Yarn with Kel Coleman, Miniature Railway operator

Kel Coleman remembers coming to the Sydney Royal Easter Show as a young boy with only 20 cents in his pocket – five cents to get in the gate and the rest to spend around the grounds.

Now, at 86 years of age, Kel is still visiting the Show each year, but on the other side of the rides.

The creator and operator of the Miniature Railway ride for children, Kel is showing no signs of retirement, handing down his conductor skills to sons Bruce and Jeff, and grandsons Alan and Brendan, who are helping him out this year.

On a normal weekend, Kel’s mini-train can be found on the shores of Bronte Beach, where it has been operating for 65 years.

One of the more traditional rides at the Show, Kel is proud to say he built his trains with his own two hands many years ago, after he finished his trade as a toolmaker.

The trains, made out of fibreglass and steel, have carried many generations in their time.

“I’m now carrying the great grandchildren of some of the people who rode it when they were kids – I never thought that would happen,” Kel said.

With wife June popping in to keep him company, Kel said he enjoys every minute of the Show, especially the time he spends with his family – and the delight of the youngsters as they pass through his mini railway station.

 “Most of the kids are just wrapped in it. They don’t want to stop,” he said.

“Everyone enjoys it – there’s just something about it.”

Kel insists there is serious business to attend to though, including setting up each day and making sure the train is safe to operate.

“I have to check all of the wheels; there’s over one hundred. My carriages were specially designed so they don’t tip over,” he said.

And, with a special milestone coming up, Kel is excited as ever to be a main attraction for the young and old at this year’s Show.

“I’m very grateful to be part of the Show - I only have three years to go to get to the big 50. And making that would mean a lot to me,” he said.