Puffing Billy Railway could end ban on dangling legs out carriages

It was a memorable experience for thousands of kids growing up, now a decades-old Puffing Billy tradition could be making a comeback.

The operators of Puffing Billy are investigating a return to allowing passengers to have their legs out the window. Picture: Mike Keating.

After a three year ban, passengers may soon be able to dangle their legs out of Puffing Billy’s carriages once again.

The railway operators are conducting a series of “trial assessments and further risk management processes” with the aim of safely reintroducing the beloved decades-old tradition, which was banned after the tourist train and a minibus collided at the School Rd level crossing in Menzies Creek in March 2018.

A Chinese tourist in his 40s was taken to Dandenong Hospital with serious chest injuries following the smash.

Sixteen people were on board the bus when it clipped a train carriage and tipped onto its side, smashing the front windscreen.

No train passengers were seriously injured.

An online petition started by Shayne Wright has gathered more than 18,000 signatures calling for the tradition to return.

The Puffing Billy Great Train Race in 1986.

Puffing Billy Railway chief executive Peter Abbott said the temporary ban on having legs outside of the carriages was still in place until further notice, however, visitors could still enjoy the scenic vistas of the Dandenong Ranges and take advantage of the many picture opportunities available with locomotives, drivers, and conductors.

“We appreciate that this part of the experience was so memorable to many and hope to bring back this element of the experience soon,” he said.

Puffing Billy Railway also recently launched a special Dog Express, allowing pet owners to bring their four-legged family members along for a special trip through the hills.

The idea has been so popular the first three sessions have sold out, but more trips have now been added.