Fleet summer works program underway

Transport Heritage NSW’s Fleet Maintenance Team is undertaking a significant works program over the summer months ahead of 2026 operations.

In addition to annual inspections required on all operational rollingstock, several projects are being carried out to completion across the State Operational Heritage Fleet.

Locomotive 2705 Locomotive 2705 has now become part of the regular fleet. The locomotive took over Loop Line duties over the October school holidays and performed with no issues. We look forward to 2705 continuing to support our operations at the NSW Rail Museum as required.

Locomotive 3001 The locomotive made its first appearance on the main line in close to 30 years as part of last year’s Transport Heritage Expo. There, it both led operations from Central to Hurstville and return over three days and participated in the Great Train Race.

In preparation, an ICE radio was fitted and commissioned by the workshop team at Thirlmere. In addition, a range of checks were conducted to ensure it was fit for operation on the main line, culminating in final trials on the Thursday prior to Expo.

Following Expo, 3001 has returned to its regular Loop Line services and continues to perform well.

Locomotive 3265 Works for the major overhaul of 3265 are making rapid progress with the support of Powerhouse. Works have already been completed on retubing, following a visit to Steamrail in Victoria during September 2025 to undertake reduction works on flue tubes. We thank Steamrail for their hospitality and use of their facilities.

In addition, corrosion repairs on the tender tank and painting have been completed. The engine is currently in the paint workshop for a full repaint consistent with the current livery. A new set of superheater elements have been commissioned and are due to arrive by mid-February 2026. This will enable 3265 to be completed and available for operations by March 2026. Preliminary work has also been undertaken to allow the fitting of visibility lights as required by the train visibility code of practice that THNSW has aligned too.

Locomotive 3801 Extensive work has been required to determine suitable material for the manufacture of replacement motion components for 3801, and the conversion of the original drawings to CNC machining drawings which is now complete.

Steel profiles were cut, heat treated and samples were subjected to testing to determine if the steel complied with the specification. These have been delivered to our contractor Leussink Engineering in Wollongong where machining work is now around 50% complete. These works will see all connecting and coupling rods renewed on the locomotive.

We are currently fitting a new set of superheater elements and replacing the self-cleaning front end, which due to poor fit and some expected wastage is being replaced. Rewiring of the locomotive to allow the fitting of visibility lighting is also being undertaken.

The completion of the above works will see a significant level of reliability returned to the locomotive, something we have not been able to achieve with this engine since its return to service several years ago.

Work has commenced on scoping what is required to undertake replacement of the roller bearings on the driving wheels and leading bogie. No drawings exist for the axle boxes or bearings currently fitted to 3801, however 3D scanning of the axle boxes has enabled us to commence work on this significant project.

Preliminary cost estimates have already been obtained for replacement bearings, axle boxes and axles along with preliminary engineering works. The plan is to complete all required engineering assessments and change management processes to allow these items to be procured / manufactured to allow fitting to the locomotive at the conclusion of 2027 operations.

Locomotive 6029 With a delay being experienced with the delivery of the replacement front water tank (now due in February 2026), a decision was made to replace 32 of the 50 flue tubes fitted during the firebox tube plate replacement works in 2018 – these 32 tubes being safe ended tubes using the best of the old ones removed.

This work has been completed, and work is currently focused on replacement of the self-cleaning front end which has seen 10 years of service and has become thin. Total replacement of the clothing and supporting cage has been undertaken on the outer firebox due to this area being in very poor condition. Other works continue as time permits and should be completed in time for the tank’s arrival.

Locomotive 4520  Over the last four months extensive repairs have been completed to the nose, including total replacement of the dynamic brake installation due to significant corrosion and complete replacement of the cab sides and end walls for the same reason. The main reservoirs have been refitted, and an extensive amount of pipework has been replaced due to corrosion.

The hood has a significant amount of corrosion and damage which will need to be addressed before this can be refitted.

It is anticipated that around six to nine months’ work remain to get this locomotive completed.

CPH 13 The reconditioned engine has been received, and a volunteer team are undertaking the re-wiring of the railmotor. After over 14 months of chasing drawings from the United States, making patterns, casting items and machining/balancing, the final component – the twin disk clutch assembly – has also been completed. The clutch assembly has been shipped to Queensland to enable completion of the transmission, which is expected back in a few weeks’ time.

The front windscreens arrived in mid-December and once fitted the interior can be completed. In the meantime, carriage builders Dave and Terry have made significant progress on internal varnishing.

A full report on the State Operational Heritage Fleet features in the Summer 2026 Edition of Roundhouse Magazine.