Puffing Billy Railway’s dedicated volunteers have teamed up with LEGOLAND®Discovery Centre to bring the iconic locomotive steaming into MINILAND Melbourne.
Locomotive 6A came to life on the morning of Thursday 23 November with respect to long-standing railway traditions. Train driver, Alex McCooke, handed the staff to Master Model Builder, Jordan Farbridge, signifying the train was ready to disembark on its maiden journey down the tracks and over the instantly recognisable, LEGO® trestle bridge.
Located in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Puffing Billy Railway is a much loved 2 ft 6 in narrow gauge heritage railway. It is one of the five narrow gauge lines of the Victorian Railways which opened around the beginning of the 20th century and has become one of Australia’s most cherished tourist attractions.
Jordan Farbridge, master model builder at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, said the LEGO recreation of this cherished Australian locomotive used over 7,500 bricks and took more than 50 hours for us to complete.
“Having the opportunity to build Puffing Billy Railway and the famous trestle bridge was a real honour,” he said.
The Puffing Billy Railway build marks the first major addition to MINILAND since the attraction opened in 2017. This build not only captures the charm of the steam engine but also seamlessly integrates the educational ethos of LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, promising an exciting journey that sparks curiosity and creativity among visitors.
Peter Abbott, CEO of Puffing Billy Railway, said the organisation is “thrilled” to join forces with LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, to bring a miniature version of our iconic locomotive, 6A, to life in MINILAND Melbourne.
“This collaboration brings a new dimension to Puffing Billy Railway, inviting everyone to experience the wonder of our historic railway in LEGO form,” Mr Abbott said.
“We eagerly anticipate the joy this will bring to visitors and want to thank the team at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre for the opportunity to immortalise a piece of Puffing Billy Railway into MINILAND Melbourne with this impressive LEGO creation.”
Mikayla McGlone, attraction manager at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, said “the partnership between Puffing Billy and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre combines the allure of Australian heritage, creative play, and family-friendly attractions in our region”.
“We’re really excited to unveil this brand-new display,” Ms McGlone said.
Fun hidden details were added to the build such as easter eggs, a couple of Master Model Builders enjoying the journey and even some escaped goats roaming the tracks.
Guests can now see the iconic railway inside MINILAND and can book tickets here: legolanddiscoverycentre.com/melbourne/tickets-passes
Located at Chadstone Shopping Centre, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is home to MINILAND Melbourne, two rides, multiple build and play zones, soft play zones, a 4D cinema and a LEGO retail store. Designed for families with children aged 3-10, adults must be accompanied by a child – except when visiting the retail store or attending Adult Night events.
