THE Yarra Valley Tourist Railway Society’s rail motor, launched in July, will be a star attraction at the second annual Healesville Railway Heritage Festival on 18 and 19 September.
But, it is just one of many fantastic attractions planned for the two-day festival.
Organisers were thrilled last year when around 4000 people rolled up to their inaugural celebration of a bygone era of rail and road transport, heritage crafts and more.
While the festival is railway heaven for dedicated rail buffs, it has broad appeal with lots of displays and activities for families.
The society’s fleet of engines and carriages, in various stages of restoration will be open for inspection, there will be horse and buggy rides around the town and the ex-Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board bus will run a shuttle service between the station and the township over the weekend.
The pride and joy of the society, the fully restored railmotor will take passengers from the station, through the historic, and reputedly haunted, tunnel to Tunnel Hill.
There will be demonstrations by woodturners, woodcarvers and blacksmiths, vintage cars and trucks will be on show and the Yarra Valley Machinery Preservation Society will be there with their eclectic display of steam engines.
The cafe at the railway station will be in full throttle with great food and drink.
The festival will run from 10am to 4pm each day.
Phone 0439 800 266 or visit www.yarravalleyrailway.org.au for further information.
