The Puffing Billy is a narrow gauge railway that runs between the towns of Belgrave and Emerald in the Dandenong Ranges of Victoria. Supported and operated by volunteer railway enthusiasts, with the assistance of the Victorian Government Railways, the Puffing Billy line has become famous throughout Australia. Shades of Puffing Billy takes a light-hearted look at the problems of operating the railway. People leave their jobs for the day, hanging up doctors' coats and workmen's overalls to become conductors, station masters and ticket collectors. Warm and witty, this film is an affectionate salute to the people who keep this little railway running and to locomotive enthusiasts everywhere. Made by the Commonwealth Film Unit 1967. Directed by Antonio Colacino.