Puffing Billy Preservation Society
Open Day - Sunday 3rd October 2010
The Puffing Billy Preservation Society (PBPS) is the volunteer organisation founded in 1955 to save and restore the former Victorian Railways narrow gauge railway between Belgrave and Gembrook.
This year marks the 55th Anniversary of the founding of the Society and you are invited behind the scenes to see 55 years of progress at Australia’s favourite steam train.
Take advantage of a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes in our museum and workshops, talk to volunteers, have a ride behind a steam engine, enjoy a BBQ sausage and who knows – maybe even become a member or a volunteer yourself!
A SPECIAL SHUTTLE TRAIN, hauled by Puffing Billy Railway’s (PBR) latest diesel loco, DH5, will run between Menzies Creek & Emerald stations on this day only. Times as follows:
| Depart Menzies Creek | 09.00 | 10.40 | 12.25 | 2.20 |
| Arrive Emerald | 09.12 | 10.52 | 12.37 | 2.32 |
| Depart Emerald | 10.00 | 11.55 | 1.40 | 4.12 |
| Arrive Menzies Creek | 10.11 | 12.06 | 1.51 | 4.23 |
SO WHAT'S ON WHERE
Menzies Creek:
- A rare opportunity to visit the Puffing Billy museum and view the working stationary steam engines and original Victorian Railways track workers’ trolleys and shed
- Locomotives and wagons moved outside the museum for photo opportunities
- Steam hauled shuttle rides between the station and the museum
- Display of photographs from the early days of the PBPS
- Tours of the working signal box
- BBQ & refreshments
- Information on membership & volunteering on Puffing Billy
- Special diesel shuttle train service between Menzies Creek and Emerald
- Plenty of free car parking
- See Puffing Billy’s trains passing each other
Loco from the Sub Nigel gold mine in south Africa, seen in the museum |
Loco 861 will be hauling shuttle trains between Menzies Creek and the museum |
Photo courtesy of Australian Steam
Photographer - Jeff Goodwin
Emerald:
- A rare opportunity to see inside the PBR carriage workshops, where Puffing Billy’s 100 year old carriages and wagons are restored and maintained
- BBQ
- Steam hauled shuttle rides in the station yard
- One of Puffing Billy’s Speakers Panel giving regular talks on the history of the Railway
- Information on membership & volunteering on Puffing Billy
- Special shuttle train service between Menzies Creek and Emerald stations
- Plenty of free car parking
- See Puffing Billy’s trains
Peckett loco will be hauling shuttle trains at Emerald |
Photographer - Frank Stamford
Belgrave:
- A rare opportunity to see inside the PBR loco workshops, where Puffing Billy’s locomotives are rebuilt and maintained
- Display of Puffing Billy’s lunch and dinner trains
- City of Casey band
- Displays by Puffing Billy’s volunteer garden group and The Friends of Monbulk Creek Bridge
- Souvenir and refreshment shop
- Information on membership & volunteering on Puffing Billy
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The Climax loco, currently undergoing a rebuild in the Belgrave workshops(Note – all events and attractions are subject to change or cancellation)
To download the Open Day Flyer please CLICK HERE.
For further information contact Rob McUtcheon on 03 9580 5075 or jenrobtab@hotmail.com.
A 1920s mixed train
In addition, a 1920s style mixed train will be running on the day, from Belgrave to Gembrook return.
This event will include:
- Typical 1920's train, comprising passenger and goods vehicles
- Shunting during the journey to add and drop off vehicles
- Historic road vehicles at intermediate stations
- Two-course spit roast lunch served at Gembrook (included in ticket price)
- Photo stops at selected locations
- Souvenir booklet
Pre-booking is essential for this event. Please click here to download the booking form.
