Thread: 3801 Steam Locomotive

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.

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 -

Originally Posted by 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 -

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!

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

just emailed

thepremier@www.nsw.gov.au


and let him know my opinion.


politely

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

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

just emailed

thepremier@www.nsw.gov.au


and let him know my opinion.


politely

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

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