Locomotive 3016 Restoration

3016 was built in 1903 as a 4-6-4 tank engine, designed for use on Sydney’s suburban rail network. Between 1928 and 1933, 3016 was converted into a 4-6-0 tender engine for use on NSW rural branch lines. Spending much of its working life around the Central West, 3016 is now a star attraction at the Canberra Railway Museum, and for many years was our primary form of steam traction.

Last operational in 2019, the locomotive requires an overhaul before it’s ready to carry passengers again. Work on this overhaul commenced in November 2022, and continues as funds and volunteers permit.

Why Restore Steam Engine 3016?

The answer to this is ‘because we can!’

The last time 3016 was restored, in 2003, it had to go to Thirlmere (NSW) and the superheater elements had to be ordered from England. Now there are several companies in Australia who can do this work for us. Several of the crew who worked on that restoration are still either members of CRM or within easy reach, and we have been able to establish a knowledgeable, capable and passionate team. The numbers of people in Canberra and surrounds who rush to book out any opportunity for steam travel, and those who flock to the Museum when the steam locomotives are here, are an indication of the support we could expect from restoring our own steamer.

The journey will be long and expensive, but with your help, it will be completed!

The ultimate goal is to run regular trips to Bungendore, Tarago and eventually Goulburn and beyond.

Please help us by donating to restore locomotive 3016

Re-Ignite the Fire – Restoring Locomotive 3016

Transport Heritage NSW and the Royal Australian Historical Society have awarded the Canberra Railway Museum a grant of $25,000 to commence the boiler works for Locomotive 3016.

3016 may be 120 years old, but the locomotive is in sound condition. A recent (2022) boiler ultrasound thickness test yielded no abnormalities or weakness. Three separate reports, the latest in 2022, have been prepared and all indicate that restoration to full steam is viable. The boiler itself is sound, even though some of its components, like the superheater elements and the copper flues and tubes, require attention.

This process has already commenced; the cladding has been replaced, the superheater elements have been removed, the grates and dead rods have been removed from the firebox and the boiler exterior has been needle-gunned and coated with corrosion and heat-resistant paint.

The first major event in the restoration of Locomotive 3016 occurred on Tuesday 16th April 2024 with the removal and transport of the boiler. After several days’ preparation, they removed the cab and funnel and disconnected the boiler from the frame. A 20 Tonne Franna crane raised the boiler without incident and lifted it to the side of the locomotive, where the ash pan was removed. The crane then lifted the boiler on to the low loader, where it was secured in preparation for the journey to Southern Steam Services in Bungonia, where it will be stripped and inspected before a full report on its condition is written.

Achievements thus far include: