At a small ceremony at the Walhalla Goldfields Railway’s Station in Walhalla, Jim Doult, an 80 year old railway enthusiast from Traralgon, presented the railway with a Diorama of Walhalla Railway Station as it was 100 years ago.
The small layout in HOn3 scale, is a fine example of the scene featuring the original location of the station, the beautiful water wheel along with goods shed and engine shed.
President of the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, Phillip Milbourne, said, “We are so grateful to Jim for giving this timeless reminder of Walhalla’s Railway past and how it compares with today’s tourist railway operation”.
Mr Milbourne went on to say, “Jim Doult has put his heart and soul into completing this wonderful diorama and we are extremely pleased that he has donated it for our many visitors to enjoy”.
After the ceremony, Jim got the surprise of his life when he was invited to board the footplate of the 1950’s “Spirit of Yallourn” locomotive that runs regular Tourist Train Services to Thomson and Return. He was shown the controls and then drove the train on its special trip.
“Jim’s selfless gift to the railway is certainly an unusual way to support the volunteer run railway which is a Gippsland Tourist Icon. But it demonstrates that there are so many ways people can get involved.” Mr Milbourne said. “ We desperately need more volunteers particularly in our Way and Works area.”
The railway will be running daily in the school holidays and bookings can be made online.
Mr Milbourne said, “Come and see Jim’s beautiful diorama and take a ride back in time.”
