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John Watkins Letter on locomotive 3801 December 2006

The following letter was sent by the Minister for transport to those who had written to him concerning the Large and 3801. It mentions that the “Large Erecting Shed at Eveleigh, 3801 Limited's home, remains available to both 3801 Limited and the Powerhouse Museum until 2008”. It does not state what happens to the Large after that.

Thank you for your interest in the future of the locomotive 3801.

The Government is absolutely committed to keeping the 3801 out on the rail tracks of NSW for generations to come. That is why we are spending $500,000 on the overhaul of this historic steam engine.

3801 Limited held a lease over the locomotive 3801, granted by the Rail Transport Museum (RTM) until 26 November 2006. Custody of the locomotive has now reverted to the RTM. The Crown Solicitor advised the Government that it had no authority to intervene to have the lease extended.

I can also assure you that the Large Erecting Shed at Eveleigh, 3801 Limited's home, remains available to both 3801 Limited and the Powerhouse Museum until 2008.

The recent expert report into the future of 3801 Limited and the RTM outlines a strong future for rail heritage in NSW that depends entirely on cooperation between staff, volunteers and the directors of these two groups. The report advised that a partnership approach has to be the way forward, especially as it guarantees the availability of the locomotive 3801 and other heritage rolling-stock to the general public.

The report recommends a staged merger of RTM and 3801 Limited, facilitated by heritage specialists, including the Powerhouse Museum and the Office of Rail Heritage. The report concludes that this is the best way to resolve the financial difficulties faced by both groups. The Government agrees with this plan and would expect members and volunteers of both groups to be consulted during this process.

We will now work towards this cooperative future that guarantees the locomotive 3801 can continue to serve the public.

Yours sincerely,

John Watkins MP

Deputy Premier
Minister for Transport
Minister for Police