The 3801 train leaves Redfern

The 3801, greeted by thousands of sightseers and enthusiasts wherever it goes, is regarded as the best working example of a steam locomotive in Australia. But after being cared for by volunteers and enthusiasts for the past 20 years, its future as a working locomotive is now in doubt.

Its many supporters claim the NSW government is determined to rid itself of the train because it wants the valuable inner-city land on which it is housed. Plans are already on display for a I2-storey apartment development on the site of the 1890s heritage listed rail shed in which it is housed.

The 3801 steam locomotive, built by Clyde Engineering in western Sydney, came into service in 1943. Regarded as an engineering triumph, it remained in service until 1967. It was a rusting heap at the NSW Rail Transport Museum at Thirlmere south of Sydney until 1983, when it was restored by apprentices in the Hunter Valley. In 1986 it came back to service with a specially formed volunteer heritage company called 3801 Ltd., which was given a 20 year lease. That lease ends in November. Since 1986 the 3801 has carried more than half a million passengers.

The company has more than 130 active volunteers. Chairman of 3801 Ltd., former dean of Engineering at Sydney University John Glastonbury, said the trains operations were now at risk because the NSW government refused to renegotiate their lease. "We are one of the most successful rail heritage operators in Australia, yet the NSW government is trying to break up a group of devoted volunteers for bureaucratic convenience and real estate money, Glastonbury said. "Look at episodes of Yes Minister and it ceases to be funny. All we are asking is for the government to let us continue to do what we have done well”.

Typical of the enthusiasts grouped around the 3801, former tours operator for the Railway Historical Society, Ken Butt, said the loss of the train would be terrible. "It is the only one of its kind left, it is in top order and people just love it," he said.

As those with any direct experience of the steam age die out, the company has trained up a younger generation. Fireman and maintenance expert Creagh Maywald, 30, said they had to draw on the skills of the men who originally drove the train. "Just look at her," he said. "It is a beautiful machine, absolutely beautiful. Railways, wool, wheat and coal, that was what Australia was built on."

Glastonbury said the NSW government could step in and resolve the issue with a stroke of the pen. But NSW Transport Minister John Watkins has refused to intervene. Last Friday RailCorp Chief Executive Vince Graham issued a statement which horrified 3801s supporters; claiming the operating future of the locomotive would be guaranteed but refusing to clarify the ownership dispute.

He said he would offer 3801 Ltd an extension of time at its current location subject to the company meeting building maintenance responsibilities and undergoing a financial audit.

Peter Berriman, President of the NSW Rail Transport Museum at Thirlmere, 3801's likely future home, expects to take possession on 27 November. He said the train was returning to its natural home. He acknowledged it was unlikely to run as often. "We would argue that as a single product business 3801 have operated it without any real regard for conservation considerations," Mr Berriman said. "They don't have a conservation policy, they don't have guidelines or protocols for operating heritage equipment. We think we can provide a more sustainable future for the locomotive."

John Glastonbury chair of the 3801 Ltd. hasn't had some of his questions answered He asks “Why take locomotive 3801 off the not-for-profit company 3801 Limited when we have looked after it so well for 20 years? Why won't the government negotiate a new lease for the locomotive, its heritage carriages and the shed directly with 3801 Limited?

Why did the Minister for Transport announce a $20m rail heritage package which did not include the operation of the locomotive 3801 by 3801 Limited? "This goes back to our basic question, why change what is already working? What have we done wrong?"

[South Sydney Herald September 2006]