Steam Trains in the Dandenongs - Puffing Billy Railway: Australian Trains

On Saturday 21 September 2013, the Puffing Billy Railway operated a steam hauled firewood collection train to Gembrook and return using restored Na class 2-6-2 tank locomotive 8A hauling a mixed train consist similar to those that were run on the line back in the early 20th century.

This video also features some regular services on the day between Belgrave, Lakeside and Gembrook hauled by 7A in the Canadian Red livery and 6A in the early two tone green livery.

At the end of the day, the firewood collection train (which had been working in the Gembrook to Lakeside section) combined with the last up pass for the day from Lakeside with 7A and 8A double heading back to Belgrave.

The Puffing Billy Railway in Victoria's Dandenong mountains is one of Australia's most well known heritage railways. Operating on the original route built over a century ago and a unique survivor of the Victorian Railway's four experimental 2ft 6in narrow gauge lines, Puffing Billy is now a major tourist attraction with steam trains operating year round.

Despite their small size the Na class 2-6-2 tank locomotives are impressive performers and their sound echoes off the hills as they haul trainloads of tourists, families and railfans to Lakeside or Gembrook and return.

© 2013 James Brook