Every one of
the extensive collection of Puffing Billy locomotives that could steam would
be steamed for the event as well.I postponed our departure for a weekend on the advice of my mate Steve
who told me Puffing Billy would be having a special event which included
steam rollers, tractors, and all sorts of ancient iron. He booked to fire
the Climax geared locomotive that morning, and invited me along.
Every one of
the extensive collection of Puffing Billy locomotives that could steam would
be steamed for the event as well.
The day began with a barbecued breakfast over a wood fire at the steam
up shed, followed by a wipe down of all the locomotives, and general servicing.
They kindly allowed me to assist in preparing the locomotives for the days
work.
The standard locomotives for PBRare home made copies of Baldwin built
2-6-2 tankers. These tiny kettles do a hell of a lot of pulling. PBR is
a narrow gage mountain branch line, and trains are capacity tonnage. 4 of
these were under steam, each in its own livery, along with the 2 truck Climax,
two differently rebuilt Decauvilles, and a couple other small industrial
goats.
PBR is more than worth a visit on regular operating days, but they schedule
several different events every year which are each of special interest.
Particular thanks to Steve and Anne, Allen, and to all the crew at PBR who
made me welcome and gave me rides on their engines, to Grumpy who allowed
me to fire a woodburning Climax, to Rodney the engineering genius, and to
the owners of the Foden Steam Wagon and the steam roller who allowed me
to have a go at running their babies.
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