Key elements of the Legends of Steam program:

AN UPDATE ON LOCOMOTIVE 3801         - PDF version

3801 on tour with the Central West Express near Locksley, May 2007.

19 October 2007

Steam locomotive 3801 was taken to Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre for repairs last Saturday, October 13, after experiencing regulator problems in service on the previous day.

The NSW Rail Transport Museum (NSWRTM) has now detected and rectified the fault which appeared to develop as a result of long-term 'fair wear and tear' - one broken valve and one cracked valve in the locomotive's regulator assembly have been replaced and the locomotive is now again available for service.

Knowing that 3801's service life before major boiler repair would be constrained, NSWRTM has worked hard to keep 3801 operating widely through NSW during 2007 - devoting funds and effort to replacing boiler tubes and making boiler repairs on a trip by trip basis.

Ongoing examination of the locomotive's firebox has revealed an increasing trend of superheater element weakness, reflected in a small number of these elements blowing in service. 'Blown' elements can cause the locomotive's steaming performance to suffer. The current batch of superheater elements were fitted to 3801 six years ago - it is felt, based on metallurgical testing and analysis, that previous chemical treatment practices applied to 3801 in the period to 2006 may have contributed to premature deterioration of these elements.

NSWRTM believes the wider community needs to have the opportunity to share in 3801's final operations before the locomotive enters a major repair program. Plans are already announced and in place for 3801 to make its final run for 2007 on November 11. 3801 will steam home to Thirlmere after operating a series of family steam train experiences from Sydney's Central Station on the weekend of November 10 and 11.

To conserve the locomotive's service life for the final weekend of operation for 2007, in the face of growing boiler problems, NSWRTM has decided to cancel the one intervening planned operation of 3801, to Goulburn on November 3. NSWRTM shares the disappointment this will cause and is currently contacting the affected passengers.

 

Steaming into the future with 3801

A detailed internal assessment of the residual life of 3801's existing boiler will be conducted during Summer 2007 / 2008. Recent expert analysis points to the possibility of re-tubing the current boiler to extend the locomotive's service life. It is anticipated that the detailed assessment will confirm this analysis, so a major program of boiler tube and superheater element replacement, mechanical component overhaul and firebox repairs is planned for Autumn 2008 - aimed at returning 3801 to service in Winter 2008 for a further period leading up to the locomotive's major overhaul.

The work on 3801 will be performed by the locomotive's custodian and operator, the NSW Rail Transport Museum at the Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre, in a project partnered with RailCorp.

RailCorp has committed $500,000 to fund the 3801 refurbishment project, as part of the Sustainable Rail Heritage Asset Management Strategy announced in August of last year.

While 3801 is being repaired, it's 'business as usual' for the NSW steam fleet with express locomotive 3642 undergoing a major overhaul at Thirlmere, ready for the start of the 2008 steam season next March.

Design work is underway for a new, welded boiler for 3801 which, when commissioned by NSWRTM and fitted as part of a projected major overhaul in around 3 years, will ultimately keep the locomotive steaming well into the future.

More information on journeys with 3801 can be found at www.heritageexpress.com.au

 

LOCO 3642 TO STEAM AGAIN IN 2008

3642 was last overhauled at Goulburn railway workshops before staging a spectacular comeback at the head of a special RTM 'delivery' tour in 1982.

The NSW Rail Transport Museum is now well advanced with the overhaul of popular feature Locomotive 3642.

The 3642 project is on schedule and on budget - the locomotive's boiler overhaul is now complete, repairs to the frame, running gear, tender and mechanical components are underway, and work is on target for reassembly, trialling and painting of 3642 to be completed in February 2008.

It is planned to officially re-launch 3642 on Saturday March 1 at a special event in Sydney for NSW Rail Transport Museum members and 3642 project donors - details of this event will be announced in January 2008.

Express passenger loco 3642 will provide valuable additional and ongoing operational fleet capacity - and motive power cover for the period of 3801's repairs from March 2008. 3642 will travel widely in NSW, maintaining the community heritage focus of NSW's steam fleet.

The $160,000 overhaul of 3642 is being performed by NSWRTM's experienced restoration workforce at Thirlmere. The NSWRTM welcomes donations from members and supporters to help return 3642 to service.

Detailed information about Locomotive 3642 - its history and that of the 36 Class - can now be found on 3642's own web-page here.

 

STEAM FUTURE FUND

Planned investment in NSW's steam fleet is necessary to sustain and facilitate wide, ongoing operations.

NSWRTM is working with RailCorp's Office of Rail Heritage (ORH) to implement ORH's asset-based approach to an overhaul program for selected locomotives in the NSW Government-owned steam fleet, aimed at providing ongoing coverage of both NSW main line and Thirlmere Heritage Railway operations.

20% of every tax deductible donation directed to NSWRTM's 3642 restoration fund is automatically placed in NSWRTM's new 'Steam Future Fund' - working toward developing a ready funding source for future major steam fleet repairs and overhauls.

 

FLEET ENHANCEMENTS

NSWRTM plans to consolidate, rejuvenate and expand the NSW heritage carriage fleet in collaboration with ORH. Distinct sets of themed carriages will be assembled to match market requirements.

NSWRTM is working with ORH to identify a prioritised carriage overhaul and fleet development program to underpin ORH's asset-based funding - and to support each of five core market sectors:

- main line classic sitting, buffet, Pullman and lounge carriages;

- main line 1950s air-conditioned sitting and buffet carriages;

- Southern Aurora® sleeping, lounge and restaurant cars;

- Thirlmere Heritage Railway sitting, buffet and dining carriages, and special purpose / ceremonial / display carriages.

ORH will initially fund the trial installation of retention toilets in three Southern Aurora® and classic carriages during 2008 - NSWRTM has proposed a program of carriage overhauls under the first five-year Asset Management Plan submitted to ORH.

The planned $14 million upgrade of the Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre will include undercover facilities at Thirlmere for carriage fleet restoration and maintenance, provisioning and presentation.

 

CONSERVATION AND A HOME FOR STEAM

Thirlmere - a new focus on a practical home for steam

NSWRTM will build on Thirlmere's 30-year steam tradition by positioning the Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre as the home of the Legends of Steam - co-located with the NSW rail heritage rolling stock collection - a centralised facility for steam display and operation.

Conservation - safeguarding heritage assets for the long term

NSWRTM will work with ORH and rail industry regulators to codify standards and practices which actively conserve heritage assets whilst balancing and recognising the need for community exposure and operation. NSWRTM's existing heritage management plans will be developed and harmonised as a practical keystone of our operations.

Workshops - modernising and refurbishing Thirlmere's steam facilities

The Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre upgrade will expand and improve servicing and stabling facilities at Thirlmere for diesel and steam locos - providing more undercover stabling, better equipment and a safer and cleaner work environment.

 

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT FACILITIES

Sydney sales centre - heritage at the heart of the rail network

NSWRTM's new sales office at Rail Heritage Central is open and trading - a true 'walk up' ticket sales office in the CBD. Sydney Central and Rail Heritage Central together provide a 'virtual doorway' to a new Sydney steam attraction - steam experience journeys to the revitalised Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre, bringing Thirlmere to the city.

Safety Focus

NSWRTM is continuously improving its operational safety management systems in line with the new National Accreditation package and industry standards.

The installation by NSWRTM of new CountryNet train radios and base equipment on the Government-owned heritage locomotive fleet is progressing toward completion in September 2007 in a program funded by ORH.

 

PEOPLE

Volunteers and paid workers - cornerstones of our rail heritage

NSWRTM is developing more opportunities for volunteer involvement, provide defined volunteer entry channels and progression / retention plans.

Youth involvement - tomorrow's workers, today

NSWRTM will involve youth and inspire youth volunteering through a Youth Leadership scheme. NSWRTM will develop and provide children's / schools activities and educational programs to engender early life interest and learning from rail heritage.

Training and Steam Era Skills - a better future for our past

NSWRTM will encourage inter-generational skills transfer and is currently developing incentive based, structured training programs for key and core competencies.

Looming, industry wide skills shortages will be addressed by recruiting and training more operational staff and volunteers - building capacity and capability by increasing the available number of committed and competent volunteers and workers in each role.

NSWRTM will continue to save, conserve and operate steam era machinery and the techniques and skills necessary to support it.

NSWRTM Members

NSWRTM's membership is growing faster now than ever before.

The Legends of Steam program will assist NSWRTM to further enthuse and develop its membership size and viability. NSWRTM offers open, transparent governance - partnering and underpinning Government / ORH participation and investment.

If you're not already a NSWRTM member, why not join now to receive the RTM's quarterly journal, Roundhouse™, tour news and regularly-offered discounts for Members' Events on Heritage Express™ tours.

Your subscription helps the Rail Transport Museum preserve and present the railway history of NSW. It also gives you unlimited free entry to the Museum and two free rides per year on the Thirlmere Heritage Railway.

 

HERITAGE EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITY VALUE

Outreach - taking a living museum to the NSW community

NSWRTM's train operations create a living 'virtual museum' - providing community heritage train experiences, interpretation and education.

NSWRTM heritage train experiences maintain fleet accessibility, operate widely in urban and regional areas and develop regional tourism.

The range of products offered benefits from the flexibility of a larger, and consolidated fleet.

Thirlmere Heritage Railway upgrade - NSW's authentic heritage railway

The $800,000 upgrade of the Thirlmere Heritage Railway is underway with completion expected in September 2007 - works include re-sleepering, re-ballasting, improvements to corridor and track formation and level crossing re-surfacing - all providing assured network access and a showpiece heritage railway resource.

In 2009, in conjunction with the upgrade of the Thirlmere Rail Heritage Centre, NSWRTM will boost the Thirlmere Flyer service schedule with more locos and more carriages. The regular Flyer services are already an effective 'virtual' Thirlmere doorway, increasing easy access visitation at the rail heritage centre. The Flyers are an ideal journey length and type for the core family market.

The Thirlmere upgrade will also aim to improve connectivity within the precinct - especially between the Thirlmere station and the Museum site.


Refreshing the Southern Aurora® - further developing a flagship of the 60s

NSWRTM is building the capacity of its Southern Aurora® fleet to enhance the popular and successful 1950s / 60s diesel locomotive and Southern Aurora® carriage product range and to underpin overall steam and diesel fleet viability. We're working toward a rejuvenation of the train's interior fabric and an exterior detail clean.

Branding - building RTM's product family

Legends of Steam will be one of the brands in a consolidated and consistent approach to the RTM 'heritage train experience' product family.