Preserved Steam Locomotives Down Under

This locomotive was built by Beyer Peacock & Co, Manchester as their b/n 4221 of 1902^(a), becoming P 584^(b) of the P(6) class passenger locomotives which ultimately grew to 191 locomotives. It was renumbered as 3265 in the NSWGR 1924 renumbering scheme.

3265 was one of four members of the class to receive special crimson red with cream lining for the Inter City Express and Northern Commercial Limited, along with carriage sets CUB80 and CUB81. ^(c) They were named after the four rivers crossed en route:

The WYONG, PARRAMATTA, HAWKESBURY, MACQUARIE and HUNTER nameplates survive today in the collection of the NSWRTM. ^(c)

3265 is unique among the 4 preserved C-32-class locomotives as the only one to retain its original "low" frame design, most clearly seen by the curved frame extensions leading down from the smokebox to the front buffer beam. This contrasts with the higher replacement frames evident on surviving sisters 3203, 3214 and 3237, which rise higher above the running board and have straight extensions from the smokebox down to the front buffer beam. ^(e)

3265 was one of three NSWGR steam locomotives (1243, 3265 and 3830) retained for preservation by the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, which later became the Powerhouse Museum. These locomotives were moved to NSWRTM for storage following closure & demolition of Enfield Roundhouses; 3265 arrived at Thirlmere on 24 June 1975. ^(d) 3265 was displayed at the NSWRTM Thirlmere from 1975 in company with other Enfield refugees but was rather rust-streaked and derelict during this phase or its life, having been in stored exposed to the weather for many years. ^(e)

3265 moved to the Large Erecting Shop (L.E.S.) in the former NSWGR Eveleigh Workshops in approximately 1988.^(e) A slow and thorough restoration to operation commenced in 1998. Since then 3265 has been stripped down, overhauled and extensively renewed including a new rivetted tender tank and a new welded boiler. Its return to steam is now imminent with a launch date in July 2009 expected. Newsgroup reports suggest 3265 will be restored in maroon livery with its original "Hunter" nameplates attached. ^(c)

UPDATE: 3265 has now been restored to operation, having run a first trial run from Eveleigh to Meeks Rd and return in the evening of Thursday 2 July 2009.

Ron Preston's book "Standards In Steam - The 32 Class" ^(f) provides a comprehensive history of the NSWGR C-32 class locomotives together with many photographs of these locomotives in operation.

3265 "Hunter" at Newcastle railway station, 1934. Picture / John Buckland - National Library of Australia. ^(c)

This view of 27 October 2008 is provided by Philip Isepy and shows the new welded boiler being lowered into the frames.

Here is a second photo of 3265 receiving its new boiler outside the L.E.S. Eveleigh on 27 October 2008; photo courtesy of Philip Isepy,

This view of 15 April 2009 shows 3265 being reassembled within the L.E.S. Eveleigh; photo courtesy of Philip Isepy

Almost there! This photo of 24 April 2009 is kindly provided by Philip Isepy and shows 3265 inside the L.E.S. Eveleigh.

The final components are being fitted after 3265's extensive overhaul and renewal.

a	"Locomotives of Australia" by Leon Oberg, published by J. W. Books Pty Ltd, 1982 reprint, pp. 257
b	"A Compendium of New South Wales Steam Locomotives" compiled by Alex Grunbach, published by the Australian Railway Historical Society, New South Wales Division, 1989, pp.299.
c	Posts in www.railpage.com.au "Preservation & Heritage Railways" forum
d	"Roundhouse" magazine published by the NSWRTM, Volume XIII No.2 of July 1976, article "Museum on the Move" pp.16.
e	Personal comment or observation.
f	"Standards In Steam - The 32 Class" by R. G. Preston, first published in 1987 by the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum.