Phil Belbin

Phil Belbin (1925–1993) was an Australian artist, illustrator, cartoonist and amateur cinematographer. He is probably best known for creating what soon became known as the "Candy" multi-colour livery for the State Rail Authority in the 1980s. He is still regarded as one of Australia's leading steam enthusiasts, and had an extensive personal collection of several small steam locos; loco name plates; builder's plates and other railway memorabilia. His legacy lives on through his extensive film collection which he took in the final two decades of NSWGR steam.

Biography Phillip Bertram Johnstone Belbin, born in Beecroft, New South Wales on 9 August 1925. Belbin was a descendant of Lieutenant George Johnston, purported to be the first man ashore when the First Fleet arrived in Port Jackson in 1788. His great-grandmother, Margaret Peacock, with her husband, George Peacock established the business which was the fore-runner of the Henry Jones-IXL Jam business. His grandmother, Amanda 'Fanny' Johnston, donated £3,000 towards the building of Stanmore station. Belbin's father died when he was only three months old and he was raised by his mother and grandmother in Leura, before the family moved in 1932 to Cremorne Point. he began creating cartoons, comic strips and artwork for the company. and Peril on Venus Belbin was also a freelancer for other publishers and advertising agencies. run by Greg Murray (son of Kenneth G. Murray - K.G. Murray Publishing Company) painting covers for the company's range of science-fiction, western and horror comics.

In 1974 Belbin was awarded a 'Citation of Merit' by the New York Society of Illustrators and in 1984 he was elected as a fellow by the Royal Society of Arts, London.

In 1982 he was commissioned by State Rail Authority to introduce a new livery to all SRA fleet including their rolling stock. In 1990 he released his first video, Days of Steam : Authentic Workings on New South Wales Railways 1949-1970, a compilation of footage from his private film collection. This was followed by a posthumous release of a second video installation entitled Days of Steam 2 : The Final Years of Steam on NSW Railways, which his sons dedicated to him. His sons have subsequently released a number of rail videos, utilising footage captured by Belbin.

Personal life In November 1947, Belbin married Cecily Johnson and they had two sons, Graeme and Bruce. Belbin died in early 1993, at the age of 68, as a result of Motor Neurone disease.