3801 Limited Newsletter

Transcription

1 3801 Limited Newsletter Number 12 Published Spring 2013 Welcome to the Spring 2013 edition of the 3801 Limited Newsletter. Our Newsletter is issued quarterly approximately in October, January, April and July to inform our friends and passengers, both past and future, of news and events relating to 3801 Limited. Coming Events Cockatoo Run Sunday 13 October 2013 Springtime Waratah Display at Robertson Join us on the Cockatoo Run one day rail tour and alight at Robertson to see the mass displays of native Waratahs in flower at the Robertson Heritage Railway Station gardens at this time of the year. Bunches of Waratah flowers, seeds and native plants will be available for purchase at the station and an Art and Craft display with flower arrangements will be available for viewing in the adjacent Fettlers Art Gallery. Explore the Robertson Village markets and also discover the Robertson Garden Club plant sales in the main street. Cockatoo Run Licensed Bar Open A licensed bar will now operate on Sunday Cockatoo Run tours. A range of beers and wines will be available for purchase. BYO will still apply on our Thursday tours. Kandos Explorer Saturday 26 October 2013 We are repeating our Kandos day tour due to its overwhelming popularity in the past few years. More details and booking forms are now available on our website. Sydney Special Childrens Christmas Party Thursday 12 December Limited will again be providing the train to transport children and carers to this special event at Rosehill Gardens. This has been an annual event for the Company since 2010 and is always a happy occasion for both the guests and the volunteers alike. Visit the 3801 Limited website at Volunteering in 3801 Limited Young volunteer Brad Benson joined the 3801 Limited team in November 2012, and has since been involved in restoration and maintenance works on 3801 Limited carriages. Brad focused his efforts on the L516 restoration project, where he has assisted with the refurbishment of the sleeping compartments and used his electrical engineering judgement to progress re-wiring works. Other projects include fitting new Ni-Cd batteries to several cars, replacing life expired batteries so that the lights on our trains will continue to burn brightly for years to come. Throughout his summer university vacation, Brad also utilised his volunteering efforts to fulfil the work experience requirements necessary to complete his electrical engineering degree at the University of Sydney. He graduated in May of this year, and has since entered gainful employment with an electrical engineering firm in Brisbane. Good news stories like Brad Benson graduating from university are a reminder of the role that rail heritage plays in our local communities, and the opportunities it presents for people to get involved and contribute something worthwhile back to the community. Since the day they were built, the Eveleigh workshops have been a rich source of training and education, and we continue this tradition. New volunteers are always welcome. If you are interested please contact 3801 Limited at Level Crossing Awareness Campaign TrackSAFE is a not-for-profit, rail industry initiative endeavouring to reduce incidents on the rail network. In doing so the aim is to minimise trauma caused to rail employees resulting from witnessing near collisions, injuries, and fatalities whilst simply doing their jobs. The TrackSAFE website is a valuable resource for issues and information relating to level crossing awareness. A regular TrackSAFE Newsletter is available for download from the website at

2 All Aboard! A Fresh Start for Transport Heritage in NSW The long awaited results of the Heritage Transport Review were released on 17 May in the form of a report titled All Aboard! A Fresh Start for Transport Heritage in NSW. The reforms contained in the report are based on recommendations from an independent review of rail heritage commissioned by the NSW Government. Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian announced the creation of a new not-for-profit company called Transport Heritage NSW, (THNSW) to realise for the first time the full potential of rail heritage in this state and to support the hardworking volunteers who dedicate so much time to it. The reforms are based on recommendations from an independent review of rail heritage commissioned by the NSW Government. The review found that despite rail heritage having an enormous capacity to contribute to tourism and regional development in NSW, it has been held back by poor governance, mismanagement, low morale and infighting. Setting up Transport Heritage NSW provides an opportunity for a fresh start and a co-operative approach to rail heritage in NSW, Ms Berejiklian said. The review found that in Victoria the popular rail heritage operator Puffing Billy is a popular tourist attraction that contributes $50 million a year to the state. But in NSW the review found there are many lost opportunities, and it is time to change the way rail heritage is managed to realise its full potential and boost the contribution it can make to NSW. To progress the establishment of Transport Heritage NSW, Ms Berejiklian today announced the appointment of Peter Lowry OAM to lead a team to deliver this change. All ten recommendations of the review are accepted, including; the establishment of a new not-for-profit company, Transport Heritage NSW, to manage rail heritage in this state; bringing together the NSW Rail Transport Museum, Trainworks and RailCorp s Office of Rail Heritage into Transport Heritage NSW; development of a plan to get the best possible public benefit of the underutilised rail heritage site at Eveleigh, and a new arrangement giving all rail heritage operators equal access to the site; development of a plan for the Broadmeadow site; and a renewed effort to recruit younger members. Mr Lowry will also begin talks with all stakeholders to transition to the new organisation. Ms Berejiklian encouraged the hardworking volunteers and members in rail heritage to work together on this transition to the new organisation. The current arrangements for heritage in NSW are simply not sustainable and I am looking forward to a fresh start for this important area, she said. Ms Berejiklian also acknowledged the importance of the steam locomotive 3801, and said it would be a priority of Transport Heritage NSW to return it to service. The NSW Government is committed to locomotive 3801 operating again in NSW, and I have asked Peter Lowry to get the locomotive back on track as soon as possible. Ms Berejiklian thanked the authors of the report, former Director General of the Internal Audit division of the United Nations Patricia Azarias, and two rail heritage experts from the UK, Lord Richard Faulkner and Andrew Scott. I also thank the members of the public, and all hardworking members and volunteers of the rail heritage organisations throughout the state who remain passionate about the industry and who provided input to the review, she said. Rail has a long and rich history in NSW and the NSW Government is committed to ensuring that important heritage assets are preserved and maintained for generations. The full report is available for download at Limited Newsletter Number 12 Spring

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4 Recent Tours and Events Cockatoo Run Sunday 18 August 2013 This day marked the 200th Cockatoo Run since the Illawarra Fly was opened on 8 March To celebrate the occasion special discount fares of 25% were offered and a complimentary glass of champagne was served to welcome our passengers returns to Goulburn Sunday 16 March 2013 Vintage steam locomotive 3016 spent the summer season in Sydney and its return home to Canberra provided the opportunity for yet another tour with this popular locomotive. The steam locomotive had been in Sydney by arrangement with the Australian Railway Historical Society (ACT) enabling 3801 Limited to operate a number of steam tours in the Sydney area during the summer season hauled the tour train to Goulburn where it spent the night before continuing to Canberra the next day. The return trip from Goulburn to Sydney was hauled by express passenger diesel locomotive. It is hoped 3016 will return to Sydney again for a summer season. Steam to the Suburbs Carlingford and Richmond Sunday 17 February 2013 Our train departed from Central and headed via the Bankstown line to Carlingford. Here the train reversed and continued to Blacktown joining the branch line to Richmond. After lunch the train returned to Central. Lavender Bay and Hawkesbury River Sunday 10 March 2013 Our train, with steam locomotive 3016 leading and a diesel locomotive bringing up the rear, departed Central at approximately 9am and travelled via Strathfield to Hornsby. There the train reversed and ran via the North Shore line to Waverton and Lavender Bay, a popular destination for tours. Back to Hornsby and on to Hawkesbury River and Gosford. Passengers had the option of alighting at Hawkesbury River for lunch or continuing to Gosford. Return to Central was at approximately 6pm. Become a Volunteer 3801 Limited faces a huge task in maintaining a Heritage fleet of diesel locomotives and carriages ranging from the 1920s to the 1960s with a mainly volunteer workforce. We need volunteers for various tasks in both operating and restoration environments. There are no fixed hours and of course no pay cheques. But you will have the experience of making some new friends, having some fun, learn new skills and watching the movable heritage of the NSW Railways continue to operate for future generations to enjoy. If you have any questions relating to volunteering please call our office on or visit our website and complete our enquiry form. LEFT: In a perfect setting with the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a backdrop, vintage steam locomotive 3016 hauls the tour train up the grade from Lavender Bay branch, a popular but rarely visited destination, on the Steam to the Suburbs tour on Sunday 10 March The train continued up the Shore line to Hornsby and then on to Hawesbury River and Gosford before returning to Central. Photo: Fred Sawyer 3801 Limited Newsletter Number 12 Spring

5 ATP Open Day Steam Train Rides Saturday 9 March 2013 Australian Technology Park, the site of the 3801 Limited carriage office at Eveleigh, was a hub of activity during the Open Day held on Saturday 9 March The aim of the Open Day was to share ATP s unique innovative and historical space with the Sydney community. The day featured an amazing array of activities and events designed to appeal to the whole family. As part of the activities 3016 and a carriage provided a short steam train ride within the confines of the rail yard. TOP RIGHT: 3801 Limited General Manager John Glastonbury and the crew of 3016 with many of the children who were delighted with the spectacle of a steam engine at the Open Day. MIDDLE RIGHT: Steam locomotive 3016 in position at the ATP Open Day at Eveleigh ready for inspection by visitors. BOTTOM RIGHT: The engine crew entertain visitors of all ages geting a close up look at steam locomotive 3016 BELOW: Engine crew Sid Bender and Ray Cross and Train Manager Alex Crass compare notes preparing for the Open Day. Photos: Fred Sawyer 3801 Limited Newsletter Number 12 Spring

6 Fire Drill Training Day for 3801 Limited Volunteers 3801 Limited has recently conducted a Fire Drill training day for volunteers at Eveleigh. This was a hands-on experience for volunteers to refresh their knowledge of the various types of fire extinguishers and the types of fires that each one could be used on. They were able to discharge extinguishers on a simulated fire under full supervision and guidance. The training day was part of 3801 Limited s commitment of ensuring volunteers are fully equipped to handle an emergency situation. The opportunity was also taken for some newcomers to complete a Track Safety Awareness program and Site Induction. Approximately seventy volunteers were in attendance, as well as a large number of volunteers from Lachlan Valley Railway. The day was highlighted by a splendid BBQ lunch to which 3801 Limited General Manager John Glastonbury welcomed Mr Peter Lowry and Mrs Lowry. Peter Lowry OAM has been appointed by the NSW Minister for Transport, Gladys Berejiklian, to implement reforms based on a review of rail heritage commissioned by the NSW Government (See article on page 3 of this Newsletter). Mr Lowry met with volunteers and thanked them for their dedication and discussed the importance of the work carried out by volunteers in securing rail heritage for the future. ABOVE: Peter Lowry OAM speaking at the Fire Drill Training Day. LEFT: The assembly of volunteers enjoyed a BBQ lunch and were addresses by Mr Peter Lowry OAM in the Large Erecting Shop at Eveleigh. RIGHT: Six of the Passenger Attendants participating in the Fire Drill Training Day are seen here in the Large Erecting Shop. From left are Vicki Cannan, Carole Leggart, Sandra Myers, Pam Wilsmore, Anne Stimpson and Barbara Hall Limited Newsletter Number 12 Spring

7 Springtime Waratah Display at Robertson Join us on the Cockatoo Run one day rail tour and alight at Robertson to see the mass displays of native Waratahs in flower at the Robertson Heritage Railway Station gardens at this time of the year Bunches of Waratah flowers, seeds and native plants are available for purchase at the station Art and craft display with flower arrangements available for viewing in the adjacent Fettlers Art Gallery Explore the Robertson Village markets and also discover the Robertson Garden Club plant sales in the main street Admire the spectacular Illawarra coastal scenery before the train tackles the steep climb of the Illawarra Escarpment Light refreshments, tea & coffee, etc., are available from the Buffet Car throughout the journey; Licensed bar open from 11:00am Depart Sydney 9:06am - return around 6:45pm Also stops to pick up tour passengers and set down at Hurstville, Sutherland, Thirroul, Wollongong and Unanderra Group discount fares of $60 return/person for groups of 15 or more passengers from Sydney region. From Sydney region Children: $70 Seniors: $81 Adults: $87 Family: $250 From Illawarra region Children: $50 Seniors: $55 Adults: $60 Family: $175 Phone bookings: (*Lunch is not included in the fare) The Cockatoo Run is a diesel hauled one day rail tour operated by 3801 Limited ABN Photo Credit: Fred Sawyer Join us on Saturday, 26th October 2013 for a nostalgic one day rail tour to historic Kandos in the scenic Central West of New South Wales The train will be double headed by 44 class diesel locomotives Admire the spectacular scenery as the train crosses the Blue Mountains and joins the old Mudgee line Ideal photography opportunities along the way with the grandeur of the surrounding mountains as backdrop Light refreshments, tea, coffee and drinks are available from the Buffet Car throughout the journey Depart Sydney around 7:30am - return around 8:30pm Also stops to pick up passengers and set down at Strathfield, Parramatta, Blacktown and Penrith Lunch at Kandos and is included in the fare Avoid disappointment, book now. Information and bookings: Book online: Children: $85.00 Seniors: $ Adults: $ Family: $ This tour is operated by 3801 Limited in collaboration with Australian Railways Historical Society (ACT); Australian Railways Historical Society (NSW); Lachlan Alco ABN Limited Newsletter Number 12 Spring

8 For more information and reservations please contact our office at or visit our website at for tour dates and online bookings Our Regular Tours On selected Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays travel in comfort aboard a restored heritage train from Sydney through to Robertson and Moss Vale via Wollongong. Enjoy spectacular coastal scenery and the 600 metres ascent of the Illawarra Escarpment through rainforests and past waterfalls. At our Summit Tank stop admire the view over Lake Illawarra out to the Tasman Sea. Visit the historic Southern Highland township of Robertson with its old town atmosphere and rustic appeal or travel on to Moss Vale. For full details and fares and timetable visit our website at The Illawarra Tree Top Flyer combines The Cockatoo Run with The Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk. At Robertson our specially reserved coach will transfer you the short distance to the Illawarra Fly a tree top walk approximately 25 metres above the rainforest and enjoy spectacular views from this high vantage point. After your visit the coach will return you to Robertson in time for a short stroll past the shops and back to the train for the return journey. Full details at Our Mainline Tours From time to time 3801 Limited operates mainline tours to special events and places of interest. Some of these have included the annual Elvis Festival at Parkes, Steamfest at Maitland and the very popular Lovedale Long Lunch in the Upper Hunter Valley. Details of our mainline tours are displayed on our website at Limited Calendar Cockatoo Run Tour Dates Sunday 13 October Thursday 24 October Sunday 10 November Sunday 8 December Illawarra Fly Tour Dates Sunday 13 October Sunday 10 November Mainline Tour Dates Kandos Sunday 26 October Sydney Special Children s Christmas Party Thursday 12 December Information and Reservations Phone: Viewing This Newsletter To best view this Newsletter in Acrobat Reader select View>Page Display>Two Up and Show Cover During Two Up See image below 3801 Limited Newsletter Number 12 Spring