We spent a week in Melbourne and environs, thanks to my mate from Puffing Billy, Steve, and his fiancé Anne. Thanks to Steve's knowlege of all things of railway interest in his area, I saw a lot the casual traveller would never know were there. Imagine, if you will, a 1920's mechanical interlocking tower with handwheel operated crossing gates in 1997? Still in use on a busy commuter line in a major urban center.
Steve also knows the owner of a Brunel - built bluestone railway station in rural Victoria. The station has been turned over from the railway when made obsolete although the track is still used. We stayed in the stationmasters residence, heated by the kitchen woodstove for one wonderful night, listening to the trains go by, and in the company of the resident ghost who likes to make his presence known by turning lights on and off and opening and closing doors.
We also took a ride on the Castlemaine and Maldon preserved railway, a good example of a rural branch line service. The power was a consolidation with Belpaire boiler. Two other steam locomotives were awaiting restoration in the enginehouse, along with a diesel railcar.
On another fine day, the girls went out sightseeing while Steve and I went for a tram tour, looking for the last of the old W5's that have not yet been replaced, when who should we meet on the tram but the girls. Made for a pleasant afternoon. Took the tram out to the beach and went for a nice walk in the brisk early spring weather.
On to the next stop: PUFFING BILLY
Contact IronDave
HOME