Above: Boys toys — Sixten Franz, six, from Healesville talks engines with junior train buffs Dane Hutchinson and Patrick Smythe.
By Kath Gannaway
THE young and the young-at-heart found plenty to get steamed up about at the Healesville Railway Heritage Festival on the weekend.
More than 6000 people attended the festival run by Yarra Valley Railway at Healesville railway station.
The railway precinct was riot of sounds of yesteryear from steam whistles and sirens to the rattle of hulking steam rollers and the rumble of vintage cars, trucks and buses.
Visitors stood in line for a chance to ride in the historic Walker railmotor and look through the BW “red rattler” carriages which are being restored, enjoyed demonstrations of woodturning, spinning, blacksmithing and delved into the history of the region with the help of members of Healesville, Yarra Glen and Upper Yarra historical societies.
Yarra Valley Railways president Brett Morton said the festival was a huge success, thanks to the tremendous efforts of its volunteers.
“We’re definitely on a roll. There were a lot more attractions, and more people to enjoy them this year,” he said but added that with the date already set for next year, there is plenty of opportunity for people to get involved.
The next big event for the Yarra Valley Railway crew is the Halloween Ghost Train on 28 and 29 October.
The contact for YVR is 0417 554 573.
