, ,

3801 steams Down Under as overhaul nears completion

by

AUSTRALIA’S most famous steam locomotive – ‘C38’ Pacific No. 3801 – steamed for the first time in more than a decade on September 16 as its protracted overhaul enters the ‘home straight’.

It was a significant milestone for Transport Heritage New South Wales (THNSW) and the overhaul team at Eveleigh, coming just a week after the loco’s grate was installed in the firebox. 

Article continues below…
Advert

Monthly Subscription: Enjoy more Railway Magazine reading each month with free delivery to you door, and access to over 100 years in the archive, all for just £5.35 per month.
Click here to subscribe & save

As has been well documented, the overhaul of the former New South Wales Government Railways 4-6-2 has not been without its problems.

A new welded boiler, built in 2010 by Deutsche Bahn Meiningen Steam Locomotive Works in Germany, was set aside after issues were discovered that meant it did not comply with Australian Standards. 

3801 project staff and volunteers with the loco during its first steam test for a decade on September 7. THNSW

Instead THNSW, which inherited the project in 2014, decided to overhaul No. 3801’s original NSWGR riveted boiler.

Article continues below…
Advert

The work was completed earlier this year by Ainsworth Engineering in Goulburn, NSW, and has seen the original full working pressure of 245psi restored.

Despite the successful first firing there is still some way to go before the loco is finished and ready for its highly anticipated relaunch next year. It has not run since withdrawal in 2007.

Read more News and Features in the October 2019 issue of The RM –on sale now!

Article continues below…
Advert


Advert
Subscribe to The Railway Magazine
Enjoy more of The Railway Magazine reading every month. Click here to subscribe.

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.


About the Author