VOLUNTEERS at Inglewood’s Eucalyptus Distillery Museum had a double dose of good news last week.
One of the last concrete crossings of the enlarged miniature railway circuit was laid and the museum committee was told it will receive a State Government local history grant.
Railway enthusiasts Greg Morrow and John Little were on site on Friday when the crossing was boxed and filled with concrete.
The concrete crossing will make it possible for the historic Cliff and Bunting steam engine to be moved to the museum.
The last of six engines made, it had been brought to Inglewood in the 1920s when used by Alf Leech for contract chaff-cutting and road haulage - pulling loads such as timber houses, machinery and firewood for the local gold mines. During the 1930s, the engine was acquired by Ernest Jones, who operated a eucalyptus distillery.
Mr Morrow said the miniature railway track had been expanded and volunteers hoped to have trains running by the end of the year.
“We’re still to work through insurance to carry passengers though,” he said.
The State Government grant of $2547 will be used for new audio visual stands telling story of eucalyptus harvesting in the area.
Ripon MP Martha Haylett said: “A big congratulations to the team at the Inglewood Eucalyptus Distillery Museum, who are worthy recipients of this grant. Our Loddon towns have so much history and it’s essential that we continue to pass this on from generation to generation.”