Puffing history in print

PUFFING Billy Railway recently hosted a special event to commemorate the launch of the new historical book, ‘Saving Puffing Billy’.
Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the railway re-opening in Emerald in 1965, the book focuses on how the train was saved, restored and re-opened.
To mark the occasion, a special train was run to Emerald on Saturday, 2 August.
President of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society, Jeff Goodwin, said the book was a high quality production.
Mr Goodwin said the book featured more than 300 photographs, historic documents and diagrams.
“This book presents a fascinating collection of personal reminiscences and anecdotes from people involved with the Society and its activities during that first decade,” he said.
“While detailing the enormous amount of time, effort and money contributed by volunteers from all walks of life, the story is interwoven with historical background information researched by Society member, Bill Russell.”
According to Mr Goodwin, the special train at the launch was run using the same engine and carriages used 50 years ago.
“Our passengers included those who have been members of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society for 50 years of more, holders of our prestigious Golf Pass and those who were involved in rebuilding Puffing Billy to Emerald all those years ago,” he said.
Mr Goodwin said it was wonderful to welcome so many people who had contributed to the success of the book.
The book is available for purchase in Puffing Billy’s Belgrave Shop, or from the online shop at www.puffingbilly.com.au.