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NSW GOVERNMENT TO CLOSE DOWN 3801 LIMITED

The much loved 3801 steam locomotive will no longer be located or operated from Sydney after November under current plans by RailCorp according to this media statement from 3801 Limited on 13 July 2006.

3801 has been operating for the last 20 years under a lease agreement between RailCorp, the NSW Rail Transport Museum and 3801 Limited, a not for profit company.

Chairman of 3801 Limited, John Glastonbury explains, "3801 Limited is a successful company which has operated its business without government funding for 20 years. We have generated over $2 million a year for for the further preservation and care of the locomotive and have continuing programmes in place to provide for the replacement of major life expired components, for example a new boiler.

A unique feature of the 3801 operations is that it takes this iconic rail heritage to the people of metropolitan and regional NSW for them to experience rather than requiring people to visit a museum to look at a static exhibit.

We are the most successful of the State's rail heritage operators. We have carried over half a million passengers over the past 20 years. As well as catering for the Sydney market, we regularly visit regional centres where we are joined by thousands of locals for shorter local steam train trips in their region.

Since 1999 we have also been running a successful rail based tourism operation in the Illawarra and and Southern Highlands - the Cockatoo Run.

We have more than 130 active volunteers of all ages as well as 25 regular casual employees and 9 full time employed staff. All this is now at risk because the NSW government will not negotiate with us about our lease," John Glastonbury said.

For the past 20 years 3801 Limited has been given access to the Large Erecting Shop at South Eveleigh for use as its operating base. As a result of the formation of the Redfern Waterloo Authority (RWA), this portion of the South Eveleigh complex is to be deeded to RWA in the near future. The Chairman of 3801 Limited has said that another Sydney location could be suitable and has sought to negotiate this with the NSW Government.

RailCorp has refused to re-sign a lease with the company for locomotive 3801 and has advised that the engine will be sent to the NSW Rail Transport Museum at Thirlmere. This will mean that 3801 Limited company will be shut down.

For further information call john Glastonbury on 0408 876096 or (02) 9869 2749, alternately call Gabi Cseh on 0412 411101.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Raise your concerns and indicate your support on talk back radio.

Contact your local member.

Fax or email the Premier  - fax (02)9228 3934 or email thepremier@www.nsw.gov.au

OR

the Transport Minister - fax (02)9228 4855 or email dp.office@watkins.minister.nsw.gov.au

3801 LIMITED INFORMATION SHEET

Locomotive 3801 and its train of historic carraiges have been maintained and operated for the past 20 years by the 3801 Limited company. The company was established to restore steam locomotive 3801 and support its operation for the enjoyment of the people of NSW. Prior to its restoration, locomotive 3801 was stored unused and rusting in a museum.

In November this year, the lease of locomotive 3801 from RailCorp will end and it is scheduled to be returned to the museum and face an uncertain future. 3801's historic carriages are to be listed for disposal by RailCorp and the Redfern home of 3801, the historic 1880's built Large Erecting Shop, is planned to be demolished to make way for a new high rise development.

3801 Limited has requested the NSW State Government to renew the lease of locomotive 3801 and save its historic home so it can continue to care for locomotive 3801 and operate heritage rail tours.

3801 Limited is requesting the people of  NSW to petition the Premier and State Government representatives to extend the lease of locomotive 3801, save the historic Large Erecting Shop from demolition and secure the operating future of its heritage trains from Sydney to regional and country areas.

SOME FACTS ABOUT 3801 LIMITED AND LOCOMOTIVE 3801

- 3801 has carried over 500,000 passengers throughout Australia over the past 20 years.

- Since being returned to service in 1986, 3801 has travelled to all mainland State capitals in addition to Canberra and Alice Springs.

- 3801 Limited has 9 staff and over 100 volunteers who maintain locomotive 3801 and operate heritage trains every week for the people of NSW.

- 3801 Limited is committed to the operation and maintenance of locomotive 3801 and its fleet of historic carriages.

 - 3801 Limited is the only rail heritage company based in the Sydney metropolitan area and maintains the 150 year NSW steam railway link.

- 3801 has self funded in excess of $450,000.00 on the maintenance of 3801 and its historic train in the last year and continues to repair and renew equipment every day.

- Locomotive 3801 is recognised by the Heritage Council and Institution of Engineering as a heritage icon.

- 3801 and the Eveleigh Large Erecting Shop belong to the people of NSW.

DON'T LET THE NSW GOVERNMENT CLOSE DOWN 3801 LIMITED! KEEP THE WHEELS ROLLING - SAVE 3801 AND THE HISTORIC EVELEIGH LARGE ERECTING SHOP.

source: http://www.3801limited.com.au/news/index.htm