NGG/16 129 Heading to Gembrook - 762 Media
A casual chat over a meal among Puffing Billy Railway fans led to the restoration of the South African Class NGG/16 129 Garratt locomotive. This remarkable achievement followed 23 years of fundraising and hard work. Originally built in 1951 for the South African Railways, the NGG/16 locomotive was essential for transporting goods across South Africa's rugged terrain.
In 1996, Peter Ralph and Alan Gardner spearheaded the purchase of this locomotive for the Puffing Billy fleet. They rallied support from Puffing Billy Preservation Society members and raised over $80,000 in three months, with an additional $30,000 from the PBPS.
After negotiating its purchase from South Africa, the locomotive arrived in Belgrave in 1996. Over the next 15 years, fundraising continued for its $2.4 million restoration. Finally, in 2019, after the dedicated efforts of volunteers like John Brady, Harry Hibgame, and Russell Hicks, the NGG/16 129 locomotive returned to service on December 18, coinciding with Puffing Billy's 119th birthday.
With its original features restored, including gleaming silver boiler bands and polished copper piping, the NGG/16 is ready to pull 16 carriages of passengers. The locomotive was unveiled at Belgrave Station on December 18, marking its grand return after 23 years. Volunteers, supporters, and the public came together to celebrate this achievement and express their gratitude.
PUFFING BILLY IS AUSTRALIA'S PREMIER PRESERVED STEAM RAILWAY
A timeless world of wonder, Australia’s favourite steam train, Puffing Billy is located in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges and only one-hour east of Melbourne.
Whether it’s energetic adventure, a touch of nostalgia or cultural experiences, there is something for everyone at Puffing Billy Railway.
Built in 1900 to serve the local communities that lived in the hills, carrying anything from passengers to timber, livestock, potatoes and plants, the railway is now a major tourist attraction that invites visitors to come and experience a century old tradition every day of the year, except Christmas Day, thanks to the tireless efforts of more than 300 volunteers.
ALL ABOARD A LIVING TIME MACHINE
Take in the magic of steam train travel from the moment you arrive, with the sight of the historic locomotives being prepared for departure at the station, the smell of steam billowing out of the vessel’s chimney and the evocative sound of the train’s whistle. Before long, their friendly conductors will help you on board the open-side carriages for a serene ride over the hills, across the iconic timber trestle bridges, down the valley and into the forest on the original mountain track between Belgrave and Gembrook.
For more information on the NGG and it's return, please visit https://puffingbilly.com.au/news/media-releases/restored-ng-g16-locomotive-back-in-steam/
For more on Puffing Billy visit: https://puffingbilly.com.au/
For Tickets. visit: https://puffingbilly.com.au/buy-tickets/
Please note: All visitors are required to book tickets online