A thorough look at the narrow gauge railway experiment in Victoria.
| Author: | Nick Anchen |
| Publisher: | Melbourne : Sierra Publishing, 2012. |
| ISBN: | 9780980764031 |
| Characteristics: | vii, 216 p. : ill. (some col.), facsims., maps (some col.), ports. ; 25 x 30 cm. |
| Source: |
This book is much more detailed than Puffing Billy-Spirit of the Dandenongs and Puffing Billy in the Modern Era. It covers all four narrow gauge lines in Victorian Railway’s experiment, and it’s interesting to compare each one. Out of the three books on narrow gauge railways, this is the one to own. And it’s a perfect coffee table book!
There is much information to be read about each of the lines, from how they began as an idea to community support and opposition and construction. There are many beautiful, clear, large photos of the railways opening and running.
The author covers the politics of the part revival of narrow gauge railway from Moe to Walhalla line. Ron Kain founded the W & TRST (Walhalla & Thompson River Steam Tramway). Only Victorian Railways could operate railways, hence calling it a “tramway”.
Ron was a bit of a mad genius, brilliant at building machinery (including steam powered cement mixer) and railways but very dominating, which doesn’t work well with volunteer staff. He owned the steam locomotive and track (which only ran a few hundred metres).
In the end this failed and after a couple more restarts and fails the Walhalla Goldfields Railway is running as a successful tourist railway, with a spectacular section along Stringy Creek with the rails seemingly suspended above the creek through the tight ravine.
Further Information
 | Narrow-gauge lines of the Victorian RailwaysThe former Victorian Railways, the state railway authority in Victoria, Australia, built a number of experimental 2 ft 6 in (762 mm) narrow-gauge lines around the beginning of the 20th century. Although all were closed by the early 1960s, parts of two have been reopened as heritage railways. Viewed: October 14, 2024 2:43 pm |
 | Puffing Billy RailwayPuffing Billy, Australia's Favourite Steam Train runs daily (except Christmas Day). Viewed: April 28, 2018 2:56 pm |
 | Walhalla Goldfields RailwayAll aboard a very special journey down Stringer’s Creek Gorge. Experience the beauty of our railway. Viewed: October 14, 2024 2:49 pm |
