Steam Train Driving Day.

Well what a fantastic time... The first pictures are as Gai's camera started to die, hence the quality of the pictures is not so good so she had to end up using the SLR. Mum's photos have got a date of 2003 on them, and her memory card got full.. Now why didn't we think of the camera in our phone ???.     Probably because we are used to taking pictures with a camera !!

The day started with me being shown the grease points and then I had to get on with greasing these points. Meanwhile the little engine was warming up. While doing this Scott was also explaining how things work. Gives you an appreciation for how hard the driver and fireman have to work. It's not just like getting into a car and turning the key.

Once we were all ready to go it was then time for some shunting and learning to use the controls of the train. Whilst Gai was taking pictures, mum was sitting on the chair being 'chatted up' by various workers there.

Off to the pub for a huge counter lunch and then back to the station. Let the journey commence. This would take us from Queenscliff to Drysdale and back. A distance of 32KM. We had water stops along the way to top up the engine and also a stop at the Big Shed - where more engines and rolling stock are being kept and restored.

Back at Queenscliff it was time to sort out the wagons and carriages for the next day and then time to put the engine to bed. It was a great experience and one any steam train buff should do if they get the chance. PS - also time for a well earned beer.

A special thanks to all the team where I work for some great fun and wonderful memories.

When I retire I'll have to move near a railway like this so that I have something to do..Now that's a plan !.

.	.	.	Clive in his new overalls.
Do these cameras work ?	.	.	Grease here.
and here.	and here.	and here.	.
.	.	My hands are dirty.	.

Gai in our room.	The track we will travel.	.	Queenscliff Station.
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Clive in the workshed.	.	.	Poziers - this is the newest engine.
Different oil in here.	and here.	.	.
.	.	Departing the shed.	This is how it's done.
This is the one I was meant to use - but broken.	Time to " Fill her up".	She burns oil to heat the water.	Free sump oil. She'll be right now.
.	.	.	.
.	Looking towards the engine shed.	.	Plenty of rolling stock here.
Queenscliff Station.	.	A wind swept Gai and mum.	.
Mum and Thomas.	.	.	.
.	Clive hard at work.	Spot the 'Trainee'.	.
.	.	Get me a spanner please.	Clive takes control.
Dale was walking faster than us.	Changing gear.	Carriages hooked up.	.
Toot before the road.	Now we're moving.	.	Now that was fun.
.	Coach and carriages ready.	.	Mum's left over roll - bird food.
Smile Gai.	.	Smile mum.	.
Waiting on our 2 passengers.	Taking on more water.	My special passengers.	.
.	0 KM post.	.	The diesal V 8.
.	They had a carriage to themselves.	.	She's full of water.
.	.	.	.
Reversed back up.	.	.	.
.	Mum gets in the picture.	View from the carriage.	.
.	.	.	Another drink and checking the train.
Who's bald head is that ?.	Feeling the wheel temperature.	Dale still at work.	Scott checking moving parts.
Laker's Siding.	Mum stretches her legs.	The smile says it all.	.
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.	.	.	Swapping the train around at Drysdale.
Going home backwards.	.	.	.
Drysdale Station.	Good fun park just off the station.	.	All hooked up and ready to go.
.	Gao poses for a picture or two, three ....	.	.
Inside the Big Shed with more toys.	.	Some of these will work again.	.
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.	.	This was a beautiful carriage inside.	.
.	.	.	.
.	One of Thomas's friends.	.	A portable bar Now that's style.
The Blues Train.	Collecting another carriage.	.	.
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.	The Marina at Queenscliff.	Looking towards Sorento.	.
The Car Ferry is centre of picture.	Looking towards Queenscliff.	Nan looking towards Bass Strait.	The water was crystal clear.
.	.	Look at the map Nan.	We are here.
Melbourne across the bay.	Portarlington Harbour.	Mum takes a rest.	Gai enjoys a break.
.	.	.	In the park at Drysdale.
Old wagons near the turn table.	.	.	.
.	.	Drysdale Station.	.
Our framed print of "Klondyke" aka "Thomas".