About SideTracked Caches
This cache belongs to the SideTracked Series...a series probably familiar to anyone that has been caching in the United Kingdom. SideTracked Caches are intended to provide quick Cache-and-dashes at Train Stations...a distraction for the weary traveller. And of course, anyone else can go and find them too. More Information can be found at the SideTracked Website
Our History
The History of TLSS & How We Became Bulla Hill Miniature Railway
The Tullamarine Live Steam Society was founded in late 1974 by a small group of individuals who had decided to start a club in the north-western suburbs of Melbourne. The Tullamarine Live Steam Society approached the Broadmeadows City Council for a suitable track site, and was eventually granted a lease on a site in Wright Street, Tullamarine. The location of the original Club is, of course, the reason for our name: Tullamarine Live Steam Society.
The first circuit of track, which was dual gauge 3 ½” and 5”, was officially opened by the Mayor of Broadmeadows on July 25th 1976 and by early 1983 a 7 1/4” track circuit of almost 500’ length was also operational. Membership increased and over the years many facilities were added – sufficient to enable TLSS to hold a couple of very satisfactory AALS Conventions.
Unfortunately in 1995 the Council advised the Society that the site was to be put up for sale. Despite a lot of activity by both club members and members of the public, the lease was not extended. After twenty years this was pretty heartbreaking as members were now faced with starting all over again.
Through negotiation with the Hume City Council the Society selected the present site of approximately 6.7 ha on Public land in the township of Bulla, and this was leased to the Society for a 21 year period. This site is in an area dedicated to community use and also houses a Community Hall, a Tennis Club and public parkland. We also have the CFA, Historic buildings and the Rose Garden nearby, making it an attractive area.
The City of Hume assisted with the costs of relocating the moveable parts of the club equipment and tracks to the new site, as well as extensive planning details, a large amount of earth works, and much rebuilding of the facilities, for which the club was most grateful.
Members voted that the new site be called the Bulla Hill Miniature Railway.
Earthworks at the Bulla Hill site were completed by June of 1997, and Clubrooms and Workshops were erected in a private compound area along with separate carriage sheds. A circuit of 5”-7 1/4” track was completed by 13th March 1998. Work was also begun on a separate 3 ½” – 5” circuit of 800 metres.
A temporary Station for this circuit was erected utilising a garage, and roofing material created an area of covered raceway for the public, a ticket office, and the souvenir shop.
Bulla Hill Miniature Railway was officially opened on March 4th, 2000.
With the basics in place work then began on several necessary projects to provide adequate amenities for the public who support the club by coming along for a train ride. The major project of financing and building a brick station incorporating toilet facilities, kiosk, ticket-box and crew room was completed in 2004 as well as a private picnic area, complete with shelters and barbecue facilities. Work then began on “Bondy’s Bridge” which now gives access across the tracks to this picnic area. Although there was still much to do we were well and truly back in business.
Bulla Hill Miniature Railway is operated by the members of Tullamarine Live Steam Society (TLSS). TLSS is a group of like minded people interested in building and running miniature steam, electric and diesel locomotives. Members are also interested in model engineering including stationary steam engines and traction engines.
We are a not for profit organisation and all funds raised are used to maintain and improve the facilities. Members come from all walks of life, with all sorts of skills, and are all volunteers.
TLSS is affiliated with the Australian Association of Live Steamers and as such is one of over 85 other clubs Australia wide.
TLSS members share their hobby with the public by operating the Bulla Hill Miniature Railway on the third Sunday of each month, between 11:00 am and 4.00 pm. The last train leaves the station at 3:45 pm.
Facilities include: Free parking, Barbeques, Playground, Picnic Tables, Council Rotunda, Public Toilets, Disability Toilets, Baby Change Area, Wheelchair Access and the Kiosk. The park also boasts a range of large Dinosaur sculptures.
Bibliography:
Bulla Hill Miniature Railway
Tullamarine Live Steam Society
The Cache
Near the posted coordinates you will see a train with no tracks.
To find the cache you will need to count the wheels on the train = Z
Also nearby is a green and gold sign with four words on it.
From this sign:
A = First letter of the first word
B = Last letter of the first word minus 1
C = Third letter of second word
X = Last letter of the third word minus 4
Y = Fifth letter of the fourth word
A+B+C+X+Y+Z = 19
The cache is a short walk away at:
S 37° 38.ABC′ E 144° 48.XYZ′
Please Note: There is no need to enter the playground or the Miniature Railway property to solve and find this geocache.
🚂Congratulations to newtwen on the FTF🚃