To support increasing visitation to the NSW Rail Museum, Locomotive 3001 has undergone restoration to haul passenger trains along the NSW Rail Museum's Loop Line, with potential use on occasional main line trips throughout NSW in the longer term.
Back by popular demand
Earmarked for preservation at the end of its working life in 1967, 3001 remained in storage until its restoration in 1983, where it became a regular on the heritage Loop Line in Thirlmere. It also supported a range of heritage tours across NSW, visiting far-flung parts of the state in support of heritage operations.
When it was withdrawn from heritage service in 1996, locomotive 3001 continued to be on display to the public as a static exhibit.
With a increasing visitorship to the NSW Rail Museum, the decision was made in 2019 to reactivate the locomotive to support passenger trains along the Heritage Loop Line once again.
Fitment of a reconditioned boiler
The three-year restoration program saw the locomotive stripped down to its basic components to ensure the locomotive would be able to operate regularly and reliably for years to come.
Key among these works were the installation of a reconditioned boiler to replace the existing one. This required the overhaul, test and certification of the reconditioned boiler before being fitted to the locomotive's frame.
Work to the majority of the mechanical undergear was also necessary to allow the boiler to be fitted.
Following, the locomotive's superheater elements were reconditioned, and new main steam pipes fitted.
Return to service
Locomotive 3001 was returned to service during a special relaunch ceremony with THNSW members and invited guests at the NSW Rail Museum on Thursday 2 March 2023.
The 120-year-old locomotive was officially relaunched by Member for Wollondilly, Nathaniel Smith MP, before the locomotive hauled its inaugural passenger service from Thirlmere to Buxton and return.
The return of 3001 provides much needed additional fleet capacity for growing heritage train experiences at the NSW Rail Museum, particulary with the future completion of the Loop Line Upgrade Project to Colo Vale.
In 2025, locomotive 3001 celebrated its return to the main line in NSW for the first time in 29 years.
