Commencement of the Construction of the line

"Today, July 31st 2019 is the 120th Anniversary of the commencement of the construction of the Upper Ferntree Gully to Gembrook Narrow Gauge Railway, now known as the Puffing Billy Railway.

On July 31st 1899, construction officially started and on August 1st 1899 fifty workers commenced felling trees along the route.

By November 1899 400 workers were employed on the line construction. On April 25th 1900 Locomotive 3A completed the first trial trip on the line and on December 18th 1900 the line was opened when Locomotive 4A hauled the first official train to Gembrook."

The above is an extract from the 1st edition of "The Puffing Billy Times" which has been produced by the PBPS Publications Committee as part of Project 120 which is celebrating and recognising the 120th Anniversary of the construction and opening of the UFTG-Gembrook Narrow Gauge Railway,1899-1900.

More information on events associated with Project 120 will be made available over coming months.