Train lovers had a rare opportunity to see the restoring progress of a steam locomotive and 45-year-old railway carriage in Queenscliff.
The Bellarine Railway held workshop open days on Saturday November 9 and Sunday November 10 at 26 Bridge Street.
Life member Michael Menzies said people witnessed the restoration of the sole surviving Australian Standard Garratt steam locomotive, G33, and a timber-bodied railway carriage from South Australian Railways’ narrow gauge carriage Car 19.
“You don’t normally get the opportunity to wander around a railway workshop and see a steam locomotive dismantled,” he said.
“In this case, we’ve got a steam locomotive that’s being overhauled, and it’s about three-quarters finished now, but one section of it’s still completely dismantled.
“They could see how it all goes together and, the other end of it is sort of reassembled, so they could see the main boiler section and the drivers cab, as well as hop up and have a look in them.”
Visitors were able to walk around the vehicles and see a 1912 steam crane in action during the workshop event.
Mr Menzies said he hoped the event encouraged more people to volunteer and help restore steam locomotives and railway carriages in Queenscliff.
“People don’t need any particular skills to come along and help with the work. There’s something for everybody to do,” he said.
“We are hoping to encourage a few more volunteers to come down to the workshop during the main working days on Tuesdays and Saturdays.”
Visit bellarinerailway.com.au/volunteer for more information on how to volunteer with the Bellarine Railway.
