“The NTA is concerned about the proposals for multi-storey development. We urge the retention of those workshops and a continuation of their role in training skilled apprentices and in rebuilding our state’s steam engines,” NTA Executive Director Tina Jackson said.
With the fate of the Large Erecting Shop (LES) resting in the hands of Railcorp, it is not yet certain whether the historically significant site will be sold off for commercial development or handed down to the Redfern Waterloo Authority (RWA) to be adaptively re-used.
Currently, the LES is one of the few heritage pieces on the southern side of Eveleigh that is not already under the umbrella of Australian Technology Park. In a recently submitted Built Environment Plan, the LES is to be added to the Park which was zoned to be up to 12 stories in height.
“The government seems to be trying to get rail heritage out of Sydney,” REDWatch spokesperson Geoff Turnbull said. “Basically, it means that places like the LES and the paint shop have come into the firing line.”
Mr Turnbull believes that economic factors are the main driving forces behind the potential shift. “I think the rationale is that these are very expensive inner-city lands and it is better to be used for something else. Of course, one of the issues is, if you’re going to have active rail heritage, it needs to be somewhere that people can actually have access to it.”
The importance of active heritage conservation has long been advocated by academics and historians. University of New South Wales associate professor Lucy Taksa believes the State Government should make a greater effort to preserve the existing “intangible heritage” in Eveleigh.
“There has been lip service given to heritage in terms of adaptive re-use,” Dr Taksa said. “However, that adaptive re-use is focused on commercial redevelopment and maintaining only the built fabric – only the shell. So anybody moving into the area doesn’t actually have any connection with the past and the social value of the site. Basically, we’re talking about the recolonisation of a site without adequate resources being given to making the heritage accessible to the broader community,” she said.
Dr Taksa argues that the NSW Government is “out of step” with governments elsewhere in the country. In Queensland, the State Government has provided $20m towards redevelopment of Ipswich Railway workshops which contain a functional museum, alongside an operational railway workshop where heritage work continues.
“The Labor Government in NSW has had since the 1990s to do adequate heritage interpretation but there have been virtually miniscule heritage funds provided for a design plan or signage. So whilst people can say, ‘Oh wow, what a beautiful building’ and admire the romance of the industry, there is no sign of the people who once occupied that site,” Dr Taksa said.
The RWA is currently undertaking preliminary feasibility work on the LES in the event that Railcorp hands over the site in the future. While RWA Chief Executive Officer Robert Domm said it is too early to determine what the adaptive re-use options may be, he explains that the 12 storey zoning is there to ensure consistency with the adjoining Australian Technology Park.
In terms of the sale of surplus lands in North Eveleigh, Mr Domm states that heritage safeguards already exist in the State Environmental Planning Policy which was amended to give effect to the RWA’s Built Environment Plan. “Further safeguards will be put in place by the RWA’s concept planning for the site, which will occur prior to sale.”
Source: South Sydney Herald July 2007 http://www.southsydneyherald.com.au/
"On Saturday evening 23rd June, 2007, locomotive 3801 was again re-coaled in front of the Heritage Listed Mortuary Station. On this occasion 13 or 14 tonne of coal was loaded from a truck onto locomotive 3801 by the Rail Transport Museum. Who arranged for the yard’s floodlights in the Mortuary Station area to be turned off?”
“This action surely shows that there are serious concerns about the implications of this operation and its damaging effect on a S170 Conservation and Heritage RailCorp listed building. This matter should demand urgent attention from the Office of Rail Heritage. Minister John Watkins problem - IT IS TIME HE ACTED”
From Media Release of 28th June 2007 by Friends
of Eveleigh Media release - PO Box 381,
Belrose West NSW 2085
On Friday 8th June, 2007, locomotive 3801 was turned and watered at Eveleigh and on Tuesday 12th June, 2007, locomotive 3801 was turned at Eveleigh. Over the past seven months, the Rail Transport Museum has refused to use Eveleigh. Eveleigh was not required as part of their heritage rail operations. Then failure to coal at Eveleigh resulted in one locomotive running out of coal on a trip to Maitland. Is there now a sensible change of attitude at RailCorp. Perhaps they don’t realise what has happened?
The coaling and any overnight engine storage should take place at Eveleigh where it has occurred for over 130 years. Eveleigh's original design and placement near Sydney formed part of its economic viability allowing access to the main rail hub (Sydney Station) and to the rest of the State. This close access to Sydney is still vital today in the economic viability of preserving and running of heritage trains.This is what the founders of our great railway system planned and it is only when political pressures prevail that common sense goes out the window.
The safest way to propel a locomotive is not tender first. The driver and fireman can see very little of what is in front of them. Steam trains should be turned at Eveleigh not taken out to the Meeks Road XPT Depot at Marrickville.
Photo: Friday, 8th June 2007 Locomotive 3801 moving off the turntable at Eveleigh.
This media release is part three media releases from FOE. For a 685 Kb PDF with the photos referred to download the PDF on this link - Friends of Eveleigh Media Release 11th June 2007
Media Release Produced by the Friends of Eveleigh – Contact: The Secretary, FOE, PO Box 381, Belrose West NSW 2085.
The Minister John Watkins and RailCorp had been informed of the irrepairable damage caused by smoke, steam and coal dust on sensitive sandstone used in this beautiful building. A look above the portal of any country railway tunnel will show you what happens. Dirty black staining and discolouring.
Why won’t they do anything? Don’t they care or are there ulterior motives for damaging this building?
Yes, you are right, it is the Eveleigh usage problem again. This coaling, watering and overnight engine storage should all occur at Eveleigh. Mortuary Station in the 1980’s had a complete restoration. The roof needed extensive repairs, the wrought iron fence was restored and the sandstone external surfaces were completely cleaned and chemically treated to protect them from the elements.
The Mortuary Station building at Regent Street Station experienced a long period of neglect and abuse after its original function came to an end. It is recorded as having been used "for the despatch of horses, dogs, poultry and parcels", as a tool-shed for the rail fettlers, and also to have stood idle for years. Then it was renovated and the surrounds were landscaped to house a proposed railway museum. Instead, it became a tea-room. Now it is hired out by the Railway Department as a popular venue for weddings, receptions, and promotions – particularly book launches. For dinners and for refreshments, two heritage carriages are parked at the station as a backdrop.
We should honour those who arranged for the restoration of this fine buildings, so that it has not fallen into the hands of the demolishers. It remains as memorials to multitudes of Sydney's departed, who travelled to their final resting place along the Mortuary Railway Train Line to Rookwood. "May their memory be a blessing" and may this building rest in peace not in pieces.
Photos: Friday, 8th June 2007 Locomotive 3801 being loaded with coal in front of the Heritage Listed Mortuary Station
This media release is part three media releases from FOE. For a 685 Kb PDF with the photos referred to download the PDF on this link - Friends of Eveleigh Media Release 11th June 2007
Media Release Produced by the Friends of Eveleigh – Contact: The Secretary, FOE, PO Box 381, Belrose West NSW 2085.
Complications have arisen for Chippendale residents when the trains (namely the 3801) are parked in the Mortuary Station siding, creating pollution attacks from the sooty smoke emitted by the parked engines. One resident from a street which backs onto the station platform said, “Depending on the direction and strength of the wind residents of the apartment blocks at 52 Regent Street are now regularly suffering pollution and are being forced to shut windows on these warm evenings.”
A spokesperson from Heritage Express who does not wish to be named was quick to point out that the amount of pollution from a steam powered vehicle is less than a motor vehicle on a horse-power basis. Steam trains need to be fired up for many hours to get them going and it is during this process that the most smoke is created. Heritage Express say they always ensure they let the fire die down overnight called “banking the fire” in order to create a minimum amount of pollution, and wherever possible avoid using dusty, low grade steaming coal which can create dirty, black smoke with a sulphurous smell.
Source: South Sydney Herald May 2007 http://www.southsydneyherald.com.au/
]]>The Government is focused on redeveloping the site. While the Large Erecting Shop is listed on the heritage schedule of the Redfern-Waterloo State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), this SEPP rezones the site for commercial use with buildings up to 12 storeys allowed.
Following my previous submission to former Premier Carr, I have asked the current Premier to urgently review the future of the remaining Eveleigh complex. The remaining historic buildings and their contents, including the 3801, should be protected from development and preserved from deterioration by age or neglect.
Other State Governments have celebrated their rail heritage, with the Western Australia Government supporting a "living museum" of rail heritage at the Midland Railway Workshop and the Queensland Government initiating an interactive rail heritage museum at the Ipswich Workshops Rail Museum.
]]>Whilst the community, retirees, union members and particularly those involved in rail heritage arc enraged; it seems that many of the peak heritage bodies have gone silent on the Large Erecting Shop. MI discussions with the peak heritage bodies seem to get off record support, only one, the National Trust is willing to publicly speak out advocating a different course to what is being put forward. It is particularly noticeable amongst those peak heritage bodies that have web sites proclaiming their advocacy in protecting heritage. It seems to be the same groups that arc recipients of major grants tied to the vacating of the Eveleigh precinct.
State Government Offices, which have a statutory or ethical role in protecting heritage have gone silent, at least publicly that is, this seems to be a conflict of their function.
The National Trust is the only formal group willing to stand and be counted. Now we have six informal groups formed in the last few weeks, fighting for a place that still has at least 30,000 ex-Eveleigh employees walking the streets of Australia; do they wonder why Eveleigh just won't 'lie down and die.'
The vision of the Friends of Eveleigh is to fight for a genuine preservation of a working Eveleigh, and this forms the basis of the application to the Federal Government for inclusion on the National Heritage Register. We are tired of the continual facadism of Eveleigh, a place that has a working history of monumental proportions. Let’s keep it working, with steam, with skills and for all of NSW. For this reason we welcome the O'Rouke Enquiry as the Premier, Minister for Transport, Minister for Planning have told us about in their form letters and look forward to its findings.
It is easy to see the benefits for all unless you just want sell your soul.
The operation of the Large Erecting Shop has been largely cost neutral, supported by the sale of tickets on train excursions run by 3801 Ltd, Powerhouse Museum, and other rail operators. The difference in moving a facility that preserves and restores active locomotives and rollingstock that are enjoyed across the state - is that the economic model is based on being close to the Sydney market, and a proven ability where subsidies are minimal. The forced new model of pushing everything out of Eveleigh - away from Sydney has little evidence to back it. Whitton fought this notion, and it seems we still are 130 years later.
The Large Erecting Shop would lend itself to being a central access point to Sydney for all rail heritage groups with running railway collections. It would continue to train apprentices, as it currently does; unfortunately not the 500 a year as it used to. It also can be a centre for serious industrial restoration as it presently functions as. if the Government were intelligent they would harvest these professional and volunteer groups rather then dividing them; it appears to be a cash scrapped Government trying to get their hands on the real estate by any means.
Our Vision:
Often industrial heritage places have had little public access due to the types of activities carried out in them, this makes them easy pickings for people of little foresight who want to fit a bit more concrete into Sydney.
What we want to see is some stewardship by the NSW
Government to maintain this historic and iconic place of working heritage that
is important to the nation before it is lost forever and a generation of skills
that will go.
Friends of Eveleigh - Committed to saving the great Eveleigh Railway Workshop
All correspondence to: The Secretary, Friends of Eveleigh (FOE), PO Box 381, Belrose West NSW 2085 Phone 0400 441 482
From the President
Good day all
What an exciting and eventful couple of months it's been, culminating finally in the long-awaited announcement of RailCorp's Rail Heritage Management Strategy on 4 August at Central Station, to coincide with the centenary celebrations.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport John Watkins, together with RailCorp Chairman Ross Bunyon and RailCorp CEO Vince Graham announced the sustainable rail heritage management strategy as 'an inter-generational plan to conserve and display the State's rich railway heritage." The strategy will see the establishment of an Office of Rail Heritage within RailCorp, and Government investment of $20 million over 5 years to support rail heritage In metropolitan, regional and rural NSW.
We have already conveyed to RailCorp our wholehearted support for the strategy, and of course we participated in its development through the committee chaired by Vince O'Rourke in 2004-5.
The main objectives of the Strategy are:
Significantly from our point of view, the Strategy also involves a $14 million upgrade of the Rail Heritage Centre at Thirlmere, an $800,000 upgrade of the Thirlmere-Picton section of the Loop Line, and funding of up to $500,000 for the overhaul of 3801. RailCorp will also contribute $600,000 for the completion of the restoration of 3265 in partnership with the Powerhouse Museum. RailCorp will also establish a partnership with the Hunter Valley Training Company for apprentice training in heritage skills, restoring and maintaining steam locomotives and heritage rolling stock.
The events at Central for its centenary also saw the official handover to the RTM of rail-motor CPH 18, now fully operational after completion of restoration by RailCorp apprentices, and the opening of the newly refurbished former booking office, as 'Rail Heritage Central,' to be the new premises for the Office of Rail Heritage, the ARHS bookshop, and the RTM's new booking and sales office. We opened for business on 21 August.
A key element of the Strategy is support for rail heritage regional precincts throughout the state, together with special interest groups, which have demonstrated their viability, community support and tourism links. The Office of Rail Heritage will foster collaboration to bolster the sustainability of these groups, and is hosting the first of what will be regular Rail Heritage Industry Forums on 30 August. All rail heritage groups have been invited.
Our own corporate direction and plans are aimed at a sustainable future for rail heritage, and therefore we are committed to building on the collaborative relationships we already have with existing precincts and groups. As the primary custodian of most of the state-owned heritage rolling stock collection, we will have a key role in working with these groups to take rail heritage to the people and link the precincts and the wider community to our tours program.
In yet another significant part of the ceremony on Friday 4 August, 100 years after the opening of Central Station In 1906, Minister Watkins and RailCorp CEO Vince Graham unveiled two commemorative plaques, which are now installed in the new 'Rail Heritage Central' space, officially opened at the same time. One plaque commemorates the opening of Rail Heritage Central, while the other, in the words of Vince Graham, "rights the wrong of history" in at last recognising the role of Charles Oliver, the Chief Commissioner for Railways in 1906. Rail Heritage Central was also the venue for photographic displays of the history or Sydney's railway station (the present Central being the third Sydney station), compiled by RailCorp's heritage and communications people and the ARHS.
Friday also saw an appearance by 3526 and our 1913-built sleeping car EAM 1829, on display In Platform 2 at Central for the day, along with the rail-motor. The day's celebrations were followed in the evening by the Great Railway Banquet in the Southern Aurora dining cars, where our professional Heritage Express team served a superb three-course dinner for patrons and RailCorp's official guests.
Notwithstanding the significant events of the Friday, the big day at Central - and a real family day - was the Saturday, with steam-hauled shuttles operating to Hurstville and return every 40 minutes, using steam locos 3526, 3801, the Powerhouse Museum's 3830 and Barry Tulloch's 3112. These trains, a collaborative venture with 3801 Limited (similar to the shuttles in September 2005), carried some 3,500 passengers during the day. The Rail Motor Society and the Australian Railway Historical Society (NSW Div) also collaborated to provide rail-motor trips from Mortuary Station, on some of Sydney's goods lines. These too were highly successful, with all trips fully booked. The rail-motors also ran on the Sunday.
Saturday in particular was a tribute to the efforts of RailCorp's media people - the station came alive in a big way with special displays, guided tours, giveaways, entertainment and displays by United Group and EDI respectively of the new OSCAR trains and Millennium train. The numbers of people visiting were gratifying, to say the least, with crowds generally reckoned to exceed those seen at Central last September. The day (and the Friday as well) was also a credit to the large number of RailCorp volunteers who contributed as helpers with hand-outs, information, crowd control and guided tours. Thanks to RailCorp and all those volunteers for a great day.
The Crown Solicitor has recently confirmed earlier legal advice to the Government that the custody of 3801 is a matter between 3801 Limited and NSWRTM, and that the locomotive reverts to the custody of the RTM at the end of the lease in November. Therefore one of the announcements made by Minister Watkins on 4 August was the establishment of a special high-level committee or expert panel chaired by former Queensland Rail Chief Executive Vince O'Rourke, to seek to obtain collaboration between the RIM and 3801 Ltd.
This panel, with representatives nominated by the Australasian Railway Association and Tourism Australia, will also -
The NSWRTM has agreed without hesitation to collaborate with RailCorp and the expert panel in these assessments - this is a clear point of difference with 3801 Limited, which has not said it will participate in the assessment of finances, nor declare the condition of the state-owned assets in its care.
In the few weeks leading up to the celebrations and announcements on 4 August, the media campaign mounted by 3801 Limited intensified, and we have seen and heard more misrepresentation of the facts together with some ill-Informed comments from sections of the media. The rail heritage strategy just announced provides a broader context for the 3801 debate, and effectively supports the NSWRTM's intentions for a sustainable future for the locomotive based on judicious operation and improved public access. The Government obviously expects too that the initiative announced for the expert panel to facilitate collaboration between the two organisations and analyse their viability will bear fruit and result in a workable and sustainable solution.
Meanwhile, the 3801 Taskforce which we have established met for the first time, chaired by Vince O'Rourke, on 3 August. The meeting was very positive, quickly arriving at a shared understanding of the issues. The ensuing work of the Taskforce will focus on establishing the condition of the locomotive and developing options for its future operation and management to provide the optimum balance between conservation and commercial considerations together with meeting community expectations.
The composition of the Taskforce is:
The media campaign surrounding 3801 also saw us establish a special web page linked to the RTM's web-sites. This page has very effectively put the facts of the matter, and has attracted positive comment from a large number of members as well as the media. The page can be viewed at www.nswrtm.org/3801, or by clicking on the special '3801' button on either the RTM or Heritage Express web-sites.
Many members will recall the background of the RTM's saving 3801 from scrapping and raising funds for its overhaul by the NSW Railways in 1966, then the overhaul in the 1980s in Newcastle. It might be useful to recall some of the background to the 1980s restoration:
In th e early 1980s, the NSWRTM, together with the NSW Apprenticeship Directorate, initiated the restoration of 3801 at the State Dockyard in Newcastle by the Hunter Valley Training Company, employing out-of trade apprentices. The State Rail Authority supported and largely funded the overhaul, while a number of companies also contributed as sponsors. The NSWRTM provided substantial expertise and resources during that original project, and has continued to contribute engineering expertise and a large number of spare parts through the Intervening years. Oust in the last few weeks, we provided specialist tools, expertise and advice to 3801 Limited to help them with a boiler problem - and we collaborate with the staff and volunteers of the company frequently.)
Towards the end of the 1980s restoration project, a new company, 3801 Limited, was established, at the behest of State Rail, to operate the locomotive on a commercial basis. The locomotive was officially re-commissioned on 15 November 1986, then on 26 November was handed over, fully operational fresh from overhaul, to the new company 3801 Limited, under a fixed-term 20 year lease from the NSWRTM and State Rail. Contrary to some recent statements in the media, the company 3801 Limited made no contribution to the restoration. On the other hand the company has enjoyed the benefits of operation and free rent at Eveleigh for the past 20 years, as well as significant Government funding of some maintenance work. These things are a matter of record.
Through the lease agreement in 1986, the locomotive was handed over to 3801 Limited in good grace, on the understanding that it would be operated by that company until November 2006. The RTM now has a reasonable expectation that 3801 will be returned in accordance with the lease - and with the same good grace. I have no doubt whatever that if the positions of the RTM and 3801 Ltd had been reversed, we would have behaved very differently to 3801 Limited, and would not hesitate to honour the 1986 agreement.
Many members have expressed their disappointment at the criticism of the NSWRTM - actual and implied -through the recent media campaign. It is quite wrong to suggest that we don't have the capacity to operate and maintain 3801, and our record speaks for itself - we have been operating heritage trains successfully for over 30 years. A good example was the program we ran last September for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the NSW Railways, with up to five steam locomotives in operation at a time, and the state's oldest two operating locomotives hauling the special commemorative train on 26 September. Just since 2001, we have restored to operation four steam locomotives (including one for another kindred society) at our depot at Thirlmere.
The emotive allegations in media statements by 3801 Limited about previous neglect of the loco by the RTM and State Rail and claims about the future of the loco when it returns to Thirlmere are simply wrong. They are an affront to the 2,000 members and 300 volunteers of the NSWRTM who have worked tirelessly at Thirlmere for 31 years displaying and operating the state's rail heritage. The NSWRTM is a living, working museum - we operate the state's largest rail heritage fleet throughout NSW. To suggest that 3801 will be solely a static display in a museum is complete nonsense. The NSWRTM has been a highly successful operator of heritage trains for over 30 years.
The key message coming from the NSW community is that they want 3801 to operate, and to see a better future for the state's rail heritage. The NSWRTM is best placed to deliver this outcome, by working collaboratively with RailCorp - developing a working museum at a viable location and by providing a better, more open and imaginative future for 3801 and the dedicated people who support it.
As we have countered the various misrepresentations of our position in the media campaign concerning 3801, we have seen that campaign shift from "save 3801" to "save 3801 Limited," and latterly to "save Eveleigh." While to a large extent this stems simply from the desire of 3801 Ltd to retain custody of the locomotive after the end of the lease, the Eveleigh issue has certainly confused the custody question, and a number of well-meaning people and organisations have been caught up in the debate because of it.
In reality, there is no indication whatever that the Large Erecting Shop at Eveleigh will be demolished to make way for high-rise development, as has been suggested. In fact this has been firmly refuted recently by the Minister for Planning, Frank Sartor. Especially given the interest of conservation advocates such as the National Trust and MP and Lord Mayor Clover Moore, demolition is inconceivable. Invariably, heritage buildings are conserved by finding a viable commercial use for them that provides a sustainable tenancy and a revenue stream to fund long-term maintenance and where necessary, restoration. In most cases, this involves a certain degree of sympathetic 'adaptive reuse' which may take the use of the building away from its original context and purpose - especially if that is no longer viable. Adaptive re-use generally provides buildings with a more assured future, whereas non-commercial use of a high-value site is unsustainable.
As we have said before on the Eveleigh issue, we have our limitations, and our priorities, and we can't save everything. Our way of telling the railway story Is mainly to conserve and present railway moveable heritage, and buildings that we have no control over are well down our priority list. Organisations specialising In built heritage, such as the National Trust, are best placed to consider the Eveleigh heritage issues. The RTM's resources must focus on the upgrade of Thirlmere.
We have demonstrated for over 30 years that the NSWRTM's operations, and steam operations generally, are not reliant on the Eveleigh site. The RTM already operates, services and stores steam locomotives in Sydney without using the Large Erecting Shop, which for some time has been essentially a single-user facility, unavailable for general heritage train use. Given the site's significant environmental, smoke, noise and practical problems, it has been apparent for some time that, even apart from structural and safety issues for the building, the present use of Eveleigh cannot continue indefinitely.
Given the mixed messages coming from 3801 Limited, people should carefully consider what they're supporting before doing so - in reality neither 3801 nor the Large Erecting Shop are under threat.
That's all for now ....
Peter Berriman
[The RTM MAIL is published by the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum (ABN 25 000 570 463) as a newsletter for the information of members; It is included In the NSWRTM's in-house magazine, Roundhouse. News Editor: Bill McNiven. Phone: 0410'648 412. E-mail: wmcniven@ozemail.com.au ]
For links to other documents on this topic follow the link below:
3801 Ltd did not rescue steam locomotive 3801 as a rusting heap from the Rail Transport Museum. It was the Rail Transport Museum that rescued the rusting heap from the recyclers oxy-torch, and preserved it for future restoration many years before 3801 Ltd came into being.
The RTM was one of the parties that helped form 3801 Ltd, to co-ordinate the restoration of 3801 in conjunction with the SRA. The RTM has always remained one of the main players in 3801 Ltd, and the agreement was, that at the end of 20 years, 3801 would revert back to the full operational control of the RTM, who will continue to operate the locomotive and put the profits back into supporting the big picture of rail heritage.
The other major benefit is that there is one less administrative group to eat into the profits.
Many thanks as I always look forward to the SSH for local news in supporting local causes.
Robert
[Source – Letters South Sydney Herald October 2006]
]]>“After 20 years we have just 3 months to go before our lease runs out and it’s time we had real answers on the operating future for 3801 Limited. The Minister for Transport announced a number of rail heritage initiatives last Friday, but there were no answers for 3801 Limited,” he said.
“We want to know:
“This goes back to our basic question, why change what is already working?” the Chairman said.
“Perhaps we should add another question to our list – what have we done wrong?”
Another part of the Minister’s announcement last Friday was the establishment of a taskforce to investigate ways forward in resolving the future of 3801 Limited and the locomotive 3801, but details of the terms of reference and timeline for this taskforce have not been made available to 3801 Limited. Has this announced taskforce changed anything?
“It should be noted that it is part of 3801 Limited’s normal business planning practice to undertake ongoing reviews of the asset condition of 3801, develop asset management plans and undertake forward estimates for the sustainable maintenance and care of locomotive 3801. 3801 Limited welcomes the government’s recently announced commitment of half a million dollars to assist in the future management of the locomotive” Dr Glastonbury said.
“We have received extraordinary support from people from all over NSW – many of them young people who look forward to their own involvement in 3801’s future. This issue has really galvanised the community about what is fair. We need to keep the 3801 Limited wheels rolling and therefore, we need answers to our questions from the Premier now.” he concluded.
For further information call John Glastonbury on 0408 876 096 or (02) 9869 2749, Gabi Cseh on 0412 411 101 or visit website: www.3801limited.com.au. Photos & video footage also available.
]]>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]
]]>“The Iemma Government is committed to conserving the State’s rich rail heritage for our children, grandchildren and all future generations to enjoy,” Mr Watkins said.
“That’s we’re investing $20 million over five years in a Sustainable Rail Heritage Strategy that sets a new standard for industrial conservation in NSW.
“The plan will be delivered by a new Office of Rail Heritage that will oversee the conservation and display of our rail heritage assets and ensure that our broad and passionate groups of volunteers are recognised, valued and supported.
“It will work closely with the many and varied custodians of rail history across the state, including renowned precincts such as Tenterfield, Glenreagh and Werris Creek.
“Together we will ensure that rail heritage items across NSW are cared for properly, managed well and are displayed and run to their best advantage.”
Mr Watkins said the first $500,000 would be spent to upgrade the 3801 locomotive at the Hunter Valley Training Company at Maitland.
“We want to ensure this beloved icon of the steam age continues to operate for another generation,” Mr Watkins said.
“The Government and RailCorp will provide this overhaul to keep the 3801 locomotive in first-class operating condition.
“At the same time, I can today announce the formation of a panel of independent experts to determine how the 3801 should be best managed in future – and by whom.”
The panel will comprise former Queensland Rail CEO Vince O’Rourke and representatives of Chairman of Tourism Australia Tim Fischer and CEO of the Australian Railway Association, Mr Bryan Nye.
“I’m urging the two groups involved in the debate over the 3801 locomotive to work with us, and to work together so that everyone can share the benefits of our heritage assets.”
Other features of the heritage plan include the restoration of Locomotive 3265 in partnership with the Powerhouse Museum and a new Rail Heritage Fellowship to pay for a worker or volunteer to learn new skills overseas.
The Sustainable Rail Heritage Management Strategy was developed with the advice of a committee comprising Mr O’Rourke, the Powerhouse Museum, the Rail Transport Museum, 3801 Pty Ltd, Rail Heritage Australia, NSW Heritage Office and RailCorp.
[Minister for Transport media Statement 4th August 2006]
The Trust has written to the Hon. Frank Sartor, Minister for Planning and Minister for the Redfern-Waterloo Authority, highlighting the importance of protecting and maintaining Eveleigh’s Large Erecting Shed which is of national significance and rare at a world level.
It is the only solution for the long-term maintenance and operation of steam trains in the State of New South Wales.
Major rebuilding of steam locomotives is required periodically if these steam trains are to continue to operate at the same frequency as at present. The famous and much loved 3801 locomotive has traveled more than half a million kilometres in the past 20 years because of the ability to carry out major repairs. Consigning engines such as 3801 and the Power House Museum’s 3830 to distant museums will guarantee that such constant operation will no longer be possible or at best be short term.
In its letter to Mr. Sartor the Trust stressed the training of skilled apprentices that has taken place at Eveleigh in restoring and rebuilding steam locomotives, their carriages and Rail Corp’s heritage fleet.
The Smithsonian Institute commented on Eveleigh in 1988:
…“Workshops such as Eveleigh are a great rarity world wide and in view of the broad significance of the railway in the development of world civilization, and the concomitant role of the repair shop in the operation of any sizable railway system, it would appear essential to protect the Eveleigh facility if an accurate picture is to be preserved of the railway’s place in our culture.”
“The National Trust urges the retention of the workshops in the Large Erecting Shed at Eveleigh and a continuation of its role in training skilled apprentices and in restoring, rebuilding and major overhaul of our state’s steam engines and rolling stock,” said Ms Jackson.
For more information: Kim Carter/National Trust Media Relations: 02 9258 0131 or 0407 771 698.
National Trust urges steam railway workshops to be kept at Redfern
But State Transport Minister John Watkins has also set up a panel to decide who will run the locomotive in the future.
It is currently run by 3801 Limited, and chairman John Glastonbury says there is nothing wrong with the current situation.
"We've been saying we've been doing this for the past 20 years - we believe we've done it well," he said.
"We've been asking the Government, the Minister, for the authority to continue doing it because we believe the community would wish that to be the case."
]]>Dr Glastonbury explained, “The Board met with the RailCorp CEO last week. He offered an 18 month extension at our current premises with no guarantee of continued access to the 3801 engine or any ongoing rights to the building. These conditions would not be acceptable to any business, let alone a not for profit company which has run its business successfully for the people of NSW for 20 years.
“In addition, the Government has demanded that we participate in a combined review of assets with the Rail Transport Museum. The RTM and 3801 Limited perform different functions for the community – one is a museum, the other an operating company,” Dr Glastonbury said.
“For the last 10 years, the Government’s railway authority has failed to nominate anyone to our board and left the management of our affairs to the board of community representatives. And yet, without any prior warning, RailCorp informed 3801 Limited at a meeting last week that it is not confident that the company is sustainable in the long term,” Dr Glastonbury continued.
Since 1986, 3801 Limited has raised funds and successfully preserved, repaired, maintained and operated locomotive 3801. Until then the NSW Rail Transport Museum and the SRA (RailCorp’s predecessor) had failed to prevent the deterioration of this iconic part of NSW’s rail history.
It is part of 3801 Limited’s normal business planning practice to undertake ongoing reviews of the asset condition of 3801, develop asset management plans and undertake forward estimates for the sustainable maintenance of the locomotive 3801.
3801 Limited has received legal advice that locomotive 3801 is owned by the Government and that it is the responsibility of the Minister to determine the future disposition of locomotive 3801.
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