RailCorp to Move Heritage carriages from the Large Erecting Shop

Once again New South Wales Railway Heritage is being endangered by vindictive political decisions regarding the National Heritage Nominated Large Erecting Shop and its contents - namely heritage carriages.

Under an agreement with The Rail Transport Museum these 8 heritage carriages will In future be maintained and operated from Thirlmere. Approval was given by The Office of Rail Heritage to RTM to remove these 8 Heritage carriages from a nominated National Heritage Listing site even though The Office of Rail Heritage is well aware that these carriages form part of the nomination and are determined to pull apart this collection with little consideration for the outcome.

Where will the carriages be stored? It is a well known fact that there is no available undercover space at Thirlmere and that the States No. 1 Railway Heritage Movable Object, Locomotive 3801 is now stored only partially covered. The only place left for more carriages is out in the open and the site is subject to the threat of bushfires, vandalism and weather. Maybe the Minister Mr. John Watkins should now take a trip to Thirlmere and have a look for himself instead of saying "he has been advised".

We understand The Office of Rail Heritage has stated that the carriages cannot be maintained safely due to 3801 Limited's forced staff reduction now that 3801 has been removed. However The Office of Rail Heritage have been advised that arrangements have been put in place to access the same maintenance staff members and volunteers as previously on a agreement.

Without suitable carriages 3801 Limited will be forced out of business and it is interesting to note that most of the carriages requested by the Rail Transport Museum are included in 3801 Limited's newly released running schedule. It is also interesting to know that under 3801 Limited's Articles of Association if 3801 Limited was to wind up, the Rail Transport Museum would receive half of any of 3801 Limited's assets.

It seems senseless to remove heritage carriages from a safe, secure and enclosed Heritage building where they have been successfully kept for over 20 years and leave them in an unprotected outdoor environment. Is there an ulterior motive? Is the "Queens Car" owned by the Powerhouse Museum and RailCorp's "Commissioner's Set" including the State Premier's Car also due for relocation? We think not.

For More information Contact Friends of Eveleigh PO Box 381 Belrose West NSW 2085.