Historical information

Russel's Mill was located in what is now Bunyip State Park on the Back (or Black Snake) Creek in a relatively clear, flat area beside Ash Landing Road. In 1926 EAC Russel built the mill's 3ft gauge steel rail tramway - with Old Bill's Timber Tractor - to transport timber from the sawmill to what is now Puffing Billy's line. It ran 14 km from Gembrook Station. This tramway was one of only five in the state to use articulated steam power. The Timber Tractor was a six-wheeled Day's model, two of which ran on the Timber Tramway alongside two locomotives - a Kerr Stuart 0-4-2T (which was not powerful enough to do the job) and a geared locomotive built by Day's. The tractors were likely in use until 1953.

This photograph was taken by Norm Smith.

Significance

The timber tramway was a major contributor to the transport and industry of the area; it has been suggested that without the timber tramway's utility, the line that is now Puffing Billy would've ceased operation significantly earlier.

Physical description

This item is a colour photograph of a handmade model. The model depicts a six-wheeled Day's rail tractor, covered by a tin roof, on a track pulling a wagon full of timber. The railway model is mounted on a wooden base, which itself sits on a folded towel (seemingly in a home, with a couch in the background of the photograph). The tin roof is grey with simulated red rust. The tractor is black, with the engine partly exposed.

Inscriptions & markings

Handwritten, Reverse: "Timber Tractor "Russel's" / made by Joe Hilder / Norm Smith photo"
In-Photograph Label, Left: "EAC RUSSEL'S / Old Bill's / Timber Tractor"
In-Photograph Label, Right: "Handmade / Joe Hilder"
Reverse, Technical Information: "JOB22069 IMG_6502.jpg 5 of 6"