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A-10 no.3 Locomotive, 'Puffing Billy', Queens Park, 1969
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Creator Details
TitleA-10 no.3 Locomotive, 'Puffing Billy', Queens Park, 1969Date Createdc.1970PhotographerKerry Paul Smith (1950-2025)AcknowledgementKerry Smith
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Description
DescriptionThe Neilson Co. supplied engines to the Northern Railway (later Central) based at Rockhampton and running to Westwood. One of these locomotives No.3 was the last Neilson engine in employment by QR. It was in operational service with QR until 1902. In 1909, it was shipped to Bowen to shunt on the Bowen jetty. However in 1913 it was sent south to take part in the QR 50th anniversary celebrations of 1914. The locomotive was exhibited with two carriages, and as part of the QGR 50th anniversary celebrations in 1914, where it was on public display at the present day location of King George Square in Brisbane. Following this it was kept as a display item at North Ipswich railway workshops, but ran again in 1936 for the railway pageant to celebrate the opening of the new Commissioner for Railways Office in Ann Street in the then new State Government Buildings, at Anzac Square. For this occasion a “re-enactment” train was run from Normanby station to Roma Street.
The photographs taken on the day, have subsequently found there way into QR , and the railway story as “QR’s first train”. The comparison of the past with the present was made all the more effective when the most modern transport form of all— an aeroplane — flew overhead as the old engine drew into his last stopping place, near Normanby. However, given that No.3 did not arrive in the colony until 1866, it would have been hard pressed to actually have operated the first train, it was supposed to have in 1865! The name “Puffing Billy” appears to have been applied around 1936, although it never actually was named this in any official context by the old QR.
When No.3 did its special run for the opening of the new Commissioner’s Offices, it generated a lot of reminiscing about the good old days, of the 1860s.
Sir,— I have been much interested in your references to 'Puffing Billy.'I have had the pleasure of cleaning, firing, and driving this little engine I may say I joined- the railways in 1882, as cleaner, and left 15 years ago. I have served under all the Commissioners for Railways since. I am now living retired here, so If some of my old mates come this way I would be pleased to meet them, and show them a very nice photo of 'Puffing Billy.' —
I am, sir, &c,
FRANK WOODS
The Courier Mail 9 May 1936 p 5
Until 1959 No.3 could be found on display at Countess Street, Brisbane, with two small contractors carriages assembled in the 1880’s, and used for display purposes. It was removed from Countess Street to North Ipswich, due to the enlargement of the Roma Street goods yards, and the locomotive and carriages were again sent to Ipswich Railway Workshops. In 1969 No.3 and carriages were placed in a shelter at Queen’s Park, Ipswich. This was in recognition of the ending of the steam era at Ipswich, in November 1969, and to retain a connection with the railway history of the area. Driver John Smith and fireman H. Holmes had been the first ‘official’ steam crew who stepped onto the footplate to begin the first railway journey In the State, from Ipswich to Bigge's Camp, (today’s Grandchester).
References (offline)Information provided by Greg Hallam, historian with Queensland Rail.
The photographs taken on the day, have subsequently found there way into QR , and the railway story as “QR’s first train”. The comparison of the past with the present was made all the more effective when the most modern transport form of all— an aeroplane — flew overhead as the old engine drew into his last stopping place, near Normanby. However, given that No.3 did not arrive in the colony until 1866, it would have been hard pressed to actually have operated the first train, it was supposed to have in 1865! The name “Puffing Billy” appears to have been applied around 1936, although it never actually was named this in any official context by the old QR.
When No.3 did its special run for the opening of the new Commissioner’s Offices, it generated a lot of reminiscing about the good old days, of the 1860s.
Sir,— I have been much interested in your references to 'Puffing Billy.'I have had the pleasure of cleaning, firing, and driving this little engine I may say I joined- the railways in 1882, as cleaner, and left 15 years ago. I have served under all the Commissioners for Railways since. I am now living retired here, so If some of my old mates come this way I would be pleased to meet them, and show them a very nice photo of 'Puffing Billy.' —
I am, sir, &c,
FRANK WOODS
The Courier Mail 9 May 1936 p 5
Until 1959 No.3 could be found on display at Countess Street, Brisbane, with two small contractors carriages assembled in the 1880’s, and used for display purposes. It was removed from Countess Street to North Ipswich, due to the enlargement of the Roma Street goods yards, and the locomotive and carriages were again sent to Ipswich Railway Workshops. In 1969 No.3 and carriages were placed in a shelter at Queen’s Park, Ipswich. This was in recognition of the ending of the steam era at Ipswich, in November 1969, and to retain a connection with the railway history of the area. Driver John Smith and fireman H. Holmes had been the first ‘official’ steam crew who stepped onto the footplate to begin the first railway journey In the State, from Ipswich to Bigge's Camp, (today’s Grandchester).
References (offline)Information provided by Greg Hallam, historian with Queensland Rail.
Connections
PlacesQueens ParkDefining Tulmur | IpswichExpanding Horizons: Commemoration Taxonomy20th Century | 1960s | 1969
Subjects
SubjectsPuffing BillyCrowds
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A-10 no.3 Locomotive, 'Puffing Billy', Queens Park, 1969. Picture Ipswich, accessed 31/08/2026, https://www.pictureipswich.com.au/nodes/view/24357