Key elements of the Legends of Steam program:

UPDATE ON LOCOMOTIVE 3801 

18 May 2008

Summer inspection confirms firebox flaws

RTM's maintenance staff and volunteers worked over the Christmas – January period to remove all 3801's tubes and superheater flues to provide ready access to the water-side of 3801's current boiler. RTM's boiler inspectors Greg Shipton and Peter Napier conducted a full internal examination of the boiler on 12 February.

While we had hoped that the firebox would be fairly readily repairable at least for the short-term, and that re-tubing would allow a further three years or so of service before the known major overhaul (and probable boiler replacement) was necessary, this has turned out not to be the case.

The inspection has confirmed that major repairs will be required to at least the firebox tubeplate and possibly the front tubeplate as well. Repairs are also required to the rear firebox corners, but this was expected. The boiler barrel and the rest of the firebox and wrappers appear to be satisfactory. The major problem is the rear (firebox) tubeplate, which has very severe stress corrosion on the corners of the flanged portion and is considered to be unserviceable and not capable of repair.

The inspectors have advised that this tubeplate must be replaced before the boiler can be returned to service.

We have discussed the inspection report findings with RailCorp, who have a desire to see 3801 back in steam as soon as possible. The RTM Board has also resolved that the return to service of 3801 is of the utmost priority - the iconic locomotive is both valued by the community and a vital operational asset.

Future options for 3801

to replace the tubeplate with the firebox in-situ [this would involve having a new tubeplate made and welding it in. It would also require replacement of the front tubeplate as well (which is suspected, though not known, to be cracked – no indication has been found using non-destructive testing techniques, but cracking is a known problem)]; to replace the firebox with a new all-welded one; or to replace the complete boiler with a new all-welded one.

The new set of boiler tubes ordered by RTM and now on hand at Thirlmere will be useful for 3801 ongoing - no matter which option is selected.

A major overhaul of the loco's mechanical components will also need to be undertaken concurrent with any boiler work.

A new boiler for 3801?

In September 2007, we commissioned our Boiler Inspectors, and pressure vessel engineers Greg Shipton and Peter Napier to provide design and project management for a new all-welded boiler. Greg and Peter have completed the design work, and we now have a complete set of CAD drawings for an all-welded boiler.

With a commitment from the NSW Government to keep 3801 operating for the benefit of the people of NSW, backed by RailCorp’s commitment to the extent (at this stage) of an initial $500,000 for the major overhaul, the much-preferred option is to proceed with construction of a complete new boiler, and from discussions to date this appears to have received favourable consideration from RailCorp, who agree that the locomotive should be back in steam at the earliest opportunity.

Even though 3801's boiler shell appears to be in quite good condition, the other (major repair) options are much less satisfactory for the long-term operation of the locomotive, while perhaps not representing really worthwhile savings in cost or even time.

Together with RailCorp we are currently identifying prospective funding and manufacturers for a new all-welded boiler, and we expect that a boiler acquisition tender process will commence shortly.

 

LOCO 3642 TO STEAM AGAIN IN 2008

18 October 2007

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.