Tag Archive for 'locomotive'

Full steam ahead – the 3265

Published by Erika Dicker 4 Comments Tags: , , , .

3265 running at Eveleigh 25 June 09 012 - low res Photography by Andrew Grant © Powerhouse Museum all rights reserved

Under the supervision of the Museum’s Engineering conservator, Ross Goodman, and a dedicated group of volunteers, Steam Locomotive 3265 has been extensively rebuilt and once again will be fully operational and carrying passengers.

Work commenced on the project in 1998 in the Large Erecting Shop at Eveleigh. Since then 3265 has undergone a very detailed and painstaking overhaul.

00z18430Photography by Marinco Kojdanovski © Powerhouse Museum all rights reserved

The task of rebuilding has been immense as almost every wearing surface was worn down to well beyond tolerance. Specialised skills, material and machinery were required in order to restore the locomotive to its now current operating state. Over this next month 3265 will undertake a series of steaming trials, followed by new paintwork, plus monogram all in the distinctive ‘maroon and cream’ colour of this particular 32 class engine.

Once painting is complete the Museum plans to have a special event to launch 3265 back on the rails. This will then be followed by the relocation of the locomotive to a new facility at Thirlmere, where along with Steam Locomotive 3830, it will be available to hire to accredited Heritage Railway Operators.

Designed by William Thow, Locomotive Superintendent of NSW Railways, in consultation with the builder, Beyer, Peacock & Company of Manchester, England, the 32 class was one of the most successful and long running steam locomotives in Australia. Having 3265 operational will raise awareness of the significance of steam locomotion in New South Wales and will bring much enjoyment to passengers eager to experience steam travel.

Much thanks goes to Ross Goodman, for overseeing the project, conservation staff, Jennifer Edmonds and Rob Smithers, and to the Museum’s volunteers for their expertise, enthusiasm and dedication in rebuilding 3265.

Contributed by Andrew Grant and Susan McMunn

Meet the curator – Margaret Simpson

Published by Margaret Simpson 2 Comments Tags: , , , , .

00z343031
Photography by Sotha Bourn © Powerhouse Museum all rights reserved

Name
Margaret Simpson.

What is your specialty area?
The transport collection – I’ve researched everything from a steam car to a tram hearse, luxurious railway carriages to a shearer’s bicycle. More recently I’ve been having fun with the toy collection. It doesn’t really seem like work

How long have you been working at the Museum?
Over 25 years. I began by studying Fine Arts but discovered Historical and Industrial Archaeology on the way then got side tracked to farm machinery then finally transport.

What is your favourite object in the collection?
Having to nominate my favourite object is a bit like considering which is your favourite child. If pressed, I’d say Locomotive No.1. It was built in 1854 and hauled the first train in NSW from Sydney to Parramatta in 1855. I think it’s amazing we’ve had it in the collection since 1884, before planes, cars and even safety bicycles were invented. The engine is displayed in the Museum with a first, second and third class carriage of the day. It amuses me when small children tell their parents that it’s “Thomas”.

If I had to nominate a favourite toy, this 1906 Carette tin toy car would be a contender. It tells so much about early motoring. There’s both a uniformed driver and a footman and the passengers wear protective clothing against the weather.

What piece of research or exhibition are you most proud of in your career at the Museum?
Having been given the opportunity to research and present the Museum’s transport collection in a book has been a highlight. It covers typically Australian transport stories including Cobb & Co coaches, camel saddles, surfboats, indigenous livery designs for Qantas 747s and solar cars. It allowed me to consider and interpret the “big picture” of Australian transport social history rather than concentrate on individual objects.