Under the supervision of the Museum’s Engineering conservator, Ross Goodman, and a dedicated group of volunteers, Steam Locomotive 3265 has been extensively rebuilt and once again will be fully operational and carrying passengers.
Work commenced on the project in 1998 in the Large Erecting Shop at Eveleigh. Since then 3265 has undergone a very detailed and painstaking overhaul.
The task of rebuilding has been immense as almost every wearing surface was worn down to well beyond tolerance. Specialised skills, material and machinery were required in order to restore the locomotive to its now current operating state. Over this next month 3265 will undertake a series of steaming trials, followed by new paintwork, plus monogram all in the distinctive ‘maroon and cream’ colour of this particular 32 class engine.
Once painting is complete the Museum plans to have a special event to launch 3265 back on the rails. This will then be followed by the relocation of the locomotive to a new facility at Thirlmere, where along with Steam Locomotive 3830, it will be available to hire to accredited Heritage Railway Operators.
Designed by William Thow, Locomotive Superintendent of NSW Railways, in consultation with the builder, Beyer, Peacock & Company of Manchester, England, the 32 class was one of the most successful and long running steam locomotives in Australia. Having 3265 operational will raise awareness of the significance of steam locomotion in New South Wales and will bring much enjoyment to passengers eager to experience steam travel.
Much thanks goes to Ross Goodman, for overseeing the project, conservation staff, Jennifer Edmonds and Rob Smithers, and to the Museum’s volunteers for their expertise, enthusiasm and dedication in rebuilding 3265.
Contributed by Andrew Grant and Susan McMunn
What a wonderful achievement it has been to get 3265 back in steam! A hugely complex and potentially dangerous (and so highly regulated) machine such as a steam loco is a huge task for which the whole team of volunteers, conservators and curators should be congratulated. I look forward to the well-deserved launch to great fanfare! The final colour scheme will look spectacular but primer evokes those official pictures by railway companies recording the momentous occassion when a brand a new loco rolled out of the shops.
I read about the train 3265 starting trips in the Hearld 19/9/2009.
Would like to know details about future or how to get the details.
Thanking you
Wendy Quinn
PO BOX 12
SEVEN HILLS NSW 1730
My boys would love a ride on train 3265. Can anyone give me some details regarding how to book, costs, dates etc.
Thanks
Craig
Dear 3265 fans
Many thanks for your enquiries about travelling on a steam train hauled by loco 3265.
As you can imagine, the launch generated a lot of interest and the Museum has been liaising with the the two main heritage train operators about their plans to use 3265.
At this stage, there are only two confirmed trips involving 3265 and both are much longer than the Bankstown loop trips run for the 20 September launch event. One is being run by 3801 Limited on Sunday 4 October 2009 (see http://www.3801limited.com.au/091004cockatoo.htm) to Moss Vale via the Illawarra line and the other by the NSW Rail Transport Museum (“Heritage Express”) to the Blue Mountains on Saturday 7 November 2009 (see http://www.heritageexpress.com.au/2009-11-005-STDO.htm). Bookings and enquiries should be made through these websites.
Thank you for your interest and support.
Andrew Grant
Senior Curator, Transport