PBR GEMBROOK EXTENSION

by Roderick Smith & Ted Godwin

PBR is one of the world's oldest preservation railways. It runs on 364 days per year, and is now longer than most others: on Sun.18.10, the 11 km extension to the original terminus was opened formally, a major triumph for ETRB, PBPS, volunteers, the railway-enthusiast movement and the local area. This article has been adapted by Roderick Smith for the PBR web page from Nov.98 Rail News Victoria, incorporating additional information from Dec.98 RNV. Reproduced with Permission.

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INDEX

REOPENING DAY, SUN.18.10

Plan: A 9.30 special from Belgrave would take members to Gembrook heritage platform to witness the arrival of the opening special at the town platform and to participate in festivities. The official special would leave at 10.30, combined with the regular tour-group carriages as far as Menzies Creek. There would be a golden-spike ceremony at Lakeside; at Gembrook, the train would burst through a paper barrier to arrive at the new town platform, where the main speeches would be made in the adjacent park. The official party would have lunch at Ranges Hotel bistro (and two other venues).

Celebrations:

• Members on the 9.30 special were encouraged to dress in period costumes; PBR supplied sketches.
• Gemco (a local theatre group, which has participated in other PBR special days) provided street theatre.
• Phil A'Vard (Vice President of the Society) provided announcements at Belgrave in a suitably florid turn-of-the-century style.
• Gembrook was in full festive mode, with community and transport groups (most of which had been involved in PBR Old Time Festivals) providing a wide range of activities.
• Carparking was on the fringe of town (at a school, the football ground and the community centre), with shuttles provided by vintage buses (1940s to 1970s) supplied by Bus & Coach Society and Historic Commercial Vehicle Club members.
• Vintage vehicles, horse-drawn hearses & a brewery cart and steam traction engines & lorries paraded in the station environs.
• There was a woodchopping display in Russell Park (on the eastern flank of the station), which was also the site of the speeches (made from a special dais decorated with a portrait of Queen Victoria).
• Other displays included PBR track trolleys, a fairground organ, a street organ, pig racing, a motorcycle display and an animal farm.
• Weather conditions prevented a Royal Australian Air Force hot-air balloon from making an ascent.
• Police Historical Society members, dressed in 1900 uniforms, strolled through the crowed. Food outlets and other stalls were set up around the station; Transitions (Melbourne Transit Band), City of Dandenong Band and Dandenong Ranges Orchestra were playing.
• Town businesses were open.
• Sept.98 (issue 150) PBPS Narrow Gauge was a special souvenir edition, subtitled Rails to Gembrook.
• Other memorabilia items included: a new Puffing Billy souvenir book, a 1999 Puffing Billy calendar, an official first-day envelope (Gembrook post office was open to frank these), hand-thrown pottery mugs, and a brass keytag replicating a first-class Belgrave to Gembrook & return first-class Edmondson ticket.

Actual Timetable (see also the Official Timetable Circular):

• The 6.30 down was the daily track patrol, returning as the 8.10.
• The 11.30 up was the loco from the 9.30 down, returning to bank the official train (the 10.30 down) up the grade from Cockatoo before running the 12.50 up.
• The 11.05 from Menzies Creek was a loco and carriages detached from the 10.30 down, to form the 12.00 down.
• The 15.30 up was the returning official train. The timetable required unusual crosses: at Cockatoo at 13.20 and at 14.52, and at Emerald at 14.10.

How it ran: The day ran fairly much as planned, in mild and pleasant weather, and was not overshadowed by the fallen-tree incident from the previous day.

• The track patrol was delayed clearing two or three fallen trees or limbs: one was over the perway compound at the down end of Emerald (it fell at 2.30); another was near Cockatoo. It got back only as far as Lakeside to cross the 9.30. Because of the need to transfer a staff, the 9.30 and all subsequent trains were delayed by about 20-30 min.
  
• The 9.30 down was NA8-NBHC11-NBH12-NBH19-NQR223-NQR219-NQR222-NBH16-NBH5-NBH4-NBH22-NBH51-NBC2, the first 12-car train to Gembrook. About half of the passengers had obtained period outfits, and there was a cheerful picnic mood. The train spent 17 min at Menzies Creek, waiting for the staff to be transferred from Emerald (the delayed track patrol could get back only as far as Lakeside to cross the 9.30, instead of Menzies Creek as planned). The 9.30 used track 1 at Lakeside (a rail had been removed from track 2, to be reinserted as part of the official ceremony), made a steady ascent from Cockatoo, and arrived at Gembrook heritage platform at 11.41. The town was already thronged with spectators who had come by car. The Climax, which had been sent to Gembrook on Saturday, was used as the shunting loco; NBH 4 & 22 were detached. Passengers munched an early lunch while securing vantage points to photograph the official train.
  
• The 10.30 down left Belgrave as NA14-NA7-NBD5-NAL1-NAL3-NAL4-NAL2-NQR146-NBH52-NAC26-NB24-NBH17-NBH7-NBH3-NBH20-NBH21. NA7 and the rear five NBHs were detached at Menzies Creek; they returned to Belgrave; the NBHs became the rear portion of the 12.00 down.
  
• The official train continued as NA14-NBD5-NAL1(Mt Lyell)-NAL3(Teepookana)-NAL4(Dubbil Barril)-NAL2(Rinadeena)-NQR146-NBH52-NAC26-NB24. Riverside Ramblers jazz band was playing aboard 146 (an open NQR) for some or all of the journey. Official guests included representatives of major sponsors, and representatives of Australian and overseas tourist railways. At Lakeside track 2, Transport Minister Cooper drove the gold spike to mark the official completion of the project. The train was banked in the rear from Cockatoo by NA8, and arrived at Gembrook heritage platform at 12.58. NA8 was detached, and the train moved forward to break through a paper barrier to terminate at the new town platform (the first train to do so). Speeches were made by John Robinson (ETRB Chairman), Transport Minister Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister Fischer and the Shire President. At the official lunch, a Spanish railway hat (donated by Mr Fischer) was auctioned.
  
• The 12.50 up departed about 20 min late, NA8-NBC-3xNBH-3xNQR-2xNBH-NBHC.
  
• The 12.00 down was NA7-NC2-NQR220-NQR221-NBH13-NQR135-NBH17-NBH7-NBH3-NBH20-NBH21, and terminated at the town platform at 14.02 (the first public train to do so). The set was used for the 14.30 up (departing at 14.44), hauled by NA14.
  
• The 13.20 down was NA12-NC5-NBH1-NBH18-NBH6-NBH8-NBH10-NBH2-NBH15-NBH14, and terminated at the heritage platform at 15.35, as the main platform was occupied by the official train (with NA7), which departed at 15.47. Two extra NBHs were attached at the up end before the train docked to form the 16.00 up (NA12-10xNBH-NC), departing at 16.25. This train arrived at Lakeside at 17.01, with the 17.10 (the same as the 12.50 up) ready to depart. Many passengers transferred to that train, as the day was cooling rapidly. The 17.10 left at 17.05; the delayed up Gembrook departed at 17.24, stopped at Emerald for 14 min and at Menzies Creek for 7 min, and arrived at Belgrave at 18.35.
  
• The NSW magazine Railway Digest estimated that the total crowd for the day (passengers and onlookers) was 10 000.

THE FIRST WEEK

Mon.19.10: The 10.30 down was NA7 with 10 vehicles. It arrived at Emerald at 11.28 (13 min late), and detached NBH17. Climax 1694 arrived at 12.13, having left Gembrook at about 10.30, travelling light. The 11.15 down was NA12-NAC26-NBH13-NBH1-NBH18-NBH6-NAL1-NAL3-NC2. 30 passengers (Probus groups) boarded at Emerald. The train was at Lakeside 12.30-39; Cockatoo 12.56; and arrived at Gembrook at 13.27 (27 min late). About 80 to 100 passengers alighted. The 15.00 up departed at 15.04, in heavy rain. About 100-120 passengers boarded (including three groups). The train was at Cockatoo at 15.30 (schd 15.20); Lakeside 15.49-16.01 (15.50, cross NA14 with five vehicles); Emerald 16.16-22 (16.05, 30 passengers alighted); Menzies Creek 16.35-41 (16.20); Belgrave 17.04 (16.43). The new station at Gembrook was still not fully fitted (eg no grille on the booking office off street).

Tues.20.10: The 11.15 down was NA14-NAC-4xNBH-NC (Monday's set without the NALs).

Wed.21.10: The 11.15 down was NA7-NAC-4xNBH-NC (Tuesday's set).

Thurs.22.10: The 11.15 down was NA12-NAC-4xNBH-NBH5-NAL-NC (Wednesday's set with two extra carriages).

Fri.23.10: The 11.15 down was NA12-NAC-5xNBH-NC (Thursday's set without the NAL).

Sat.24.10: The 10.30 down was NA8-NAC-NAL1-5xNBH-NC (Friday's set plus an NAL). There was a 10.00 down Great Race (vintage cars) special: NA12-NQR221-NQR135-NQR223-NQR219-NAL3-NAL4-NAL2-NBC2. This was overtaken by the 10.30 down at Lakeside, and formed a 15.30 ex Gembrook. The 13.30 down was NA7-NBHC11-NBH19-NBH51-NBH7-NBH16-NBH12-NBH8-NBH10.

Sun.25.10: An 8.00 Belgrave (Emerald?) - Gembrook empty working was 861-NQR221-NQR146. This ran local trips ex Gembrook: 10.20, 11.05 & 12.30 to Fielder bridge, and 13.45 to Fielder. It formed a 15.30 empty to Emerald. The 10.30 down was NA8-NBHC-7xNBH-NQR223-NQR219 (Saturday's 13.30 plus 2xNQR). The 13.30 down was NA12-NAC26-NQR222-NQR220-NQR135-NBH13-NBH1-NBH18-NBH6-NBH5-NC2.

TRAINS BEFORE THE DAY

This is a complete list of steam-hauled trains to Cockatoo and beyond prior to the official reopening day. It does not include the shuttles run from Gembrook station to Main Rd, Orchard Rd & Fielder while the Gembrook section was still isolated. Most of these used the Peckett (Sir John Grice, masquerading as ‘Peter Peckett’); some plant trains used NRT1 (other locos had too much overhang to be offloaded from the semitrailer).

Between 1991 and 1998 there were 300 transfers between Emerald & Gembrook by road (each direction counts as one trip). The list does not include the many diesel-hauled ballast and work trains in the period covered, nor any train which stopped short of Cockatoo.

The shakedown specials were run mainly for crew training. By returning to Lakeside, locos and crews could be exchanged with a scheduled train. Many ran empty.

The weekday Gembrook - Belgrave departure was at 14.50 rather than 15.20. NA8 was chosen for the Tues.9.6 (first NA to Cockatoo) and Sat.12.6 (first shakedown trip to Gembrook) trips because it had hauled the last train from Gembrook before the line was closed: the 16.00 up car goods on Mon.3.8.53, with Ian Barkla firing. Ian (who had been a PBR driver for many years) was on the footplate when NA8 headed the first shakedown trip into Gembrook, 45 years later. All shakedown trips terminated at the heritage platform, leaving the honour of being the first train to the new town platform to the official opening train.

• Sun.23.3: D21 from Belgrave to bridge 9, then NRT1...D21 to Gembrook.
• Sat.28.3: Peckett Emerald to Gembrook & return, with shuttle trips to Fielder bridge and Fielder.
• Sat.25.4: 861 (John Benn) & Peckett Emerald to Gembrook & return, with shuttle trips (locos alternated) to Fielder bridge and Fielder.
• Tues.9.6: A special for Federal Minister for Tourism used DH59 Gembrook to Cockatoo. NA8 ran light to Cockatoo, then hauled the up special (with the DH following light).
• Sat.20.6: LRRSA special with Climax 1694 Emerald to Cockatoo & return.
• Fri.26.6: DH59-NA7 on a photographic special (with passengers from Emerald Primary School) to Cockatoo, then NA leading & DH trailing to Fielder bridge (bridge 10) & return, then NA-DH ex Cockatoo.
• Sat.12.9: NA8-NA12 on a 9.50 Belgrave - Gembrook members' shakedown special. This train was packed, and was of great emotional significance. NA8 had worked the last train from Gembrook in 1953. Ian Barkla, the fireman of that train (and long-time PBR driver), was a passenger on the special. NA8 worked a 12.30 to Lakeside; NA7 worked a 13.40 from Lakeside; NA12-NA7 worked a 15.20 Gembrook - Belgrave.
• Sat.19.9: NA14 worked a 7.30 Belgrave - Gembrook work train, and made several ballasting trips ex Gembrook. The up train combined with the 16.45 ex Lakeside (NA12-NA14).
• Sat.26.9: Shakedown special: NA12 Belgrave - Gembrook - Lakeside; NA14 Lakeside - Gembrook - Belgrave.
• Sun.27.9: Shakedown special: NA8 Belgrave - Gembrook - Lakeside; NA14 Lakeside - Gembrook - Belgrave.
• Wed.30.9: 11.15 charter luncheon special ex Belgrave, NA14, conveying passengers Lakeside - Gembrook - Lakeside.
• Thurs.1.10: Shakedown special: NA8 Belgrave - Gembrook - Lakeside; NA12 Lakeside - Gembrook - Belgrave.
• Sat.3.10: Shakedown special: NA7 Belgrave - Gembrook - Lakeside; NA12 Lakeside - Gembrook - Belgrave. NM13 was a vehicle from Belgrave (the first NA-hauled mixed since restoration? - on Sun.22 .3 there had been an NQR in the train, diesel hauled).
• Sun.4.10: Shakedown special: NA7 Belgrave - Gembrook - Lakeside; NA14 Lakeside - Gembrook - Belgrave.
• Tues.6.10: Shakedown special: NA7 Belgrave - Gembrook - Lakeside; NA14 Lakeside - Gembrook - Belgrave.
• Thurs.8.10: Shakedown special: NA8 Belgrave - Gembrook - Lakeside; NA7 Lakeside - Gembrook - Belgrave. Primary-school passengers were conveyed on the first down and second up between Cockatoo and Gembrook; otherwise the train was empty.
• Sun.11.10: 7.30 work train, NA12: Belgrave - Gembrook - Cockatoo (load ballast) - horseshoe curve (62 km) - Cockatoo (load ballast) - Gembrook - Cockatoo (load ballast) - Orchard Rd - Lakeside. The up train combined with the 16.45 ex Lakeside (NA7-NA12).
• Wed.14.10: 9.20 school special, NA8, Belgrave to Gembrook & return. Passengers were conveyed from Lakeside to Gembrook on the down journey; otherwise the train was empty.
• Sat.17.10: Climax 1694 ran light from Belgrave (dep. 9.30) to Gembrook, to be used as the yard shunting loco next day. It towed DH59 as far as Emerald, to be available on standby next day.

GENESIS OF THE PROJECT

Tues.18.12.1900: The railway was opened to Gembrook, without ceremony.

1946-47: there were 12 700 passenger journeys; in 1952-53 there were only 2600. A third landslide between Selby and Menzies Creek, in Dec.52, was cleared. A fourth landslide between Selby and Menzies Creek, in Aug.53, resulted in the cessation of train services, and the decision to close the line. It was closed officially from 30.5.54. On Wed.13.10.54, NA3 ran from Upper Ferntree Gully to Belgrave to collect stranded wagons.

Sat.11.12.54: David Burke and Ian Jones of Melbourne Sun newspaper prompted the paper to sponsor farewell trips between Upper Ferntree Gully and Belgrave, carrying 2500 children and watched by 30 000 people. NA3 was used. The name Puffing Billy (not used for this train before) was adopted to promote these trips. On Mon.27.12.54, a second day of Young Sun farewell trips was provided. VR ran more farewell trips, on Sat.1.1, Mon.3.1 & Mon.31.1.55, prompting Harold Hewitt to call a public rally to save the railway. From Sat.9.4.55 (Easter), operation under a guarantee system commenced, with volunteer ticket sellers and safety officers. Trains ran on Mon.11.4. Puffing Billy Preservation Society was formed on Wed.8.6.55.

Sun.23.2.58: This was the last day of operation between Upper Ferntree Gully and Belgrave, which would be rebuilt as a bg electric line on an improved alignment. NA6 & NA7 were used alternately. Already there was agreement to restore the disused line beyond Belgrave (initially to Menzies Creek, aiming for Lakeside). 3000 m³ of fill was deposited to create a bypass around the landslide. Carriages  (NBH 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 & 13) were transferred to Colac for a series of memorable excursions to Gellibrand, Beech Forest and Weeaproinah. The bg electric line was opened on Sun.18.2.62 (PBPS members had a role in the opening ceremony, travelling aboard Harris set 709M-809T-533BT-708M-808T-807T-707M). The last train to Beech Forest (an ARHS special) ran on Sat.30.6.62, using open wagons (the carriages had been transferred in readiness for the reopening to Menzies Creek).

Sat.28.7.62: The official reopening train ran from Belgrave to Menzies Creek (the line had been reopened by VR from Sat.21.7, WN30/62). Mr E R Meagher (Acting Minister for Transport) gave the opening speech at Belgrave station. VR Deputy Chairman Brown was on the footplate with Driver Barkla as the first train left Belgrave. A band played in the coal stage. There had been members' shakedown trips on the preceding weekend. Work on restoring beyond Menzies Creek (including bypassing the landslide) continued. Ballast and plant trains ran to Emerald from Fri..4.12.64; shakedown trains ran from Sat.17.7.65.

Sat.31.7.65: The line was reopened officially to Emerald. A special train (NA6 with NBC, NB, NBH, NBL & NC carriages & vans; NBL1 was the viceregal carriage) conveyed Sir Rohan Delacombe (Governor of Victoria) and spectators, bursting through streamers as it left Menzies Creek. Sir Rohan gave the opening speech, at Emerald, from a fern-covered canopy built on open wagon NQR135. Work continued on the extension to Lakeside: a slower process, as there was more existing railway to maintain, and higher standards were being adopted for further restoration work. A ballast train to Lakeside on Sat.16.8.75 (NA12) was the first train there since 1953.

Sat.18.10.75: The line was reopened officially to Lakeside. Two special trains ran. A 13.20 down conveyed spectators: NA7-NC-9xNBH-NBD. The 14.05 official train was NA6-NAC-NQR151-4xNBL-NBC. The NQR open wagon conveyed a band playing aboard. The NA failed at Emerald; NA7 ran light from Lakeside to haul the train through the paper barrier at Lakeside (with NA6's headboard transferred to it). Premier Hamer gave the opening speech, at Lakeside.

Oct.77: Emerald Tourist Railway Board was formed, and took over the line from VR. The idea of extending to Gembrook arose at about this time. The 2 millionth passenger was carried on Sat.19.8.78.

1988: A start on extending the line beyond Lakeside was made: a project intended to rekindle interest after 30 years of operation. The extension halted at the park boundary for many years, as the remaining reservation in Sherbrooke Shire was no longer zoned for railway use.

Feb.91: A start on rebuilding was made from the Gembrook end (a small bridge near Fielder had been built by the Army in 1990). The aim was to complete the railway for the centenary of the original opening.

Sat.13.7.91: NQR125 was taken to Gembrook by road, the first railway vehicle there since 1953; a second NQR followed. The vehicles were delivered on a rail-fitted semitrailer, with a prime mover supplied by CRT Transport. On Fri.19.7, NRT1 was delivered to Gembrook, the first loco there since 1953. Over Sat.20-Sun.21.7, it worked ballast trains. The practice of running trains at Gembrook on market days was established: NRT1-NBH10 on Sat.28.9; Peckett-NBH10 on Sat.28.11. The Peckett had also been at Gembrook on Fri.18 & Sat.19.10 to work ballast trains. Progressively, the range of market specials was extended from Main Rd to Orchard Rd to Fielder bridge to Fielder. Work at the Lakeside end commenced on Sat.22-Sun.23.2.92. Significant assistance was provided by Andrews Foundation (this provided much of the ballast).

Sat.13.6.92: NA7 hauled a ballast train past Wrights Rd (Emerald), almost to the site of bridge 8 (the first NA that far since 1953). Work had started on restoring Gembrook water tank, funded by a government grant awarded in 1991. Track from Gembrook reached Wright by Aug.92 [see footnote]. PBR work parties retrieved bridge components from Yanga Creek bridge (Balranald line) from Sat.27.3.93. PBR engineers designed bridges which would match the heritage feel, yet offer long life and low maintenance: metal girders on timber trestles sitting on camouflaged concrete footings. This allowed shorter timber uprights to be used: timbers of the length used a century ago would be very difficult to obtain. Funding for bridges came from government grants and private donors. The 30th anniversary of reopening from Belgrave was celebrated on Sat.25.7.92. At 10.50, the 1962 President and Vice President gave speeches at Belgrave. At 11.10, a group photo was taken of people who had been volunteer workers in 1962. A special train departed at 11.20, with the same loco & driver (NA7 & Ian Barkla) as the Sat.28.7.62 train had had. A second division had D21. At Menzies Creek there were activities, with Peckett shuttles to Clematis and Climax shuttles to the landslide site. The up special had the three steam locos tripleheading.

Sat.22.5.93: The first train from Gembrook to Orchard Rd ran, worked by NRT1. On Sat.19.6, NRT-2xNQR became the first train to cross Orchard Rd since 1953. On Sat.25.9.93, the first revenue train to Orchard Rd was Peckett-NQR-NBH. On Sun.12.9, NRT ran over freshly-laid skeletal track from Orchard Rd across Fielder bridge). Over 12.-13.2.94, 1100 m of skeletal track was laid from Fielder bridge back to the site of Fielder station. Over 17-18.9.94, 1.8 m of skeletal track was laid from Doonaha Rd back to Cockatoo station. By this date, two of the three intermediate trestles for bridge 7 at Wright had been erected.

Sat.11.5.96: On Sat.11.5.96, tracks were completed across bridge 8 (the large Wright trestle); NA14 ran over it. This linked to tracks laid towards Cockatoo in April: all but 150 m of the extension had been laid. The gap was at Cockatoo Creek. In April, work on a replica station at Fielder was in progress. This was funded by members of the Fielder family.

Fri.27.2.98: An ETRB board group travelled from Belgrave to the uncompleted bridge 9 (Cockatoo Creek) behind NA7, walked past the site, then continued to Gembrook behind the Peckett. The final spans were placed on Fri.6.3. Track was laid over Sat.22-Sun.23.3. On Sunday, there was a ceremony at the bridge at 10.00 to mark the linking of Belgrave and Gembrook. Because it was a total fire ban day, D21 hauled a special from Belgrave; NRT1 propelled one from Gembrook. The two were combined, and NRT1 headed the first through Belgrave - Gembrook train since 1953 across the bridge. Over the next few months, ballasting was completed and ancillary structures were built (notably a large station building in traditional style at the end of tracks at Gembrook). Timetables were printed; new fares were calculated; fare charts were designed; over 100 000 tickets were printed; several ticket cabinets and more than 300 ticket tubes were repaired and restored to near-new condition. From Sat.12.9, shakedown trips were run for members, principally to train crews in the new route. The opening date, Sun.18.10, had been set early in the year.

Photos & Captions

Gembrook: The official opening train, NA14, breaks through the ceremonial arch. Sun.18.10.98. (Donald Sharp)

Belgrave: RNV passengers in period outfits boarding the 9.30 special. Sun.18.10.98. (Annabel Brownell)

Gembrook: Climax 1694 shunting opening-day trains. Sun.18.10.98. (Alex McCooke)

Gembrook: John Robinson & Transport Minister Cooper on the dais. Sun.18.10.98. (Donald Sharp)

Orchard Rd: First revenue working, Peckett-NQR-NBH. Sat.25.9.93. (Roderick Smith)

Bridge 8: First train over the new bridge, NA14. Sat.11.5.96. (John Ross)

Gembrook: Offloading the Peckett from the semitrailer. Sat.25.9.93. (Roderick Smith)

Cockatoo: Australian Army helping PBR once again. Sun.18.10.98. (Annabel Brownell)

Gembrook: Ballast train, DH59 with two WGR hoppers & a PBR ex-TGR one. Sat.15.8.98. (Alex McCooke)

Gembrook: The first shakedown trip, NA8 (last there in 1953) & NA12. Sat.12.9.98. (Alex McCooke)

Lakeside: NA7 under the arch. Sat.18.10.75. (Roderick Smith)

Belgrave: NA on reopening day. Sat.28.7.62. (Hal Hennell)

Lakeside: 9.30 special, NA8. Sun.18.10.98. (Annabel Brownell)

Gembrook: Reopening plaques. Sun.18.10.98. (Donald Sharp)

Gembrook?: Carriages. c1920. (Leonard Smith)

Menzies Creek: Emerald reopening special, NA6, breaking streamers. Sat.31.7.65. (Roderick Smith)

Upper Ferntree Gully: Young Sun farewell special, NA3. Sat.11.12.54. (Neil Smith)

REFERENCES

• Mar.58 DD p23: Last run from Upper Ferntree Gully (plus photos in the 1974 reprint edition).
• Aug.62 DD p6 & p10: Reopening to Menzies Creek.
• Edward A Downs Speed limit 20 (ARHS Vic, 1963).
• Aug.65 DD p1-4: Reopening to Emerald.
• Nov.75 Nrl p253: Ballast train to Lakeside.
• Dec.75 Nrl p270-275: Reopening to Lakeside.
• Nov.90 RNV p15: Shire of Sherbrooke approval for reconstruction; Oct.90 infrastructure projects by army engineers.
• Apr.91 RNV p15: Photos of the new army-built bridge at Fielder, and of track at Gembrook.
• Aug.91 RNV p15: Photo of a ballast train on the first weekend of operation at Gembrook.
• Dec.91 RNV p18 & 22: Gembrook market specials commence; photo of Sir Rohan Delacombe arriving at Emerald on the reopening special on Sat.31.7.65.
• Jan.92 RNV p14: More Gembrook market specials.
• Mar.92 RNV p16: Start of work at Lakeside.
• Apr.92 RNV p16: Photo of Peckett-NQR-NBH at Gembrook on Sat.21.12.91.
• Aug.92 RNV p1, 15 & 22: 30th anniversary of the reopening to Menzies Creek (photos of 11.12.54 farewell and 31.7.65 Emerald reopening).
• Sept.92 RNV p15: NA beyond Lakeside; Gembrook water tank.
• June 93 RNV p19: Progress, including the first train to Orchard Rd.
• Oct.93 RNV p20: Photo of the first revenue train to Orchard Rd.
• June 96 RNV p33: Photo of the first train on bridge 8.
• July 98 RNV p24-25 & 32-35: Photos of various 1998 Gembrook operations.
• Sept.98 PBPS Narrow Gauge.
• 16, 17 & 19.10.98 Melbourne Sun.

FOOTNOTES

Inconsistencies: The statement ‘Track from Gembrook reached Wright by Aug.92’ may have been intended to refer to Gembrook - Fielder, or may have been intended to refer to track-bed preparation. Track was extended back to Fielder bridge shortly before Sun.12.9.93; back to Fielder station over 12.-13.2.94; and back to Cockatoo station over 17-18.9.94. It may also have been intended to refer to track from Lakeside, which reached bridge 8 by Sat.13.6.92.

PBPS: The organisation has held a position of considerable importance in the Victorian railway-enthusiast movement. Many people who have worked for another group have been PBPS volunteers too. Dating from Oct.55, when Tom Murray (of Scotch College) established a schools section of the track-maintenance branch, PBR has been a place for younger railway enthusiasts to participate and make a worthwhile contribution. VSRCA (which flourished in the late fifties and early sixties) had strong links with PBPS; the same people spawned ARE. PBPS ran an annual bg steam tour, including the first railway-enthusiast trip to use an R-class loco (R739, Flying Macedonian, to Woodend on Sat.26.7.58).

Memories (Roderick): On one family picnic, we drove from South Melbourne to Emerald Lake before the closure: I watched a down train arriving. My parents clipped coupons from Sun News-Pictorial so that I could travel on one of the Sat.11.12.54 farewell specials (aged 5, and supervising my 3 year old brother). On various picnics we explored parts of the line (including bridges beyond Lakeside before they were burnt out). As a family, we made several journeys to Belgrave and to Weeaproinah. I missed the 1962 reopening, but have been aboard all of the others. One photo which accompanies this article was taken by my uncle (who was born in 1906). My father's family would stay with a socialite aunt, who had a holiday house at Upwey. The photo must have been taken in about 1920: it shows NBH carriages (in service from 1919), but could not have been taken much after 1921 (when my uncle started an apprenticeship after being orphaned in 1920). The location has not been identified with certainty: the straight track suggests Gembrook, but it may be Upper Ferntree Gully. Feedback since the publication has been varied:

• Upper Ferntree Gully before the 1924 rearrangement of the station (minority view).
• Two readers state that it is certainly Gembrook, as the swingdoor carriages were always marshalled at the Belgrave end. The condition of the NBHs suggests that it is well after 1920, but certainly before 1942 (when they lost full-length running boards).

Memories (Ted): Ted was one of the schoolboy volunteers in the late 50s and early 60s. At a mid 1998 ARE meeting he showed slides of an adventurous day when a group took a track trolley to Gembrook by car, and ran it over the disused line (including through blackberries at the original small Fielder bridge).