Longer time listener, first time caller
To operate a boiler (on a train or not), at least 600 hours training is now required before you are qualified. A typical steam train operates at between 150psi-220psi of pressure, or 5 - 7 times the air pressure of a normal passenger car tyre. Google "train boiler explosion" images to see why!
Boilers can be heated by anything that burns pretty much, Dreamworld used diesel in the Perry, which is being converted back to run on timber (cheaper and more neighbour friendly). Old rotted railway sleepers burn well too. The Perry isn't operational yet, it needs a fair bit of work to get it into service, and a full overhaul in about two years time.
Drivers are restricted to the same conditions as QR drivers, with maximum hours, set break times. maximum times between breaks etc. Even operating at 20km/hr on a closed track by itself, these are still enforced.
Finding enough boiler qualified drivers is where Dreamworld will be struggling. The pseudo steam train doesn't require a boiler ticket, hence can be operated by lesser trained staff.
Inverted, have you ever looked into (saved for) a driver for the day experience with QPSR (Swanbank) or ARHS QLD (Rosewood). Worth the money, I've been lucky enough to do the QPSR one, nearly two years later I still grin when thinking about it. Woodford Railway (ANGRMS) are hoping to have their loco "Melbourne" on track mid to late this year too if your looking for a 'fix'
/partial thread hijack