Beechy line 1956 - 1962

This 16mm footage was compiled over many years and transferred to VHS tape in the late 1980s.

[@pussertas873]

That train was so fast than when the engine crew had tomato sandwiches the seeds were tossed into the surrounding embankments and the guard harvested the grown tomatoes,

[@ianclough9857]

What awesome rare footage is this!

[@greghenderson6782]

Fantastic; all the way to Weaproinah (end of line) then back to Colac. Remember the 'Beechy' well. Just need an 'R' to take us back to the Big Smoke

[@smitajky]

When I was young I watched with horror as they closed puffing billy. Then came the "young sun" and it ran again for a while. Once more they closed it. Then there was "Kanyana" and this most strange railway with its very queer engines. But unlike puffing billy it was a proper railway with a great length. I travelled on it a couple of times until it too closed. So I have many memories of it but unfortunately my brother snaffled all of our photos. So memories are all that I have. I really appreciate the things that others post. Because it helps me to get back some of what has vanished. Thanks.

[@celticman3053]

Great video, do you have any from the Geelong/Queenscliff line during the 50’s and 60’s

[@andyrob3259]

What were they throwing over the side of the train? Didn’t look like ballast. Looked like used ash/coals.

[@johnd8892]

Although the fan trip footage is good, this coverage of the line in normal service is so much better. Thanks for posting. KZbin algorithm perhaps suggesting this more lately.

[@brushy1953]

Hi John thanks for your comment, if I could only get this 16mm footage back I could digitally remaster in 1080p HD, it would look so much better than from VHS.

[@darylcheshire1618]

There was a balloon loop at Beech Forest which went around a tennis court. I’ve been told the tennis court is still there. I’m going to the Mallee next week on a small holliday, I might include a day in The Otways

[@Holland41]

Tennis court is still there and easy to find, but disused with fittings removed. The loop is still very easy to track around the tennis court site, although most of the station layout is lost due to road realignments, public conveniences and buildings built since closure.

[@gregthompson3274]

This would have rivalled puffy billy as a tourist line but alas most of Vic's branch lines are no_more ,great footage

[@brushy1953]

It certainly would have because the Otways and especially the Beech Forest line runs through some of prettiest country side there is

[@ianomeara3963]

How good was the B class at the opening just love it We have lost far to much

[@smitajky]

Not only the B. At the start of the train there was the BPL. As cramped as a modern carriage but with many sliding doors that you could leave open as you went along. Most of the train was the E cars where the seating was more spacious with lots of luggage space and windows that opened so that you could see the scenery. Yes they were noisier and they weren't air conditioned but there were other consolations.

[@VictorianRailHeritage]

The B is B84

[@stephenyoung4660]

Change for the Beech Forest line,at Colac,not the Colac to Crowes line then?.

[@greghenderson6782]

Remember the 'B' sounding for the Colac abbatoirs road crossing. Time for all us kids to get going home from kick to kick before she blew for the Armstong St crossing (on way to Port Fairy) or Mum would put a flea in your ear. Real late and you missed tea and got toast and milk if lucky. Darn train left no excuses!

[@paulgriffiths8359]

A fantastic bit of history there, I grew up at Beech Forest, went school at Lavers Hill and Colac A real time capsule that we will never see again, there area has changed so much for worse and sadly will never return to how good it was Loved the whole video thank you for sharing with us

[@darylcheshire1618]

I enjoyed the video, G42 is restored at Belgrave, it’s called Puffing Billy’s big brother.

[@brushy1953]

Hi Paul thanks for your comment, and I was born in geelong in 1953 and we first visited Beech Forest in 1961 and camped on Congrams Creek Rd and Aire Settlement, there's a book called Beech Forest Capital on the Ridge a great read if you're interested. We visit the Otways 4 times a year, great place

[@brushy1953]

And also I fully agree with your sentiments re the environment, its very sad to see damage reeked by the forest industry.

[@nicksheridan588]

Wow! What's the structure at Beech Forest with the water tank on the very high stand?

[@senyaw53]

Sawmill

[@Holland41]

Sawmill now long gone.

[@Holland41]

Great footage.