Sydney Steam Tram 103A in action at Valley Heights (20/7/08)

SAR 759 · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 10:33 pm

After almost being lost to fire at the Parramatta Park site back in the 1990's? Steam Tram 103A was fully restored and now resides at the Valley Heights Railway Museum and operates on the 2nd & 4th sunday of each month.

I took the opertunity today to go get pics of this iconic peice of Sydney transport and share on this board as its not something we see much of (actualy I've never seen any pics of it here before).

You could probaly call 103A the "Pheonix" of the steam trams as it has risen from the ashes.

The society have erected a new shed for the trams and adding extra trackage. They are also in the process of getting permission to extend their running line (currently just out of the boundry gates) to the old Valley Heights signal cabin located at the Sydney end of the Valley Heights station, this would give themn a decent lenght of line to run on.

103A at the museum station about to depart for Sans Souci.

103A returns to the museum with trailer #93B leading, this trailer served time on the Arncliffe steam tramway and ended its life as part of a home at Berowa along with another trailer. Both trailers are at the museum but the 2nd is in far worse condition as it was used as a kitchen/ laundry area so wood rot is very advanced. #93B was the living area so was in far better condition for restoration although 1 side needed a total re-build due to being exposed to the elements. Note the red mail box & period uniform.

103A letting off steam after another trip.

Another view of the very well restored trailer #93B.

another front quater view of 103A

The hot spot, 103A's fireman takes a breather before preparing for another run.

103A seen at the running limits just outside the museum gates and right alongside the main line whilst on a service to Sth Broken hill.From here the tram will push back op the climb to the right (great exhaust beat to be heard) which it does twice before returning to the museum station.

103A rolls down over the points after its 2nd run up the hill.

103A making for a very nice site.

This was a great novelty to ride and the team looking after the steam tram have done a great job, thanks to the guys on today for your very welcoming attitude and taking the time for our little discussion. Also for allowing these pics out of the public area to be taken.

Rail Freight is King over Trucks, give Rail more funding.

4426_No_2_end · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:09 pm

Awesome pics and thanks heaps for sharing them SAR759 Well Done

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crisfitz · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:26 am

Great photos there - would love to see her in action Very Happy

3000 + km is a little far to go at the moment Shocked

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8050 · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:27 am

Nice of Dave to pose for you like that. Smile

He's not really the regular fireman. Razz

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NSWRTM123 · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 4:52 pm

Very nice SAR759. I once saw here in steam. It was at the end easter 2008. we were driving down the highway and I just managed to get a shot of her.

Don't Make 'em like they used to
3801 limited and NSWRTM Forever
Alcos Rule!!!!!

574M · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 5:18 pm

That is wonderful.

That is most inspiring heritage and restoration work, including the narrative about wood rot and backyards and exposure.

It is wonderful to see these restored engines and trailers in action.

4426_No_2_end · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 11:11 pm

What is truly remarkable is how well 103A has "recovered" after looking like this after the Parramatta Park Fire (Did Anyone Get Charged Over That?)

103A At the RTM after the fire. Note also the saddle tanks contained water which I was told saved the boiler from further damage.
Also here is a picture of Vulcan Saddle Tank 0-4-0 #1022 at Thirlmere as well

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NSWRTM123 · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 1:22 pm

Yes, I remember seing her and 1022 at Thirlmere when I was only 3 years old.

Don't Make 'em like they used to
3801 limited and NSWRTM Forever
Alcos Rule!!!!!

GeoffreyHansen · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 2:26 pm

What happened to the diesel replica steam tram motor? Were there any remains of it?

Bring the 3900s back to Brisbane
Bring Karlsruhe Tramtrains to Australian cities
Extend the proposed Metro to Taylor Square
Extend the Gold Coast line to the Tweed

NSWRTM123 · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 3:56 pm

AFAIK, 1022 and 103A are all that's left of the Paramatta Steam Park. Sad

Even the two B Class trailers were destroyed.

Don't Make 'em like they used to
3801 limited and NSWRTM Forever
Alcos Rule!!!!!

The Man in Blue · Posted: Fri Jul 25, 2008 10:35 pm

4426_No_2_end · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 8:49 pm

1307 or 1308 cant remember which Rolling Eyes

was part of the collection is at Thirlmere and the remains of CPH5 were also brought to Thirlmere but have since disappeared

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GhostofGresley · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 11:00 am

4426_No_2_end · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 5:26 pm

Thanks GhostofGresley.

I think I am starting to suffer from oldtimers Confused

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NSWRTM123 · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 5:48 pm

Yes, that's right 1307 also survived the fire. Does anyone know the motive behind the attack.

Don't Make 'em like they used to
3801 limited and NSWRTM Forever
Alcos Rule!!!!!