As Billy puffs along
KANCHI KOHLI
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Australia’s century-old steam train running on a mountain track is the world’s oldest steam locomotive.
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Photo: Kanchi Kohli
Chugging up the mountains: Destination Lakeside Park.
Koo…chhuk chhuk chhuk! Most of us have played the steam train. Today was the real experience — Puffing Bill, Australia’s century-old steam train running on a mountain track in the Dandenong Ranges, 40 kilometres east of Melbourne. Puffing Billy was constructed in 1813-14 and is the world’s oldest surviving steam locomotive.
At Belgrave station, we were directed to the open coaches, a little away from the much fancier first class ones with air-locked glass windows. The Head Attendant shouted “All Aboard” and we hopped on. Billy hooted, and ran up steam. Billy was to take us on an enchanting, spectacular journey through the woods. We were headed towards the Lakeside on the Gembrook route.
Our first jerky stop was at Menzies Creek. To our benefit, the train was to stop there for longer, as the train from the Lakeside was delayed. With only one track both trains could not move alongside.
Beautiful countryside
As we moved a little higher into the hills and deeper into the woods towards the lake, it got colder and colder. The air was pure and clean. It was almost like the lungs are getting the much desired treatment.
We crossed the landslide point. In 1953, a landslide destroyed the original railway track and the new one was constructed a little further away. We crossed quaint crossings with passers-by and trekkers waving out to the kids on the train.
We reached Emerald, the Lakeside Park. By now it had started to drizzle. Emerald café and the hot chocolate beckoned. We spent the next half hour warming ourselves at the café before starting the journey back. Of course, the freezing cold did not stop us from enjoying a “choco bar” ice cream. It was a nice half hour ride back. The heritage rail gave us the most memorable experience. This ride reminded me of the several narrow gauge trains we have in India, the most popular being the rides to Shimla in Himachal Pradesh and Darjeeling in North Bengal. These heritage trains deserve a visit, for us to relive the past in the present.
Heritage steam railway
The railway was originally one of four experimental narrow gauge lines of the Victorian Railways opened around the beginning of the 20th century. It runs through the southern foothills of the Dandenong Ranges to Gembrook.
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