What is Happening at Eveleigh and 3801 Ltd - 24 February 2007

WHAT IS HAPPENING AT EVELEIGH AND 3801 LIMITED?

It’s great to be back running tours again following all the hurdles and challenges placed in front of us by the Minister and his team. As a not for profit organization our commitment to providing heritage rail tours to the public has never been stronger.

Our tour programme is hotting up for 2007, with trips planned for the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Hunter valley, Far Western NSW and the regional centres – what we have been doing successfully for years.

As you might have guessed, planning has not been easy, especially with RailCorp transferring a substantial number of carriages to an already overcrowded RTM at Thirlmere.

November 2006 will go down as a sad month for the volunteers and friends of 3801 Limited. Not only did we farewell loco 3801 after 20 years of successful operation, but we also bade farewell to a very close and respected friend, railway historian Ron Preston. In early January we also lost Dave Fitton to cancer. Dave was one of the ‘old mates’ and a respected volunteer who supported us on many trips.

On a brighter note, exactly four years and one month after being purchased by the Goodwin Alco Group and taken from Chullora for restoration, diesel locomotive 4501 has returned to the rails. 4501’s inaugural trip with 3801 Limited was made on our Metropolitan Goods Line tour on 21/1/07. In sweltering Sydney heat, the loco was successfully tested by hauling 5 cars, 4908 and 4486 up the grade from Lavender Bay to Waverton.

The Large Erecting Shop saga continues with the Redfern Waterloo Authority. It seems that the powers that be want to get rid of this working heritage listed building and replace it with apartments and multi storey offices. For more info visit www.redwatch.org.au

Staff movements – Peter Abba has taken over as Chairman following the resignation of John Glastonbury. John is now Acting General Manager, Arthur Tubby has retired, and Allan Phillpott is looking after the office.

The Board and volunteers would like to extend a hearty thank you to all who have supported us over the past 12 months. If you would like to offer a suggestion for a trip or wish to volunteer please call 1300 65
3801 or send an email to trains@3801limited.com.

LOCOMOTIVES AND CARRIAGES

Current projects and happenings in the Large Erecting Shop include:

4501  in grey undercoat ran on the recent suburban goods lines and Kandos tours. 4501 was stopped on 29/8/94 and stored in the open at Chullora for many years until the Goodwin Alco P/L group raised the necessary finance to purchase and begin restoration four years ago. It has been a mighty effort to get this far – congratulations!

SMR18 – is fully operational.

4401 is on restricted workings due to low wheels. 4473 and 4486 continue on ballast and passenger workings. 4486 recently spent a few days on hire to ARG and worked with ‘rainbow warrior’ liveried L265 on a few occasions to Manildra and Nowra.

4908 and 4918 are both fully operational. 4908 has also been on hire to ARG and worked to Manildra and Nowra with 4486.

3112 is fully operational.

ABL805 – restoration work on the bar and lounge car continues with the dedicated Tuesday band of volunteers.

For more information on 3801 Limited, Its tourrs and to subscribe to an email version of the '01 News visit:

www.3801limited.com.au