Christine even supplied the overalls, my late mother had made the hat for me many years ago.
The loco I drove is a 1916 vintage 0-6-0 Saddle Tank, that is me (Geof) at the controls.
I never have looked good in a hat of any kind !
The Experience began with an inspection of their workshop facilities, locos, carriages
and wagons in various states of preservation. The Driver / Instructor (Lindsay) was meticulous in
divulging the vital safety aspects of preparing me for the tasks that the day would bring.
The real fun began with lubricating the loco while the fire began raising steam.
Next came inspection and checking of the train braking system to be sure it was ready to run.
To get a feel for the controls, I was first asked to shunt the carriages ready for the 16km trip.
After a few jerky starts and abrupt halts, I did develope smooth control, enough to be trusted with passengers.
Then it was time to couple up to the four carriages and leave for the town of Drysdale.
Accompanying us on the trip
Ted & Dot, Chris' parents,
Daughter Lara and Son Luke
Lara in the Cab ...........................................Luke boarding 'on the run'.
This picturesque journey is well worth the fare, here, a photo stop along the way.
On arriving at Drysdale, the Loco was un-coupled and run around train.
The Loco was watered, then we coupled up to the other end of train to head home.
Loco running in reverse we stopped along the way to pick up a Wedding Party for Queenscliff.
They did not know that they had a trainee Driver operating their train that day.
Back at Queenscliff, everyone arrived safely and to a comfortable stop.
The BPR volunteers have done a great job of preserving miscellaneous items around the station.
The day was an experience of a lifetime for anyone who does not normally operate trains.
All six of us continued on our way enjoying the remaining days of our vacation trip.
We had seen Geelong, toured the Bellarine Peninsular, done the Train ride,
we put the car on the Ferry across to Sorrento,
drove around the Mornington Peninsular before heading back into Melbourne via Frankston.
That night we had dinner on the Restaurant Tram that travels around the city while you dine.
Next day we had lunch in Lygon Street then left for the Airport
What a great memorable birthday trip !!
