Re: "Puffing Billy" extension

[Owen Clancy <clancy@caboolture.net.au>]

> My greatest fear is that the extension will be a financial disaster
> for very little gain in revenue. The extension is historically truly
> marvellous, but very few "normal" (ie; non-railfan) people are going
> to spend 4 hours on a train with 2-3 kids sick and tired of seeing
> "beautiful scenery" consisting mainly of ferntrees, backyards and
> soot. The kids will get irritable and drive their parents crazy by the
> time they even get to Gembrook, let alone come back. People, rather
> than getting on the train at Belgrave, might decide to travel short
> distances along the line instead, and where the parking and picnicing
> is easier. I think that there will be very little overall incease in
> passenger numbers or passenger/km's and for double the amount of track
> that volunteers and paid staff will now have to look after.
>
> I do hope I am wrong. Will someone please tell me I am wrong for any
> good reason?
>
> Les Brown

Here's one survey response. I reckon that its great that the entire line has
been restored and is now as intact as it could be. I intend to go back to
Melbourne and PBR with my wife soon and maybe stay the night at Gembrook to make
a weekend of it. I probably would have gone elsewhere (i.e. not Melbourne) if
the extension had not been built.

Owen

PS Ive also been waiting for years for the line from Glenreagh to Dorrigo to be
restored.
I think I'll see the VFT extended to the moon first :-)