Re: The Puffing Billy - Has anyone ridden it?

I rode it in June 2013. Excellent railroad and excellent people! Try to take one of the longer trips they offer. Be sure to chat up the engine crew and you have a good chance of getting a shop tour. The line is easily accessible from downtown Melbourne by using their rail system. It will drop you right off 500 feet from Puffing Billy. Melbourne itself is worth a couple of days by itself. The main railroad station is a hub of non-stop activity. There are even two hobby shops located very close to the Melbourne station. Be sure to walk along the river at night to see some of the outdoor art display and good restaurant s as well
Be prepared for some unusual passenger activity...
Also, check the standard gauge group that periodically runs steam in and around Melbourne. I missed a run dut to finalizing my schedule before knowing about the standard gsuge outing and only saw the smoke of it's passing...