The tourist attraction has been without the popular locomotive since May.

But the park’s soon-to-be owners, Sydney’s David and Alison Waite, have started the lengthy process to get the train back in action.

That is even before they officially become the park’s new owners.

Contracts have been exchanged for the theme park’s $1.575 million sale to the couple from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

The new owners are to take control of the park on June 1.

The Waites, and their children Jasmin, 12, Aiden, 10, and seven-year-old Crystal, were at the Wauchope theme park yesterday.

They have visited dozens of times in the past, but driving into Wauchope yesterday felt different, Mr Waite said.

“We had butterflies ... we are excited and nervous,” he said.

Mr Waite admitted they had a challenge ahead, and said the first 12 months would be the biggest test.

“We can totally see that Timbertown can come back from the brink ... and we are very, very mindful of what is needed to overcome the problems,” he said.

Timbertown is losing about $1000 each week.

The Waites have launched a consultation process to get feedback from people involved with Timbertown.

Community groups, tenants, staff and other stakeholders have received a questionnaire which, is due back by Friday next week.

Mr Waite said they wanted to hear from everyone who made a commitment to the park in the past, and while change was inevitable, they wanted as many people and groups to be involved with that change.

“We want people to be involved,” he said. “We can’t manage the park of this size on our own.”

The Waites admitted there would be some tough calls ahead but stressed the family wanted to be part of Wauchope.

“Over the next few years, the park will evolve into something that is really special,” he said.

The Waites will relocate from Sydney at the end of May.