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Number of Images on this Page = 43

Puffing Billy Photographs Index

Puffing Billy (not his real name) must be the most well known steam railway in Australia. Distinguished by being the first railway preservation effort in Australia, the railway has grown from humble volunteer beginnings in the late 1950s to become a fully operational and professional railway system. Although it still relies heavily upon volunteer labour, there is a dedicated professional staff of about 30 full time employees who oversee the daily running (except Christmas Day), including trains that now run all the way to the recently (Oct 1998) restored terminus at Gembrook.

The Belgrave to Gembrook line is the sole (original) survivor of a number of narrow-gauge (762mm or 2ft6in) built by the Victorian Railways from the 1890s as "pioneering" branch lines. The narrow gauge lines were Wangaratta to Whitfield (1899), Upper Ferntree Gully (UFTG) to Gembrook (1900), Colac to Beech Forest/Crowes (1902/1911), and Moe to Walhalla (1910). The latter line has been relaid from Thompson River to Walhalla, and the line was opened by the Victorian Premier Steve Bracks in March 2002. Trains operate every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, public holidays and all of January. The website is at Walhalla Goldfields Railway .

The lines were all closed in the 1950s, except Colac to Crowes, which hung on until 1962. The UFTG-Gembrook line was closed in 1952 by a landslide at Selby, and for a while, some excursion trains were run between UFTG and Belgrave until that section was closed for gauge broadening and electrification in 1958.

A group of enthusiasts worked hard to reopen the line, and in 1962, permission was obtained to run from Belgrave to Menzies Creek, rerouting around the landslide with the aid of some sharp curves and army assistance. Since then, the line has been gradually reopened to Emerald (1971?), Lakeside (1978?) and recently, Gembrook (1998).

During a period while I was a volunteer at the Emerald Carshops, I occasionally took my camera along to capture some steam action going past. Many of these photos come from around Emerald, but there are a few others.

Bill Russell has a series of pages on the Victorian Government Narrow Gauge Railways that gives additional information on Puffing Billy and related railways systems in Victoria.

NA Class Prairie Tank 2-6-2T

Climax

Peckett

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 172404 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 28 Oct 1995, catalogued 02 Apr 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : personal photograph (Kodacolor Gold) Description : Peter Peckett a.k.a. Sir John Grice steams through a sylvan setting into the Gembrook station yard, on the (then) disconnected section of line restored from Gembrook back to Cockatoo Creek. These trains were run to help raise revenue for the complete restoration of the "Puffing Billy" line from Belgrave to Gembrook. The line is now open, in time for its centenary in 2000.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 136186 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 28 Oct 1995, catalogued 1997 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Description : Peter Peckett trundles gingerly over freshly laid, unballasted track, just east of the Fielder bridge, with a load of sightseers.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 98374 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 14 Dec 1991, catalogued 27 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18470 Description : Some small boys (and some big ones, too!) check over the Peckett before leaving on a special for Emerald.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 100490 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 14 Dec 1991, catalogued 27 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18472 Description : Peter Peckett is dwarfed by the backdrop of Sherbrooke Forest as he crosses Monbulk Creek on the famous trestle bridge.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 130868 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 14 Dec 1991, catalogued 28 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18473 Description : Peter Peckett is dwarfed by the backdrop of Sherbrooke Forest as he crosses Monbulk Creek on the famous trestle bridge.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 135415 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 14 Dec 1991, catalogued 28 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18475 Description : The Peckett's low profile makes the 2 foot 6 inch gauge track look like broad gauge, as he approaches the Selby platform. Fortunately, his light loading compared to his big brother (sister?) NA class means that he has not had to work hard coming up the grade from the Monbulk Creek trestle. On the other hand, his small wheels meant that he sounded like he was bolting it in!

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 131223 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 14 Dec 1991, catalogued 28 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18476 Description : Another view of Peter Peckett as he runs through the Selby platform.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 110845 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 14 Dec 1991, catalogued 28 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18478 Description : A couple of motorcyclists pull up in bemusement as a somewhat smaller "Puffing Billy" makes his way across the Selby-Aura Rd level crossing.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 112590 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 14 Dec 1991, catalogued 28 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18480 Description : Peter Peckett has no trouble rounding the 2 chain curve at the site of the Selby landslide. The photo is taken from approximately the site of the original alignment. This curve has recently (July 1999) been eased to 2.5 chains radius by swinging the curve closer to the photographer, and introducing a short reverse curve just at the left end of the picture.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 100723 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 14 Dec 19991, catalogued 28 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18482 Description : Pe4ter Peckett pulls into Clematis with his dimunitive train.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 106271 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 14 Dec 1991, catalogued 28 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18486 Description : The Peckett puffs up the 1 in 30 grade into Emerald, past some matching green bracken.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 151536 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 14 Dec 1991, catalogued 28 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18488 Description : The turntable at Emerald is almost entirely used for maintenance purposes, turning locomotives to equalize wear on their wheels. Here it is used for operational purposes, turning the Peckett so that it could travel funnel first on the grade out of Lakeside on the return journey. Note that the turntable has 5'3" tracks, not used very much on the narrow gauge Puffing Billy!

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 72793 bytes, 400x600 pixels Date : 14 Dec 1991, catalogued 03 Jun 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18496 Description : Peter Peckett pauses to pose past Lakeside, at the then terminus of the line. You will notice on the rear cab plate an infernal combustion engine driving an air compressor. This was because the Pecket had no Westinghouse brake system, and the compressor was added as a way of generating a suitable air supply for the brakes!

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 138454 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 14 Dec 1991, catalogued 03 Jun 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18501 Description : Peter Peckett makes a fine showing as it pulls into Nobelius Platform.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 71395 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 14 Dec 1991, catalogued 11 Jun 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18503 Description : Peter Peckett rounds the curve near Nobelius

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 136994 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 14 Dec 1991, catalogued 18 Jun 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18487 Description : The Peckett has been turned, and prepares to come off the turntable at Emerald.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 67169 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 28 Oct 1995, catalogued 10 Mar 2001 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19041 Description : Peter Peckett loads his train of Gembrook walkers near the Fielder accomodation overpass.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 74519 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 28 Oct 1995, catalogued 10 Mar 2001 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19042 Description : Peter Peckett loads his train of Gembrook walkers near the Fielder accomodation overpass.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 144390 bytes, 900x600 pixels Date : 14 Dec 1991, catalogued 28 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18493 Description : Peter Peckett shunts back onto 7A to pose for photographs during a special trip to Lakeside.

If you want to see Peter Peckett's big brother, visit The Wakahine Tourist Railway

Garratt

For another Garratt at Puffing Billy, see also APC-1

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 109322 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : Oct 1989, catalogued 17 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18140 Description : The author's sons Nathan (L) and David (R) with G41 at Gembrook -- or her number plate, at least! Taken at the destination of the "Walk-the-G-to-Gembrook" walk, 1989.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 164938 bytes, pixels Date : Oct 1979, catalogued 26 Jan 1998 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : G42 waits for restoration, slide number 8045 Description : At the end of the carriage sidings at Belgrave, G42 waits for restoration. She has been moved out of the museum at Menzies Creek, and waits for the Belgrave Loco workshops to become free. She also waits for money to start her restoration!

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 261599 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 3 Apr 2022, catalogued 24 Apr 2022 Photographer : Kevin Li Medium : digital camera, image location image_50736129 Description : G42 takes water at Menzies Creek

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 420272 bytes, 800x533 pixels Date : 24 Sep 2016, catalogued 24 Apr 2022 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : digital camera (Canon EOS600D), image location 20160924-151906 Description : G42 on the trestle bridge

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 381882 bytes, 800x533 pixels Date : 24 Sep 2016, catalogued 24 Apr 2022 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : digital camera (Canon EOS600D), image location 20160924-151908 Description : G42 on the trestle bridge

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 453163 bytes, 800x533 pixels Date : 24 Sep 2016, catalogued 24 Apr 2022 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : digital camera (Canon EOS600D), image location 20160924-134109 Description : G42 arrives with train at Lakeside

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 378999 bytes, 800x533 pixels Date : 24 Sep 2016, catalogued 24 Apr 2022 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : digital camera (Canon EOS600D), image location 20160924-143543 Description : G42 departing Lakeside

Around the Railway

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 87843 bytes, 400x600 pixels Date : Oct 1989, catalogued 16 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18134 Description : The site of Bridge number 8, near Wright, on the Puffing Billy extension to Gembrook. Taken on the 1989 "Walk the G to Gembrook" walk.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 94821 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : Oct 1989, catalogued 17 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18139 Description : The Gembrook (town) station yard and loco area, pre restoration in 1989. Taken at the destination of the "Walk-the-G-to-Gembrook" walk.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 73308 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : Oct 1989, catalogued 16 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18138 Description : The site of the level crossing on the Gembrook Road, near Gembrook. You can just make out the outline of one of the rails buried in the road.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 53604 bytes, pixels Date : May 1988, catalogued 28 Jan 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 17299 Description : A hint of smoke hangs in the air as a reminder that this narrow gauge line is part of Australia's most famous operational steam railway: Puffing Billy. Not only that, but this is another aspect of that most photographed part of the railway: the Monbulk Creek trestle bridge. (See 7A-12 for the conventional view of this bridge.)

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 136973 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 28 Oct 1995, catalogued 11 Oct 1997 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Description : A new NA class boiler is kitted out in the Belgrave locomotive shops.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 127038 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 23 Nov 1991, catalogued 27 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18451 Description : A track ballasting machine in operation on the Gembrook restoration project. This section of track at Gembrook was relaid early in the project, so that trains could be run locally to create an appropriate awareness in the local community, and to attract tourist traffic.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 88811 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : 23 Nov 1991, catalogued 27 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18452 Description : Another view of the ballasting machine at work at Gembrook.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 179007 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : Oct 1989, catalogued 16 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18132 Description : The site of Wright Station on the Puffing Billy right-of-way to Gembrook, before restoration. Taken on the 1989 Gembrook Walk.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 83652 bytes, 400x600 pixels Date : 23 Nov 1991, catalogued 27 May 2000 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 18445 Description : The track formation at the Wright level crossing, November 1991, taken on the Gembrook Walk.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 185761 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : Oct 1993, catalogued 25 Feb 2001 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19027 Description : Peter Medlin describes the legal issues surrounding the extension of the Puffing Billy line beyond Lakeside, on the occasion of the 1993 Walk-the-G-to-Gembrook walk.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 104520 bytes, 400x600 pixels Date : Oct 1993, catalogued 25 Feb 2001 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19028 Description : A view looking back along the line to Lakeside, taken near Wright.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 71008 bytes, 400x600 pixels Date : Oct 1993, catalogued 25 Feb 2001 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19029 Description : Part of the Walk-the-G-to-Gembrook party, near Wright, Oct 1993.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 58262 bytes, 400x600 pixels Date : Oct 1993, catalogued 04 Mar 2001 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19030 Description : Part of the Walk-the-G-to-Gembrook party, near Wright, Oct 1993.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 126544 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : Oct 1993, catalogued 04 Mar 2001 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19031 Description : On the Lakeside-Gembrook walk in 1993, the party stop to examine the railhead, left incomplete to allow road access to bridge number 6.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 107901 bytes, 800x600 pixels Date : Oct 1993, catalogued 04 Mar 2001 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19032 Description : Another view of the railhead near the Wright level crossing, showing the road access.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 87122 bytes, 400x600 pixels Date : Oct 1993, catalogued 04 Mar 2001 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19035 Description : The Gembrook walking party climb up the down side of the valley to be spanned by bridge number 8, the tallest bridge on the Gembrook line. Around them a working party has started clearing operations.

Image : dir=tourist/pb/ page=index 127386 bytes, 400x600 pixels Date : Oct 1993, catalogued 04 Mar 2001 Photographer : John Hurst Medium : Kodachrome, slide number 19037 Description : A view of the up side of the Bridge number 8 chasm. The previous picture was taken from near the tall tree adjacent to the top flight of steps.

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