It’s full steam ahead for the Hunter's celebration of trains and rail – Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest.

Rail Motor Society members were preparing heritage diesel engines at Paterson on Thursday, servicing the CHP1/CHP7 and 621/721 engines ahead of the weekend’s celebrations.

Operations manager Bruce Agland said he was looking forward to this year’s Steamfest, which begins on Saturday and wraps up on Sunday.

“We’ve been doing it since 1986 – 31 years – it’s a long time,” he said.

“This one [621/721] was specially built to replace steam services from Maitland to Newcastle and spent all its life running in [the Hunter]. It was in service from 1961 to 2008.

“This unit actually belongs to Rail Corp’s heritage fleet.”

The Steamfest activities will mainly revolve around Maitland station and the nearby rally ground, in Central Maitland. Festival goers will be spoiled for choice when it comes to activities and attractions. They can jump on board the speedy Tin Hare for a historic trip out to Paterson or decide to experience the thrill of the Red Rattler when it zips out to Mount Thorley.

Council events officer Kate Henry said the historic diesel engines had a close connection with the Hunter and were always popular. 

“Over more than three decades many hundreds of thousands of people have come to Maitland to be a part of this iconic celebration of all things steam and rail, so we’re excited to see everyone come out for what will be a great weekend,” she said.

The impressive 3642 locomotive will also travel to Maitland for this year’s Steamfest. It was a feature at the first event in 1986.

The Great Train Race, on Sunday morning, is expected to be another highlight, as two locomotives take on a Tiger Moth plane to test which is the fastest.

As usual, there will be a range of traction and portable engines on show, antique machinery, a show and shine event at Maitland Park, live music, activities for kids and food and market stalls.

Visit steamfest.com.au for information, tickets and event times.