Puffing Billy locomotive 12A departing Menzies Creek. Belgrave to Gembrook bike ride, January 2019.
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Puffing Billy, Spirit of the Dandenongs

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A succinct look at Puffing Billy plus other narrow gauge railways in Victoria.

Author:Nick Anchen
Publisher:Sierra Publishing, 3rd edition, 2017.
ISBN:9780992538866
Characteristics:108 pages : illustrations (chiefly colour), photographs (chiefly colour) ; 24 cm.
Source:Yarra Plenty Library Service

This book seems to be a summary of The Narrow Gauge : Whitfield, Gembrook, Crowes, Walhalla, which is probably the best book to acquire as it covers all the Victorian narrow gauge railways in detail.

Puffing Billy-Spirit of the Dandenongs, cover
Puffing Billy-Spirit of the Dandenongs, cover

Anyway, the small size and focus on Puffing Billy, makes it an informative read, covering the railway’s history, stations, locomotives and rolling stock. Each is well described with relevant photos. There are also many historic photos showing the changing role of the railway over time.

Loco 11A arrives at newly opened Tecoma station with a busy holiday train, c.1925.
Loco 11A arrives at newly opened Tecoma station with a busy holiday train c1925. A very different scene to the hoardes of tourists that now ride Puffing Billy. Australian Railway Historical Society (Vic Div).

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