Vale: Kel Coleman, veteran showman

Veteran showman Kel Coleman, affectionately known as the 'Train Man', passed away on 31st March after a short illness.

As head of the Coleman family, Kel started operating a miniature railway in 1955 and, later, first operated the train at the Sydney Royal Easter Show from 1967 and at the Royal Melbourne Show in 1982.

Kel, a trained toolmaker, built many of the trains himself and, for most of the year he ran them at Sydney's Bronte Beach, where miniature trains have operated for 65 years.

Known for giving children much enjoyment, Kel later expanded Coleman and Sons' amusement business to include small children's rides and inflatables.

Interviewed just days ago by Simone Norrie for 'The Bush Telegraph', the Sydney Royal Easter Show's event bulletin, Kel reminisced about coming to the Sydney Royal Easter Show as a young boy in the 1930s with only 20 cents in his pocket five cents to get in the gate and the rest to spend around the grounds.

Norrie described how Kel was "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."

At the Royal Easter Show, Kel explained "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.

"Most of the kids are just wrapped in it. They don't want to stop.

"Everyone enjoys it there's just something about it."

Kel was meticulous in his ride prepations, setting up the train each day and making sure it was safe to operate.

He added "I have to check all of the wheels; there's over one hundred. My carriages were specially designed so they dont tip over."

Kel's final thoughts were looking forward to at least three more years at the Easter Show, bowing out by saying "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."

Kel was a respected member of Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA) and regularly attend the AALARA conferences. He will be sadly missed by the amusement industry.

Sympathy is extended to Kel's wife June and son Bruce and family.

Kel Coleman was 86.

Click here to read a tribute to Kel from the Sydney Royal Easter Show.