Barney next to the 3801.
Leona and Barney Heywood, who lived beside the railway line going through Harden for the bulk of their lifetime, never thought for a moment that they would be boarding a steam train to enjoy a small trip. But this is what they did over Easter when their daughter Tania and her partner Angelo arranged for them to travel from Albury to Gerogery on the 3801.
Barney spent over 43 years on the railway where he began as a cleaner, then a trainee fireman to fireman, then trainee driver to driver of both steam and diesel engines. Both Barney and Leona said that the trip brought back fond memories of their early train travel, including the soot. The 3801 has been touring the district and they were very impressed with just how beautifully restored it is, minus the air conditioning of course. Leona joked that that was provided by the open windows complete with cinders!
As any old railway man would say it was a great ride and recommend a trip if you can make it. Albury, Wagga Wagga and Junee were some of the first areas to be visited by 3801 after it returned to service in March this year following a 10 year restoration project. It is a great opportunity for families and rail enthusiasts alike to jump aboard for a trip on this widely adored locomotive. No other steam engine in Australia has captured the imagination as much as 3801, so this is an exciting opportunity to take a trip on the State’s most iconic steam locomotive.
Member for Albury Justin Clancy said when 3801 first launched in 1943, it instantly changed the image of the NSW Railways with its iconic art-deco streamlining. “The 38’s iconic style combined with their power and reliability demonstrated NSW Railway’s ability to keep up with the rest of the world,” Mr Clancy said. “Rail enthusiasts in our area now have a chance to see the only steam locomotive to have travelled to all mainland Australian states and territories, close up.” 3801 made its first journey from Central Station in 1943 and operated as an express passenger locomotive and later as a freight locomotive until being formally withdrawn from service in 1962. In the next few months 3801 will be making trips to other destinations across regional NSW. For more information on upcoming events and to purchase tickets, visit www.thnsw.com.au/3801The events program includes: Friday 9 April: Junee Steam Train Rides Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 April: Wagga Wagga Steam Train Rides
