3801’s status as leader of the class was first recognised in 1962 when it made the last run of steam on the Melbourne Limited Express from Junee to Albury. Returned to green livery in 1963, it set a new speed record from Sydney to Newcastle in the following year, covering the 167 kilometres in 2 hours, 1 minute and 51 seconds. Assisted by 3813 it hauled the first steam train from Sydney to Perth in 1970.  

Withdrawn from regular service later that year, 3801 continued to run in preservation across a range of landmark services. It has made many more interstate journeys, becoming the only Australian locomotive to visit every mainland state and territory.

3801 was featured in the landmark short feature film "A Steam Train Passes", produced by Anthony Buckley AO. It was also prominent in the 1988 Bicentenary celebrations and frequently double-headed with international visitor the ‘Flying Scotsman’ in 1988 and 1989. 

The need for boiler repairs and other maintenance saw 3801 withdrawn from service in 2007.