Historical information

Puffing Billy was scheduled to be closed by the Victorian Government following falling passenger numbers and a landslide near Menzies Creek. This photograph is believed to have been taken on one of three special days in December 1954 and January 1955 negotiated by the Herald and Weekly Times for its 'Young Sun' readers before the line was permanently closed. A public campaign to reopen the line ensued. This photo is taken of the train crossing the road at Upper Ferntree gully. At that time, there was no railway bridge to separate the crossing from the road.

Physical description

Black and white photograph of Puffing Billy train crossing the road at Upper Ferntree Gully towards Belgrave c. December 1954 - the train is packed with passengers and with many well-wishers standing on the tracks.