Australian Garratt saved and back on main line

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THE Canberra Railway Museum’s former flagship Beyer, Peacock-built 4-8-4+4-8-4 Garratt No. 6029 has returned to the mainline after the museum’s former owner, the Australian Railway Historical Society, was declared insolvent in late-2016.

As reported in the November 2017 issue (p97), the society became involved in a legal battle that was heard by the Australian Supreme Court last year, resulting in most of its exhibits being auctioned to pay off the substantial debts.

Ex-NSWGR Garratt No. 6029 at Allandale while operating one of the shuttles from Maitland to Branxton on April 15 as part of the Hunter Valley Steamfest event. Heritage EMD-engined diesel No. 4201 was attached to the rear of the train for the return journey as there are no turning facilities at Branxton. STEVE McNICOL

The Garratt was transferred to the New South Wales Rail Museum at Thirlmere for storage in
late-2016, along with other exhibits, and those sold at auction late last year, raised about AU$ 500,000, minus fees.

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Expressions of interest were invited for the purchase of No. 6029, but all fell short of the sum required.

Read more in the June issue of The RM – on sale now!


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