There were a number of boilers stored at Thirlmere prior to their relocation by the Office of Rail Heritage so as to allow the transformation into Trainworks to proceed. As I understand it, not knowing any better, ORH arranged for the boilers to be transferred to open storage in a disused quarry not far from the Museum, being stored "on the ground" rather than elevated. I'm sure that there was a report published (may have been through a Questions and Answers at an Annual General Meeting of the RTM) that at least one of these boilers had "fallen over" while the others were deteriorating rapidly owing to incorrect storage. The RTM Committee was aware of the situation, but owing to the Museum's financial problems at the time, could not afford relocation.Upturned boilers? dumped in a quarry, that's a good story for the Herald. - are they still there?
They run tours supposedly making money, relocation would not be that much of a burden on their bottom line. - lets see, museum volunteers plus one 25t Franna and a semi hired for 2-3 days over a (long) weekend would be a good estimate.I assume you're a member of the NSWRTM and as such are privy to their financial dealings then? Their income, their financial obligations and such? If you don't know the facts of the museums finances, you're hardly in a position to comment on what they could/should be doing.
A recent on-line questionnaire circulating in the UK found that 3801 was the second most popular steam locomotive in the world ... next to 4472 Flying Scotsman ... but the British would favour their own locomotive!The British may favour their own locomotives, of which they have a large number, but 3801 still came in second apparently...
Speaking of 36 Class boilers,Those boilers are still there and have plaques attached to them identifying them as the property of the National Trust, and that they are not to be removed without permission. Significant corrosion of the cladding on most of them.
Are the boilers still there at the side of the northern end of the LES at Eveleigh (closest to the CME's Office)?
I remember seeing them there a couple of years ago, being used (or un-used) as stationary boilers.
Perhaps the RTM better check and make an offer while they still can.
Or has that opportunity been lost?
Regards
Smithy
In the Nov issue of Roundhouse:Thank you Spiritman for some decent comment and report!
"The final boiler inspection has been completed. Several boiler tubes were removed ............(see pictures on this thread)....to assess the boiler. As previously stated the boiler will require extensive work including full tube replacement, roof stay replacement and replacement of leaky rivets. Further work may be identified as work progresses. Work will recommence on 3830 following repairs to 3265"
When is the 3830 going to operate again? I want to see it run but i was told that the boiler is broken and needs years worth of repair. Can anybody confirm please?Reading is your friend. Read each post in this thread and be as informed as any Railpager. Oh and Welcome to Railpage!
Thank you Spiritman for some decent comment and report!
Those boilers are still there and have plaques attached to them identifying them as the property of the National Trust, and that they are not to be removed without permission. Significant corrosion of the cladding on most of them.Photos of the boilers from Feb-12 can be seen in my flickr
Those boilers are still there and have plaques attached to them identifying them as the property of the National Trust, and that they are not to be removed without permission. Significant corrosion of the cladding on most of them.I don't think they are the property of the National Trust. There maybe state heritage requirements, but as we can see from the SMR 10 class when at Rothbury these requirements aren't worth the paper they are written on.
Something doesn't sound right with phm.I wonder if its not part of the new restructuring of NSW Rail Heritage??
Why would the phm not want all the experienced
voluteers. Do they know what happened to the boiler?
I think there is are a couple of issues that need clarification.They are great points Bevan. Please keep us all up to date on the clarifications of your queries when PHM staff respond assuming you have contacted them directly and not just trying to stir up trouble here? As can be assumed there is no presemce of phm staff on this forum to respond for us here.
3830 had been "reassembled" and was ready to go. A highly qualified, experienced and independant boiler inspector had certified the boiler, the safety valves had been set, sealed and tagged. A couple of weeks later the same inspector found the boiler in such poor shape that the certificate was immediately cancelled.
What was done to cause so much damage to the boiler? Does the PHM have the funds needed to repair 3830 and continue to maintain 3265 in opertional condition?
Is the PHM still commited to operating steam locomotives? If so, why have the majority of volunteers from the team who restored and maintained 3830 and 3265 been told their services are no longer needed?
BW
I am not attempting to "stir up trouble". I am not interested in blaming anybody, but I do think it is essential that if mistakes have been made then procedures are put in place to ensure similar events do not reoccur.I knew one of the restorers of 3265 from my days as a fireman, & was introduced to him once only, likewise he provided help in an acting drivers class, in those days he was a valued person who was always available to assist enginemen especially in the area of Westinghouse, he is a gold mine of experience & knowledge it would be terrible to see him lost to the scene, even in his quite senior years.
I do have a vested interest in both PHM locomotives because I have donated the production of four videos/DVDs to help raise funds towards the restoration/maintenance of 3830 and 3265. So far the very vague information provided to anybody by the PHM in the form of statements given to The Railway News for inclusion in its recent report on 3830 and the report in the latest Roundhouse does not really address the concerns that the very experienced team of volunteers have raised with PHM management.
I have been in contact with some of these volunteers and from the time the problem with the boiler was detected they have known what caused it. (Other people involved with steam locomotive maintenance also know). However, because this information is not official, in my opinion is has to be viewed as a rumour no matter how credible the sources are, and for that reason I will not repeat it here.
Representatives of the volunteers have had meetings with PHM management to express ongoing concerns over the maintenance of 3830 and 3265 and could not reach agreement on how to proceed, other than that the volunteers could "walk away" if they wanted to. I understand that most of them have since resigned. As a PHM volunteer myself I have not yet decided.
Given that the PHM is undergoing cutbacks in finance there must be serious concerns over the ability of the organisation to fund the repairs to 3830 and the ongoing maintenance of 3265. The support of people interested in steam preservation will most likely be needed in the form of monetary donations, time, etc, and this is only going to be forthcoming if we are given factual information about what is happening and what is planned.
BW
The storage of the operating carriages somewhere in the Eveleigh Precinct, as well as the loco's in the LES, is best for all, especially if it is open to all Heritage type operators to use during stay overs, it means the LES can also be looked at being upgraded to its former purpose, as a locomotive repair & servicing area.
Dont forget the government is selling the airspace over the Central to Eveleigh
http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/en-us/developmentproposals/majordevelopments/centraltoeveleighcorridor.aspx
If it ends up like the Southern Cross Station development you can forget about any steam trains operating out of Central Station![]()
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