Two iconic 38-class locomotives will return to steam over the next two years following an announcement outlining the way forward for locomotives 3801 and 3830.
“Returning these historic locomotives to service is a major engineering, conservation and operational task, demonstrating our commitment to the community benefit of our steam heritage,” said Transport Heritage NSW CEO Andrew Killingsworth.
“Built in the 1940s, both locomotives were the pinnacle of the NSW Railways steam fleet and are a lasting tribute to Australian engineering at the time.”
“Steam trains remind us of a romantic era of rail travel – today they are the star attraction at our community events across Sydney and regional NSW.”
Management of the 3801 project was transferred to Transport Heritage NSW (THNSW) in February 2015 after the locomotive’s new boiler was returned to Australia.
“As the new project managers, we undertook a thorough assessment of the 3801 overhaul project including both the original boiler and the new German made boiler.
“Now this assessment is complete, we are pleased to announce plans to have locomotive 3801 back on the tracks in the second half of 2017.
“We are also delighted to be announcing a new partnership with the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences (MAAS) that will see locomotive 3830 returned to heritage service in the second half of next year.”
This new partnership between THNSW and MAAS will see THNSW provide significant funding to overhaul locomotive 3830 at Thirlmere while respecting the conservation imperatives of MAAS.
“The Museum looks forward to working with Transport Heritage NSW to balance the ongoing care and preservation of this important locomotive with opportunities for the people of NSW to experience the wonder of steam travel,” said MAAS director, Rose Hiscock.
