The Beechy Line was first proposed in 1894. Six years later in July 1900 the construction of the line began at the cost of £60,000.
The line from Colac to Beech Forest was officially opened on the 26th February 1902. Nearly 44 miles (70.8 km) long, this was the longest of the narrow gauge lines in Victoria.
The lines primary traffic was sawn timber, firewood and potatoes. There were many sawmills located adjacent to the railway. A lime kiln also added to the revenue.
During certain times of the year, traffic would grow to require up to 7 trains a day each way by the mid-1920s. The introduction of the Garratt locomotive allowed a new timetable with two trains each way between Colac and Beech Forest, and a third train each way to Gellibrand. The Crowes branch saw a single mixed train daily.
The arrival of the Great Depression and competition from motor vehicles saw traffic decline to a point where only one train each way operated over the line three days a week. Increased wartime loadings saw traffic increase to two trains each way daily, however this improvement was only temporary. By the time the railway closed, the timetable listed only one train each way a week, and most of the traffic was pulpwood.
The line officially closed on the 30th June 1962.
Tulloh
The stopping place at Tulloh opened on the 11th March 1907 as a requested passenger stop for locals wanting to travel into Colac. A landing and shelter shed was built for the passengers, but unfortunately it saw little use, from 70 to 200 journeys per year.
In 1934 the shelter shed was removed, and the landing scraped back to the natural surface.
Tulloh was officially closed in 1962 when the line closed.
The Cache
You are looking for an eclipse mint tin.
Log book only, please bring your own pen.