3801 Steam Locomotive

[JDNSW]

Many of you will be familiar with 3801, the steam locomotive that has been running enthusiast trains for the past twenty years, operated by the (non-profit) 3801 Limited Company. It featured heavily in the centenary of federation celebrations for example, and as far as I know is the only fully operational mainline express steam locomotive in Australia.

Today I learned (courtesy the ABC) that as of November it will be relegated to a static museum display at Thirlmere. This is because the NSW Railcorp has refused to renew the lease on the locomotive. If this concerns you (it does me) and you are a NSW voter, I suggest you write to your state member. I did to mine about an hour and a half ago by email, and have already received a reply stating his intention to make urgent representations to the relevant minister(s).
For more information see www.3801limited.com.au
John

[dobbo]

JD

Have you seen it lately? They painted it in it's original colours (undercoat grey and black) it looks very ordinary compared to the green black scheme it was in.

[langy]

Actually, it's more of a facilities thing - 3801's shed is huge, and it has overhead cranes, pits and all the things you need to maintain a steam engine, and rolling stock. The only reason that they haven't been moved before
is that the land eveleigh is on has a clause that when the railways don't use it anymore, they have to give it back to the family that lent it to them in the 1800's. It may be that the government has found a loophole to that clause, and wants to make some money from deeming (read 'selling') the land to the so called Redfern-Waterloo Authority. I stongly suspect it's only a front for some property developer who has friends in the labour party. (And don't forget the heritage listing on the building). Technically of course, 3801 is still owned by Railcorp, so the 3801 company hasn't got a leg to stand on in court. I can't think of anywhere she could live and be maintained sufficiently to continue like she does - The Zig Zag is the wrong gauge, and most of the more modern rail shed/shops are now privately owned.
If anyone knows of a Liberal/National/Independant MP that want's to get attention come next years election - 3801 is it - a change of government seems the only way to keep her running.

ps: It don't matter what colour she is- you haven't seen magnificent untill you've been up close to 3801 in the shed at night and at ground level -

[JDNSW]

Actually, it's more of a facilities thing - 3801's shed is huge, and it has overhead cranes, pits and all the things you need to maintain a steam engine, and rolling stock. The only reason that they haven't been moved before
is that the land eveleigh is on has a clause that when the railways don't use it anymore, they have to give it back to the family that lent it to them in the 1800's. It may be that the government has found a loophole to that clause, and wants to make some money from deeming (read 'selling') the land to the so called Redfern-Waterloo Authority. I stongly suspect it's only a front for some property developer who has friends in the labour party. (And don't forget the heritage listing on the building). Technically of course, 3801 is still owned by Railcorp, so the 3801 company hasn't got a leg to stand on in court. I can't think of anywhere she could live and be maintained sufficiently to continue like she does - The Zig Zag is the wrong gauge, and most of the more modern rail shed/shops are now privately owned.
If anyone knows of a Liberal/National/Independant MP that want's to get attention come next years election - 3801 is it - a change of government seems the only way to keep her running.

ps: It don't matter what colour she is- you haven't seen magnificent untill you've been up close to 3801 in the shed at night and at ground level -

I think you are probably right on all counts. But I don't think it matters which colour your MP is - if enough people write to enough MPs something will perhaps be done - the labor ones might not say anything in parliament, but they will in caucus if enough voters complain (or enough news reporters!). 3801 Limited say there are other possible locations in the Sydney area but Railcorp is apparently unmoved. A relative of mine who used to work in the railways suggested a short while ago that Thirlmere would have sufficient facilities - a lot of the stuff at Everleigh is not necessary - just makes it a lot easier.

John

ps I remember it from my childhood as black with a bit of red, so the green was not right either!

[drivesafe]

There’s heaps of info on what is going, in a debate on the Railpage site at,

http://www.railpage.com.au/f-t11320013-s0.htm

[Pedro_The_Swift]

just emailed

thepremier@www.nsw.gov.au


and let him know my opinion.


politely:angel:

[DEFENDERZOOK]

ron would probably have a heap of info on all this.....
when is he back....?

[mr_sav]

just emailed

thepremier@www.nsw.gov.au


and let him know my opinion.


politely:angel:


h'mmm. I suspect any email that you send to an address like that will go through the wash, rinse and dry cycle, and come out reading:

something absolutely ridiculous and unrelated to the issue of which you raised for which a reply will be sent - looking into it.

Target Empathetic Politicians on both sides (Empathetic Politicians - is that an oxy-moron) with the hope that the Libs can raise a challenge in Question Time. And Have reporters get onto it like previously mentioned. Today/Tonight and ACA love this sort of ****.

Good Luck Guys.

mr_Sav

[Pedro_The_Swift]

received this---

Dear Mr & Ms Hine,


The Premier has received your recent email concerning Eveleigh Railway
Workshops and Locomotive 3801.

As the matters you have raised primarily concern the administrations of
the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Transport, the Hon JA Watkins MP
and the Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister
for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister
for Health (Cancer), the Hon FE Sartor MP, the Premier has arranged to
bring your approach to the Ministers' attention.

You may be sure that your comments will receive close consideration.


Yours sincerely,


Jocelyn Mouawad
Assistant Private Secretary

[dobbo]

ron would probably have a heap of info on all this.....
when is he back....?

Why ask Ron,

It's the Newcastle flyer ask someone who works on that line




ME

[one_iota]

received this---

Dear Mr & Ms Hine,


The Premier has received your recent email concerning Eveleigh Railway
Workshops and Locomotive 3801.

As the matters you have raised primarily concern the administrations of
the Deputy Premier, and Minister for Transport, the Hon JA Watkins MP
and the Minister for Planning, Minister for Redfern Waterloo, Minister
for Science and Medical Research, and Minister Assisting the Minister
for Health (Cancer), the Hon FE Sartor MP, the Premier has arranged to
bring your approach to the Ministers' attention.

You may be sure that your comments will receive close consideration.


Yours sincerely,


Jocelyn Mouawad
Assistant Private Secretary

IOW

Dear Citizen:

I am sure that a standing committee will be formed to investigate the need for a committee to investigate the need for further investigation...:eek:

[dobbo]

I am sure that a standing committee will be formed to investigate the need for a committee to investigate the need for further investigation...:eek:
Thats exactly what will happen, then the excuse will be dwindling numbers of commuters truth is it's almost always packed when it runs. At the moment they have it painted in it's original colour Grey and black with red buffers. I'll post a picture tommorow

[Pedro_The_Swift]

At the moment they have it painted in it's original colour Grey and black with red buffers. I'll post a picture tommorow


waiting--- waiting---:eek:

[dobbo]

Have them on my desktop at work so will have to wait till I get there and log on. tommorow night after 2300

[Scouse]

At the moment they have it painted in it's original colour Grey and black with red buffers. I'll post a picture tommorowIt pulled out of Penrith station on the morning of the Expo. It looks very drab now.

[dobbo]

It pulled out of Penrith station on the morning of the Expo. It looks very drab now.
personally I liked it better in epsom green

It looked just like Gordon

[p38arover]

Why ask Ron,

It's the Newcastle flyer ask someone who works on that line




ME

This was published over a week ago (on 9th August):




Last Friday the Minister announced the creation of our new Office of Rail Heritage within RailCorp and pledged to invest $20 million dollars over the next five years to support rail heritage in metropolitan, regional and rural NSW.



The Government and RailCorp have made a commitment to restoring valuable and muchloved NSW heritage, and in doing so are creating regional jobs, tourism opportunities and will increase valuable hands-on training for our apprentices. This significant investment will ensure that the State's rich railway heritage can be enjoyed by future generations. The newly created Office of Rail Heritage based at Central Station will forge links with regional rail precincts and special interest groups throughout NSW. The office will also oversee the creation of a $14 million tourist facility with the upgrade of the Rail Heritage Centre at Thirlmere.



The Sustainable Rail Heritage Management Strategy is an inter-generational plan to conserve and display the State’s rich railway heritage.



The Government will invest $20 million dollars over 5 years to support rail heritage in metropolitan, regional and rural New South Wales.

The four objectives of the Strategy are:

Facilitating the proper care and sustainable management of this State’s core rail heritage assets;

Supporting and working with rail heritage precincts throughout the State, special interest groups and partners;

Facilitating the transfer of heritage conservation skills development; and

Valuing and building on rail heritage volunteering.

It will be delivered by an Office of Rail Heritage to be established within RailCorp.

The Office will forge strong links with regional rail precincts and special interest groups throughout New South Wales and coordinate links between these precincts to build on the skills of its volunteers.

This new Strategy will also see a commitment to:

Funding of up to $500,000 for the overhaul of 3801 locomotive by the Hunter Valley Training Company to ensure this icon continues to operate for another generation.


$600,000 for the completion of the restoration of locomotive 3265 project in partnership with the Powerhouse Museum.


RailCorp’s Office of Rail Heritage will work to establish, in partnership with the Churchill Trust, a fellowship that will sponsor an individual to work with overseas heritage organisations to enhance their skills and learning to support the conservation of rail heritage in New South Wales.

A partnership with the Hunter Valley Training Company that will enable apprentices to be trained on restoring and maintaining steam locomotives and heritage rolling stock.

The Office of Rail Heritage will oversee the creation of a $14 million tourist facility for rail heritage in New South Wales with the upgrade of the Rail Heritage Centre at Thirlmere.

This will not only ensure our State’s rail heritage is accessible to the public but enhance the dedicated section of track providing steam train rides as part of the rail heritage experience.

The Office of Rail Heritage will also provide a contribution of $800,000 to upgrade the Picton to Thirlmere loop line which will ensure our operating steam trains have a sustainable section of track for dedicated operation and access to the mainline network.

The development of this Strategy was assisted by a Committee chaired by Vince O’Rourke, former CEO of Queensland Rail and included collaboration from the Powerhouse Museum, the Rail Transport Museum, 3801 Ltd, Rail Heritage Australia, NSW Heritage Office, RailCorp and StateRail

[p38arover]

3801 Limited say there are other possible locations in the Sydney area but Railcorp is apparently unmoved. A relative of mine who used to work in the railways suggested a short while ago that Thirlmere would have sufficient facilities - a lot of the stuff at Everleigh is not necessary - just makes it a lot easier.

What about Valley Heights loco depot - complete with turntable?

See http://infobluemountains.net.au/locodepot/

Ron

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Have them on my desktop at work so will have to wait till I get there and log on. tommorow night after 2300

whats that in civilian time?:p:angel:


Its been green for a long time---
I hate change--:mad:

[JDNSW]

personally I liked it better in epsom green

It looked just like Gordon

Colour depends on your feeling for history. It spent much of its working career in Green (and this is how I remember it from my childhood), and I suspect this was the original planned colour, but it was put into service in, I think, 1940, and was painted grey as a wartime measure. Whether this was to save on paint or so as to be less noticeable to enemy aircraft and ships I don't know, but it was certainly the colour it went into service. Most of the other engines of this class were black, which was the usual colour of locomotives in that era. Note that most were not fitted with the streamlining either, not sure whether any others were.
John

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Good question JD,,,


well come on dobbo,,

we are now ASKING!!!:p

[dobbo]

Good question JD,,,


well come on dobbo,,

we are now ASKING!!!:p

The server at work willnot let me upload the photo's:(
I've emailed them to Ron who was in the same boat. I've sent them home and will upload them in the morning.

Just one more sleep Pedro just one more sleep

There's images of another steamy as well I'll post them both for you

[dobbo]

From what I have found out JD you are spot on originally it was supposed to be Green but due to war efforts was painted in grey for the first few years of service i.e War years, from what I can gather it's undercoat paint but I'm not 100% certain on that one. Whether it's to camoflage from plane, ships etc I doubt it it's a bit hard to hide a steam train on the move the steam and noise would be a very big giveaway of it's position. I'd say they were using all of the green paint for military purposes but that again is just a guess.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

did they paint all the loco's grey?

[dobbo]

no just 3801, Like I said I'll post the pohoto's when I get home unless Ron beats me too it

[JDNSW]

did they paint all the loco's grey?

I don't believe so, just new ones/ones due for repaint (and I think these were postponed anyway).
John

[dobbo]

I don't believe so, just new ones/ones due for repaint (and I think these were postponed anyway).
John


Oh I thought you meant this year not back then

[JDNSW]

From what I have found out JD you are spot on originally it was supposed to be Green but due to war efforts was painted in grey for the first few years of service i.e War years, from what I can gather it's undercoat paint but I'm not 100% certain on that one. Whether it's to camoflage from plane, ships etc I doubt it it's a bit hard to hide a steam train on the move the steam and noise would be a very big giveaway of it's position. I'd say they were using all of the green paint for military purposes but that again is just a guess.

You're probably right - green is a component of khaki, and the pigment may have been in demand, or maybe it was just an economy measure - no finish paint at all, just primer to stop it rusting. On the other hand, while it is hard to hide a steam train under way, it is a lot easier to hit it when it is stopped, which is when it would be worth being camouflaged. Another possibility is that since grey paint was being produced in large quantities to paint naval vessels and equipment, it may have simply been what was available - and did the railway workshops build naval equipment? I know, for example, that the Tasmanian railway workshops built aeroplane engines, and I'll bet the NSW workshops were building a lot of non-railway things. The heavy equipment they have would have been ideal for making a lot of heavy naval gear.
regards,
John

[dobbo]

You're probably right - green is a component of khaki, and the pigment may have been in demand, or maybe it was just an economy measure - no finish paint at all, just primer to stop it rusting. On the other hand, while it is hard to hide a steam train under way, it is a lot easier to hit it when it is stopped, which is when it would be worth being camouflaged. Another possibility is that since grey paint was being produced in large quantities to paint naval vessels and equipment, it may have simply been what was available - and did the railway workshops build naval equipment? I know, for example, that the Tasmanian railway workshops built aeroplane engines, and I'll bet the NSW workshops were building a lot of non-railway things. The heavy equipment they have would have been ideal for making a lot of heavy naval gear.
regards,
John

The places to find out more info I presume would be Thelmere, the powerhouse or the war time memorial at Central station

[p38arover]

no just 3801, Like I said I'll post the pohoto's when I get home unless Ron beats me too it

These pics of 3801 at Maitland are from Dobbo. I've resized them and adjusted them for the web (to make it better for downloading by those with dialup). If you want hi res copies, PM Dobbo.

Ron

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/4039/38013wzr8.jpg

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/9571/38012wcr2.jpg

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/4675/38011wry1.jpg

[Pedro_The_Swift]

what idiot painted it grey?

thats terrible!

:mad:


at first glance I thought that first shot was a model!!!:mad:




Thanks for the pics guys,,, ;)

[Tusker]

I'm guessing - and it is a total guess - that it has to be returned as close to the condition as it was given to them at the start of the lease.

We forget that it was NSW Heritage Trains or whatever they're called who restored the thing in the first place.

Regards
Max P

[dobbo]

Them photo's were taken about six months ago, I originally thought they were just re painting it and ran out of time therefore ran it up to Steamfest in undercoat.
Max your idea about original condition is probably spot on though

Thanks for posting them Ron
I forgot to email them to Myself yesterday.

[JDNSW]

Its original colour was grey.
John

[dobbo]

Its original colour was grey.
John

Yes it was, didn't we establish that last week?

Isn't this the original paint scheme?

[JDNSW]

Yes, but everyone seemed to have forgotten. Actually I would have thought that the original scheme would have been all over grey, not with the bits of black and red, although I don't really know.

[dobbo]

Yes, but everyone seemed to have forgotten. Actually I would have thought that the original scheme would have been all over grey, not with the bits of black and red, although I don't really know.

I'll Try and find out for you. It would seem logical but I think the undercarraige and buffer would have been black so they weren't constantly cleaning it. If it wasn't it would have been from all the crap on the lines.

[p38arover]

3801 Limited say there are other possible locations in the Sydney area but Railcorp is apparently unmoved. A relative of mine who used to work in the railways suggested a short while ago that Thirlmere would have sufficient facilities - a lot of the stuff at Everleigh is not necessary - just makes it a lot easier.



What about Valley Heights loco depot - complete with turntable?

See http://infobluemountains.net.au/locodepot/

Ron

Another signaller who used to work Valley Heights signal box told me this morning that the turntable at Valley is too short for 3801. It was made for the smaller pilot engines used on the Blue Mountains.

Ron

[dobbo]

Another signaller who used to work Valley Heights signal box told me this morning that the turntable at Valley is too short for 3801. It was made for the smaller pilot engines used on the Blue Mountains.

Ron

I've seen it turned at Harden and heard of it being turned at Gosford before. When it's to be turned up here though they just runit around the triangle.

[JDNSW]

I've seen it turned at Harden and heard of it being turned at Gosford before. When it's to be turned up here though they just runit around the triangle.

Where's here?

[dobbo]

Where's here?


Broadmeadow to Islington Junction via woodville Jucntion back to Newcastle then Return to Hamilton Junction to broadmeadow via woodville junction

The turntable at Broadmeadow (big enough for the old Garrett engines) was closed down years ago therefore the only way to turn it is the above route turning the engine around via points over a number of signal boxes areas

[UncleHo]

G'day Folks:)

In regards to the railway workshops doing other wartime work, yes they were very busy as they had heavy engineering facilities, among other things they built LP-1 and LP2-2a Bren gun Carriers, and I think they also cast the early Cruiser Tank turrets, and were engaged in armour plate production/ shaping, similar work was undertaken by both Victorian Rwy workshops and Adelaide.


cheers:)

[Pedro_The_Swift]

This place is amazing,,,

nice memory UncleHo--

[Pedro_The_Swift]

more from my new found political friends---


Thank you for your email. We appreciate the time you took to send us your comments.

The matters you have raised will be investigated as quickly as possible. In order for the Minister to reply to you, please forward us a postal address where you can be reached.

Please allow up to six weeks for a response to your comments.

Yours sincerely,
Reception
Office of John Watkins MP
NSW Deputy Premier
Minister for Transport
Ph: 9228 4866
Fx: 9228 4855
Em:dp.office@watkins.minister.nsw.gov.au



Helpful Links
www.131500.info
www.legislation.nsw.gov.au
www.transport.nsw.gov.au (http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/)
www.nsw.gov.au

[VladTepes]

Any truth to the rumour it was painted grey as a 'Stealth' colour so that the government could sweep it under ther carpet (so to speak) without anyone noticing ?

[drivesafe]

Vlad, knowing the contempt the NSW government has for all things rail, probably got some truth to the rumour.

They are doing everything in there power to get all rail connected facilities out of the workshops at Redfern so they can sell it off to their rich mates.

[VladTepes]

Ah well it all makes sense you see. Those railways are so antiquated. Why have rail freight etc when we have such a vast network of quality roads for...


... wait a minute .... :eek:


They need a bit of this :bangin:

[dobbo]

obviously vlad you haven't travelled the railway access roads in someone elses 4wd. Lot of fun

[VladTepes]

Well "he who chooses to offned noone" I presume the roads are so bad (ahem. much fun) that you wouldn;t take your 4wd there ?

[dobbo]

No I was just on a work junket from Newcastle up the coast. There diesel and car my pleasure and fun, beautiful scenary but not enough mud.

[one_iota]

obviously vlad you haven't travelled the railway access roads in someone elses 4wd. Lot of fun

I have done the railroad run several times alongside the line from Capertee, via Brogens to Kandos...it has its moments but mostly it is ballast and you have to watch out for short lengths of impaling star pickets....oh and trains.

It is another 4wd adventure.

[drivesafe]

It is another 4wd adventure.

It’s the very reason I got into 4x4s in the first place, so I could get to places that are just not available otherwise.

There is actually some good off road tracks that lead to some interesting rail locations.

One of the best being the tracks in and around the Border Loop spiral up on the NSW / QLD border.

The trip into the Border Range is worth the trip by itself. , but the rail operations in the area can be spectacular.

Cheers

[dobbo]

Not 3801, but 3830 just went through, the northern line, dark green paint job with a ' property of the powerhouse museum ' sign on the front, this may be the future for 3801.

[drivesafe]

Hi dobbo, any idea where it was going?

[dobbo]

Going home from a weekend away at werris Ck.

[drivesafe]

Thanks Mat, that explains the steam engine my sister-in-law heard going through West Tamworth a couple of days ago.

Cheers

[dobbo]

Thanks Mat, that explains the steam engine my sister-in-law heard going through West Tamworth a couple of days ago.

Cheers

Closely followed by the firebrigade? Was here

[dobbo]

3801 just went by with a fresh coat of GREEN paint

Lookin' good (for a train)

just a day run today

[Blknight.aus]

more from my new found political friends---


Thank you for your email. We appreciate the time you took to send us your comments.

The matters you have raised will be investigated as quickly as possible. In order for the Minister to reply to you, please forward us a postal address where you can be reached.

Please allow up to six weeks for a response to your comments.

Yours sincerely,
Reception
Office of John Watkins MP
NSW Deputy Premier
Minister for Transport
Ph: 9228 4866
Fx: 9228 4855
Em:dp.office@watkins.minister.nsw.gov.au



Helpful Links
www.131500.info
www.legislation.nsw.gov.au
www.transport.nsw.gov.au (http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/)
www.nsw.gov.au


couple of points....

Isnt electronic mail faster than the Dead tree stuff?

and If 6 weeks is fast the reply would want to be chiseled, by hand in granite and delivered by 6 sacraficial virgins...

I do not want to know what slow is.....

[dobbo]

I forgot to mention

On the front it has a big sign

"Save 3801"

[Pedro_The_Swift]

I'm trying---;)

[rangie83]

I remember the 3801 from when I was a kid, Mum and Dad used to take us down to Hexham Station when steamfest was on in Maitland and the 3801 used to race the Tiger Moth. It was great to see it coming down the line from newcastle flat out.

[dobbo]

I remember the 3801 from when I was a kid, Mum and Dad used to take us down to Hexham Station when steamfest was on in Maitland and the 3801 used to race the Tiger Moth. It was great to see it coming down the line from newcastle flat out.

They still have the race and the race is still rigged

[Bigbjorn]

G'day Folks:)

In regards to the railway workshops doing other wartime work, yes they were very busy as they had heavy engineering facilities, among other things they built LP-1 and LP2-2a Bren gun Carriers, and I think they also cast the early Cruiser Tank turrets, and were engaged in armour plate production/ shaping, similar work was undertaken by both Victorian Rwy workshops and Adelaide.
cheers:


I have BSF taps in high speed steel made by South Australian Railways. Qld. Railways did all sorts of war work also. I have seen a mammoth lathe 6' centre height by 40' between centres made by QGR, also a 20' bed lathe with 18" centre height, probably for marine shafts and gun barrels.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

This a reply----





Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for your interest in the future of the locomotive 3801.

The Government is absolutely committed to keeping the 3801 out on the rail tracks of NSW for generations to come. That is why we are spending $500,000 on the overhaul of this historic steam engine.

3801 Limited held a lease over the locomotive 3801, granted by the Rail Transport Museum (RTM) until 26 November 2006. Custody of the locomotive has now reverted to the RTM. The Crown Solicitor advised the Government that it had no authority to intervene to have the lease extended.

I can also assure you that the Large Erecting Shed at Eveleigh, 3801 Limited’s home, remains available to both 3801 Limited and the Powerhouse Museum until 2008.

The recent expert report into the future of 3801 Limited and the RTM outlines a strong future for rail heritage in NSW that depends entirely on cooperation between staff, volunteers and the directors of these two groups. The report advised that a partnership approach has to be the way forward, especially as it guarantees the availability of the locomotive 3801 and other heritage rolling-stock to the general public.

The report recommends a staged merger of RTM and 3801 Limited, facilitated by heritage specialists, including the Powerhouse Museum and the Office of Rail Heritage. The report concludes that this is the best way to resolve the financial difficulties faced by both groups. The Government agrees with this plan and would expect members and volunteers of both groups to be consulted during this process.

We will now work towards this cooperative future that guarantees the locomotive 3801 can continue to serve the public.

Yours sincerely,


John Watkins MP
Deputy Premier
Minister for Transport
Minister for Police

[Pedro_The_Swift]

I have BSF taps in high speed steel made by South Australian Railways. Qld. Railways did all sorts of war work also. I have seen a mammoth lathe 6' centre height by 40' between centres made by QGR, also a 20' bed lathe with 18" centre height, probably for marine shafts and gun barrels.

Sydney water board had a decent lathe at one stage, 100ft bed!!

[Bigbjorn]

Sydney water board had a decent lathe at one stage, 100ft bed!!

Never saw that one, where was it? They did have a 40' at Waterloo in the 60's. I have found a photo on www.practical machinist.com of a 105' bed lathe at John Brown Clydebank with five tool stations. It had a 90' propshaft for a RN cruiser HMS Black Prince in it. Black Prince was sunk at Jutland 1916. The shaft was a hollow forging. Forging took place with a hollow water cooled mandrel up the blank and an 800 ton hydraulic press was used to push the mandrel out. The press was made in house. There is also a photo of the piston for a 10000 ton hydraulic press being machined. Who knows what that monster was used for. The practical machinist site is an absolute wonderland for old machinists. Photos & drawings of historic and current machine tools and practices. Some monster machines. Also look at www.dockmuseum.org the site of Vickers Armstrong yards at Barrow in Furness. Get the book Dreadnoughts in Camera-Building the Dreadnoughts from your library for a look at heavy engineering that may never be done again. Huge pieces of armour plate, battleship gun barrels being forged and machined, giant mould boxes being prepared on the foundry floor, etc.

[dobbo]

Guess who is just about to give the green light on the great race between 3801 and 3830?

;)

[Dinty]

G'day All, Bloody bragger, I told you 2 hold it till I got there to shrink it and pinch it, bugger I wasn't quick enough, gee all I did today was give out pills and 1/2 dozen injections wrote a heap of stuff about people, I must have a boring life:( :( :( :( anyway as he crawls back under his rock cheers Dennis:wasntme:
PS Matt I wanted it the same size as my P class so I could just look at it!!

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Guess who is just about to give the green light on the great race between 3801 and 3830?

;)

dont leave us hanging dobbo!!!!:eek:

[dobbo]

dont leave us hanging dobbo!!!!:eek:



Ok I started the train and it won over the Tigermoth

[Pedro_The_Swift]

buggar me if ten minutes after posting here I turn on the telly to watch CURTIN on the abc and their she is, 3801, flying along carrying the PM in 1941 from Perth to Canberra.

[Dinty]

G'day All, Well I wonder how it did that seeing Std gauge was just a dream back then (across the nation) NSW was the only state with std gauge, and 3801 didn't hit the rails until early 1943 (test run to Penrith 10/1/43) anyway I suppose with the flicks you can make anything possible cheers Dennis:wasntme:

[JDNSW]

Probably actually did pull him on the Albury - Goulburn leg, once it was in service - I think it went into sevice Sydney - Albury.

John

[twitchy]

What a beautiful peice of engineering she is, Spent my life on and around trains growing up as the old man drove for 32 years (Lithgow depot), can remember being picked up out of school when I was about 6 or 7 & going for a ride on Puffing Billy as it left for good.
Man I love the old steamies, used to spend heaps of time at Zig Zag as well.

3801 should be allowed to run forever............ politicians :rocket:

[Pedro_The_Swift]

all you lovers of 3801 go here---
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBcAyTUTH9U&mode=related&search=

just wonderfull:D

or this one,,
hard at work--
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qndyvTEHtgw&mode=related&search=

[p38arover]

3801 and 3526 will be running Penrith (Western Sydney) - Valley Heights in the Blue Mountains, and Penrith - Blacktown on 27th May for the 100th Anniversary of the railway bridge over the Nepean River.

See http://www.heritageexpress.com.au/2007-05-7-CSTE.htm

Pic of 3526 from http://www.australiansteam.com/nsw/3526.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2007/05/117.jpg

I wonder if I'll be the signaller on duty at Springwood sig box (Valley Hts is part of the Springwood interlocking)? I shall have to check.

Ron

[p38arover]

3801 and 3526 have just gone past my window on their way to Valley Hts.

I'm rostered off this weekend (again! :mad: ) so I won't be working them through.

Ron

[RichardK]

I cn remember around '66/'67 I would be at the Auburn (I think) station waiting for a change to get to Berala there was a steam loco pulling passengers would come through at what seemed flat chat, I always looked forward to seeing it.

Come to think of it it wasn't Auburn but I can't think of the name

[p38arover]

Come to think of it it wasn't Auburn but I can't think of the name

Probably Lidcombe, Berala is the nbext stop after Lidcombe. The line goes south from Lidcombe, not Auburn (I used to work at Auburn Signal Box).

Ron

[RichardK]

That's the one!!!

[Gromit68]

Saw 3801 in bright green this morning at Central, warming up before reversing up to a long train of heritage brown carriages. It had an enormous black tender thing behind it.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

PICS Gromit,, PICS!!!!!!!:D

[p38arover]

I had my camera at work last night when it came past double heading with 3830. I was nearly going to call the driver and ask him to slow down as he went through so we could get some pics. He probably would have as it's at the beginning of a very steep down grade.

I did speak to the driver but only to warn him of a grass fire at Emu Plains.

[p38arover]

The new boiler doesn't fit!


HERE are few things more exasperating than buying a spare part for something, bringing it home and finding it doesn't fit.

Imagine the frustration when that part took a year to make, had to be shipped from the other side of the world, weighed 30 tonnes and cost $1.5 million of NSW taxpayers' money.

This is the embarrassing predicament the Office of Rail Heritage found itself in with the refurbishment of Australia's most famous steam locomotive, the 3801.

The giant green locomotive is in pieces in Chullora. And Germany.

Built in 1943, 3801 was the first of 30 Pacific-class steam locomotives, a marvel of Australian engineering created during one of the nation's darkest moments.

In the 1980s, 3801 was saved from the scrapyard and fully restored to commemorate Australia's bicentennial in 1988. It travelled on lines around the nation, often double-heading with the famous Flying Scotsman on its Australian tour.

In 2008 the locomotive was placed under the custodianship of the Rail Transport Museum in Thirlmere and was stripped down at the Railway workshops in Chullora for full refurbishment.

Last October, the new German-made boiler and firebox arrived at the railway workshops in Chullora to be lowered on to the Australian-refurbished rolling chassis. It was only then engineers realised it didn't fit.

In April, representatives from the German engineering firm Dampflokwerk Meiningen, which built the boiler, arrived in Sydney for discussions as to what to do with the great lump of unusable steel.

Since it was under warranty it will be returned to the place of purchase.

Due back on the rails last year, 3801 probably won't run until late next year.
See Driven loco by a spare part bungle | thetelegraph.com.au (http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-nsw/driven-loco-by-a-spare-part-bungle/story-e6freuzi-1226176713643)

[rick130]

Did you purchase it on their behalf Ron ? :D

[isuzutoo-eh]

Yeah bit of a bungle that one!
I reckon they should build a new loco to suit the boiler and get another boiler for ole 3801 :p