Overview

Join the RTSA VIC/TAS Chapter for a unique behind-the-scenes experience at the Puffing Billy Railway workshops, featuring a presentation and guided workshop tour led by Robert Reed, Chartered Mechanical Engineer and Conservation & Heritage specialist.

Robert has spent seven years engineering with Puffing Billy Railway (PBRB) and brings extensive experience in maintenance, restoration, and reliability of heritage railway equipment. His work focuses on researching, documenting, and implementing heritage conservation techniques, as well as training others in the specialist skills required to preserve historic rail assets. Robert is also actively involved in supporting and advising on engineering activities across Tourist & Heritage Railways (T&HR) throughout Australia, and serves on several industry boards and organisations outside of PBRB.

During this session, Robert will share insights into the challenges and techniques involved in maintaining and restoring heritage locomotives and rolling stock, followed by a guided tour of the Puffing Billy workshops to see these practices in action.

Capacity

The train carriage booked for the event has a maximum capacity of 28 people, so places are limited.

Attendance Options

• Train + Talk + Workshop Tour (limited to 28 participants)
• Talk + Workshop Tour only – free to attend
• Children are welcome but must be fully supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

Pricing

Members:

• Adult – $66.00
• Concession – $52.50
• Toddler $25.00 – (1-4 years)
• Child $33.00 – (4-15years)

Non-Members:

• Adult – $96.00
• Concession – $82.50
• Toddler $25.00 – (1-4 years)
• Child $33.00 – (4-15years)

Safety Requirements for Workshop Tour:

Participants entering the workshop must wear:

• Fully enclosed shoes (required)
• Covered legs and preferably long sleeves

Learning outcomes

In this event, attendees will be able to:

• understand the engineering challenges and practices involved in maintaining and restoring heritage railway equipment
• learn about heritage conservation techniques and skills used to preserve historic railway assets
• gain insight into the role of engineering research, documentation, and collaboration across Australia’s tourist and heritage railways.

Program

• 10.30 PM AEST:  Meet at Puffing Billy Belgrave Way and Works office for Workshop tour hosted by Rob Reed
• 11.30 PM AEST: Presentation by Rob Reed on the Living   Heritage Grant Program Restoration of Locomotive 6A -VHR-H2187
• 12.30 PM AEST:  Participants to purchase their own lunch in the cafes of Belgrave local to Puffing Billy
• 2.15 PM AEST: Train Departs from Belgrave for Lakeside
• 4.40 PM AEST: Return train departs Lakeside
• 5.30 PM AEST: Arrive at Belgrave

Registration:

Site visit: Puffing Billy workshop and heritage talk | Engineers Australia