On 7 and 8 November, Transport Heritage NSW was engaged by the Powerhouse Museum to deliver heritage transport experiences as part of the grand opening of Powerhouse Parramatta.

More than 2,300 passengers enjoyed return steam train journeys from Parramatta to Riverstone behind Powerhouse locomotive 3265, operated by THNSW. Meanwhile, the Sydney Bus Museum carried some 9,000 visitors between Parramatta Station and the new museum, while the NSW Railway Band welcomed hundreds more with live performances at the station.

Working alongside our transport heritage sector partners, THNSW was proud to coordinate and deliver these experiences, helping connect thousands of visitors with the new museum and bringing NSW's transport heritage to life in Western Sydney.

Over its 60-plus year history, THNSW has worked closely with the Powerhouse. Volunteers of the NSW Rail Transport Museum, forerunner of THNSW, restored locomotive 1243 for display ahead of Powerhouse Ultimo’s opening in 1988.

In addition, it has collaborated with the Powerhouse to operate various locomotives in preservation – including locomotive 3265, which THNSW has operated and maintained in partnership with the Powerhouse since its return to service in 2009.

Earlier this year, THNSW and the Powerhouse worked together on a major overhaul of 3265. The overhaul included upgraded lighting to meet current rail safety standards for train visibility, retubing the boiler, repairing and correcting corrosion in the tender tank, comprehensive mechanical and operational checks and a full repaint of the locomotive, consistent with its historical maroon livery. The locomotive returned to passenger service in April.

Through its ongoing partnership with Powerhouse, including the operation of locomotive 3265 from its collection, THNSW is proud to help share a legacy of mechanical engineering with new audiences.

Congratulations to the Powerhouse Museum on a landmark opening weekend.