The year is 1963 somewhere in Victoria, Australia

Looking good 

Away from the dining table


After a recent visit to IKEA I now have a dedicated desk for my works on Wombat Creek. Can't wait to get started. The Comedy Theatre needs to be finished.

Yeah, a workspace rather than the dining room table does make a difference (guess how I know) 


 

Another building finished


Finally, the Comedy Theatre will open its doors after 19 months of planning (see post 288560) and construction.

On stage is the comedy 'Goodnight Mrs. Puffin'. I don't know much about the play, but it was staged at the Comedy Theatre in Melbourne in 1963. Perhaps the ensemble are doing a few nights is Wombat Creek, too.

Baldwin steam tram


Wombat Creek steam Trams have their first unit restored. The tram (locomotive) is loosely based on a similar Baldwin tram from the Sorrento Tramways. The model is a 3D print. Even without additional weight it is a good (and very fast) runner. With an 'overhanging' cab the performance is better running 'cab first'. The only other rolling stock at the steam trams is the trailer seen in the photo. Originally built for transporting ballast the steam trams use the trailer for transporting coal.

Three passenger trailers are under their way in the post. After assembling and painting they will form the backbone of the Wombat Creek steam Trams public activities. Also in workshop (read 'on the work desk') is a former Bendigo steam motor.

Testing second steam tram


The guys working at Wombat Creek steam Trams have a great time. Their second steam tram, an ex-Bendigo steam motor, was fired up for the first time and had a test run along the tram line near the steam shed. Everything seems to work just fine and work will progress as planned. Next step will be enclosing the boiler with side windows and a roof.

Might end up looking a bit like a Y6 Claus 

LNER Encyclopedia: The Y6 (GER G15) 0-4-0 Tram Engines

Ed said

Might end up looking a bit like a Y6 Claus 

LNER Encyclopedia: The Y6 (GER G15) 0-4-0 Tram Engines

From “Post #291,949”, 3rd April 2025, 7:46 pm

Thank you Ed. Interesting article indeed. I didn't know the story behind the tram from Thomas the Tank. However,  the Wombat Creek version is quite different.


Cheers,
Claus

Trailers under construction


My Ebay contact has designed and 3D printed trailers for the Baldwin steam tram. They are very similar to the trailers used at the long gone Sorrento Tramways at Mornington Peninsula. The trailers are printed as a kit to be assembled, which makes painting quite easy. So far I have finished the chassis and the floors.

Second steam tram operational

It took the volunteers at Wombat Creek steam Trams just over three years to go from this:



to this:



The steam motor is running pretty well on its own. Still to be tested with the rather heavy die cast trailer, which may need modification negotiating sharper curves.