential rain was experienced from Wyreema to outside of Nobby.

The train arrived back at Warwick just after 8:30am and after spinning the locomotive on the turntable, the locomotive was stabled in the roundhouse, thus concluding an unusual but unforgettable weekend.