MEDIA RELEASE - 18 July 2006 - PDF version

A new future for locomotive 3801
- a NSW icon of steam

NSW's iconic steam locomotive 3801 is returning home to be based at Thirlmere's NSW Rail Transport Museum (NSWRTM) in November 2006. 3801 will operate into the future as part of NSWRTM's Heritage Express rail tours family.

NSWRTM President Peter Berriman said '3801 has a special place in the NSW rail story - the NSWRTM saved 3801 for the community in the 1960s, we're its prime custodian, and we intend that the locomotive will operate and be publicly accessible to the maximum extent possible'.


NSWRTM - a new home and an operating future for 3801

u 3801 will operate:
The NSWRTM will continue to operate 3801 for the benefit and enjoyment of the NSW community, providing an exciting new range of rail heritage journeys and experiences.

u 3801 will have a home:
Public access to 3801 will be improved between operations - a special visitor facility at the Thirlmere Railway Museum will showcase the locomotive and its story.

u 3801 will be managed sustainably for future generations:
The NSWRTM has established a high level Taskforce headed by former Queensland Rail CEO Vince O'Rourke to consider the best options for 3801's future funding, overhaul, operation and management.

u 3801 will provide opportunities:
NSWRTM will initiate new volunteer opportunities for people dedicated to working with 3801, developing heritage skills.


NSWRTM - 3801's primary custodian

The current lease from State Rail and the NSWRTM providing custody of the locomotive to 3801 Limited concludes in November 2006. 3801 Limited was advised of the NSWRTM's decision in July 2005.

3801's existing depot is slated for closure as part of Sydney's Eveleigh redevelopment - the locomotive needs a new home. Steam trains (including 3801) have operated from NSWRTM's Thirlmere site for 30 years. With over 200 volunteers, NSWRTM is NSW's largest volunteer based not for profit rail heritage organisation and operates NSW's largest rail heritage fleet.

Mr Berriman stated "NSWRTM's state-wide heritage train operations provide a living museum experience for thousands of travellers and spectators, support urban and regional community events and promote tourism within NSW".

Media enquiries:

Peter Berriman
President
NSW Rail Transport Museum

NSW Rail Transport Museum heritage train operations:   www.heritageexpress.com.au