Event date: 3 March 2024

A loud steam whistle greeted us at the Belgrave station. Boarding our exclusive BMWDCM carriage, we appeared to be overflowing. A few hapless interlopers were identified, and after a quick explanation of the ticketing system and carriage numbers, they politely left for another carriage. The historic train was full (literally sold out) of locals and international visitors with overactive cameras, on a chilly morning in The Dandenongs.

Now that we all had seats, we settled in. Meg's 18 month old daughter came out of her quiet slumber and was quickly wide-eyed. Standing on a seat, safely between Mum's knees. Isabella began tapping on a metal window frame. No glass, just fresh air and some thick safety rails. Isabella tapped again. I gave it a go, and Isabella tapped again. We worked up a rhythm, tub thumping on the train. This was exciting stuff. We hadn't even left the station.

This is the thing about family events. The kids always give you a fresh take on the world, allowing you to see it through simple innocent eyes.

We were thrown off-balance, as the train lurched off the mark with a powerful determined thrust. Isabella was a little intimidated by the sudden jolt. A quick cuddle from Mum, and she was back at the window. Tap, tap. Reaching up to a rail, tap, tap, stretching up to another rail tap, tap, tap, then working her way down the rails again. Mesmerised, I joined in and again we were tub thumping, this time on the move. 

We looked down deep valleys filled with tall trees. Not just any trees. We are within the southern perimeter of Sherbrooke Forest with rainforest known for its native Mountain Ash trees. These towering eucalyptus trees are the tallest flowering plants in the world.

Many kids extended their arms and legs outside the carriage, balanced around the open window frames. Some of the kids looked over 50 years old. I guess everyone is a kid when you board the Puffing Billy.

Approaching a tall towering wooden Trestle Bridge, eyes and cameras focused on the marvel. Built in 1899 - it has had some restoration work since - the railway bridge has piers (tree trunks) up to 11 metres high, in 6 metre spans. To top that off, it has a curving radius - some call it a horseshoe bridge - allowing it to align with the next hill.

Onwards we choofed, with a slow puffing sound, more pronounced on downhill braking than uphill chugs. We waved back at onlookers at each road crossing, and then it happened! One of the girls got separated from her shoe. Fortunately the shoe fell outside, and she fell into the train. That was the last we were going to see of that shoe.

The train puffed into the Lakeside station. Preparing to get out and wander over to the railway cafe, prams were prepared and cameras tucked away. Lo and behold, a cheerful fellow in overalls, sporty a generous white beard, came waltzing down the platform. One arm stretched high, holding a girl's shoe, he proudly returned it with a beaming smile. Part of a team of over 900 volunteers, he was following the train in a small fire patrol trolley. He stopped to collect her shoe and now returned it. Magic. The most fun you can have outside driving a BMW round twisty roads.

John Shreeve | Member #579
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne