Historical information

Locomotive Head Board - Emerald Tourist Railway Board 1977 - 2017 40 Years
Historic - Puffing Billy Railway Locomotive Head Board used in the Celebration of Emerald Tourist Railway Board 1977 - 2017 40 Years

EMERALD TOURIST RAILWAY BOARD
1st October 1977 - 1st October 2017

Today marks the 40th anniversary of when the Emerald Tourist Railway Board took over the ownership of Puffing Billy from the Victorian Railways. Since then Puffing Billy has gone from strength to strength with the last few years seeing a huge increase in passenger numbers. A major investment over the next ten years will see a number of infrastructure projects being completed. A new (restored) locomotive and extra carriages will come into play and hopefully soon, the reopening of Puffing Billy's museum at Menzies Creek.
Puffing Billy has been around since 1900. With a minor hiccup in the 1950s and the rebuilding of the railway from Belgrave from the late 1950s to the early 1960s and onwards, the preserved heritage steam railway will hopefully continue to operate for many generations to come.
This photo was taken early this morning. The required loco's for the day were still being prepared and all shunting movements had been completed. The first of many passengers were just starting to arrive.
Photo & Info : Robert Smith : Past 2 Present

A gleaming NA locomotive 14A had the honour of hauling the first E.T.R.B. train while 7A had the last train by the Victorian Railways, both on the 1st October 1977.
7A left Belgrave at 11.10am for Lakeside and 14A left Belgrave at 2.10pm.This train also to Lakeside included the ex Mt Lyell carriage NBL1 for the conveyance of the official party. Both loco's are still operating today.
Photo: John E. Thompson (NG #67)

Significance

Historic - Puffing Billy Railway Locomotive Head Board used in the Celebration of Emerald Tourist Railway Board 1977 - 2017 40 Years

Physical description

Locomotive Head Board - Emerald Tourist Railway Board 1977 - 2017 40 Years
Circular steel sheet with vinyl stickers.

Inscriptions & markings

Emerald Tourist Railway Board
1977 - 2017
40 Years