Key elements of the Legends of Steam program:

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 Rail Heritage Centre™ at Thirlmere 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 Rail Heritage Centre™ at Thirlmere 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 Rail Heritage Centre™ at Thirlmere 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 Rail Heritage Centre™ at Thirlmere, 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 Rail Heritage Centre™ at Thirlmere, 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.