With the introduction of locomotive 3001 to the operating fleet, the fleet maintenance team were given an opportunity to give 2705’s boiler a much-needed overhaul.
A Mainstay on the Loop LIne
Following at the end of its working life, locomotive 2705 was used on enthusiast tours in 1960 and
1961. In mid-1963, locomotive 2705 was ‘earmarked’ by the newly-formed New South Wales Rail Transport Museum (NSWRTM) for its collection. It was used on occasions on Vintage Train duties for the next two years, working in conjunction with locomotives 1243, 1709 and 1301.
The locomotive eventually joined the State collection and became the primary locomotive operating on the Loop Line and was the mainstay of operations until the end of 2022. The introduction of 3001 to the operating fleet gave the fleet maintenance team an opportunity to give 2705’s boiler a much-needed overhaul.
Boiler reconditioning
Initial works in the first half of 2023 focused on removing the boiler from the frame for the replacement of the front tube plate, and repairs to the firebox. The boiler was then stripped later in the year, removing the tubes, tube plate, longitudinal, transverse, palm and sling stays.
In addition, a section of wasted plate in the barrel, the belly plate mountings were removed to be reconditioned, while foundation ring rivets were earmarked for replacement.
Concurrently, THNSW contracted out the manufacture of a new smokebox tube plate and palm stay brackets for the boiler, and ordered a new set of tubes. In-house, the workshop team fabricated an entire new ash pan, refurbished the locomotive’s brake cylinder, and manufactured new transverse, sling and longitudinal stays.
The discovery of strong grooving around the foundation ring in the first half of 2024 meant a significant increase in scope to the restoration works. Significant repairs and new rivets were required, including normalisation to relieve any stress on the crown and sling stays. The seams also required caulking to provide a seal between the platework and foundation ring.
Following completion of works to the boiler, it was boxed up and sent for testing and certification to allow testing to get underway. Once the boiler was returned, it was quickly refitted and initial testing completed.
Return to service
With its return to service, 2705 has become the leading engine at the Day Out With Thomas events at the NSW Rail Museum. In this new capacity, it has been transformed into the popular character James from the beloved series.
Featuring a bright red livery with yellow lining, and the number 5 on its tender, 2705 will dons a brand-new face, custom manufactured for the locomotive and for the first time globally, utilising the most face designs.
In addition, the locomotive continues to provide support to the State Operational Heritage Fleet across a range of events at the NSW Rail Museum.
