Residents across the state were excited to see the steam in the air as the train rolled in.

Zig Zag Railway Chairman, Ben Lawrence said this day had been a long time coming.

"So many people have worked long and hard on getting the railway to where we are today," Mr Lawrence said.

"There have been times where we have been so close to this moment, only for it to just slip out of reach. But this week were able to return steam power back to the Zig Zag Railway as we put our newly restored engine through its paces."

The last steam engine to make this trip did so on December 7 2011.

"It's a fantastic moment to see the engine return to the tracks and completes another key milestone in our recovery process," Mr Lawrence said.

"I would like to take this opportunity to remind visitors to the area that while we are not yet running passenger trains, Zig Zag remains an operational railway.

"Please stay out of the rail corridor for your safety and the safety of our volunteers working hard to get us back on track."

Zig Zag Railway Operations Manager, Thomas Worley said the restoration had been a major undertaking for the railway.

"With an engine of this age, its not as simple as popping in to the mechanic for its annual service and you're on your way," Mr Worley said.

"We have rebuilt much of this engine from the ground up, from machining new pistons and bearings to building a new spark arrestor and brake hangers, the list has often seemed endless.

"Our skilled contractors and volunteers have dedicated thousands of hours of their time to ensure the rebuild was completed safely for this commissioning trial.

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"It has been an amazing achievement, and one I am so proud to have witnessed today."

For the railway enthusiasts and keen spectators, the locomotive lovingly restored is 218A.

Affectionately known as "The Yank" it's one of only two engines of its kind remaining in Australia. These engines were brought to Australia during World War II to help move vital supplies around the country.

Zig Zag Railway would like to acknowledge the assistance of The Hon Paul Toole MP, the NSW Government and our industry partners who have assisted during the rebuilding of the railway.

Tender 2-8-2. The 'A' was added to the American number in Queensland to distinguish the class from local steam locomotives carrying the same numbers.

It arrived dismantled in Sydney in June 1943. It was assembled at Ipswich Railway Workshops in Queensland.

Taken out of service in 1969, having covered 523,620 miles, it was bought by Zig Zag in 1975, to be restored.

One other survives, No. 221A at Redbank Museum, near Brisbane, Queensland.

Technical data: It carried 8 tons (8.13tonnes) of coal and 5000 galls (18,800 litres) of water.

It's weight is 94.05 tons (95.9t), cylinders 16 x 24in (41 x 61cm), boiler pressure 185lb (1275kPa), coupled wheels 4'0" (122cm), tractive effort 20,128lb (89.6kN) grate area 27.7sq.ft (2.573sq.m), length 59.65ft (19.18m), only 20% heavier than the C17.

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