Spring in the Hills - Puffing Billy Railway: Australian Trains

Sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Puffing Billy Railway's 2-6-2 NA class tank locomotives as they battle the heavy grades through the Dandenong Ranges on a typical Spring day, where the weather changes from pouring rain to full sun in a matter of minutes.

The Puffing Billy Railway is a unique survivor of the Victorian Railways' four experimental 2ft 6in narrow gauge lines. Operating on the original route built over a century ago, 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.

© 2014 James Brook