Locomotive 3016 Restoration

3016 was built in 1903 as a 4-6-4 tank engine, designed for use on Sydney’s suburban rail network. In 1930 it 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 became a star attraction at the Canberra Railway Museum, and for many years was our primary form of steam traction.

In 2019, the locomotive was withdrawn from service for overhaul. CRM volunteers commenced work in November 2022, with funding provided by CRHR Ltd. Achievements included

· Removal of boiler cladding and boiler fittings

· Removal of expired superheater elements

· Successful boiler thickness test

· Coating of boiler with protective paint

· Manufacture of new boiler cladding

· Establishing a fundraising appeal

The long term goal is to run regular trips to Bungendore, Tarago and eventually Goulburn and possibly beyond.

3016 is over 120 years old, but in general terms the locomotive is in reasonably sound condition. In 2022, an ultrasound thickness test of the boiler indicated no abnormalities or weakness. However, while the boiler itself is sound, some of its components such as the superheater elements and the copper flues and tubes require attention. The main problem area is the firebox.

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

In 2023, Transport Heritage NSW and the Royal Australian Historical Society awarded the Canberra Railway Museum a grant of $25,000 to commence the boiler works for Locomotive 3016. This was a significant financial boost, and in April 2024 a contractor arrived on site to remove the boiler and transport it to his workshops for inspection. After several days’ preparation, the boiler was raised from the frame, the ash pan was removed, and the boiler transferred to a low loader for the journey to Southern Steam Services in Bungonia.

Project Update – Where to from here ?

The boiler was inspected by Southern Steam Services and a detailed report was prepared. The positive news was that this inspection confirmed earlier thickness testing, that the boiler itself is in good condition. Significant refurbishment is required, however, and this is no small task. The project is faced with the option of repairing the existing copper firebox with replacement copper components or restoring the boiler through incorporation of a new steel inner firebox.

Given the highly specialised nature of this work, CRM subsequently engaged RBS Consulting Pty Ltd for a detailed cost breakdown of the work for this stage of the project. In late 2025, RBS provided cost estimates for the two options.

Unfortunately, the cost estimates are much higher than anticipated, with a total cost for the restoration likely to exceed $1 million. This new information requires CRM to regroup and do some longer term project planning, in conjunction with the update of our Strategic Plan which is now underway. In the meantime, the decision has been made to return the boiler to CRM, reunite the boiler with the loco, replace the boiler cladding and put this much loved loco back on static display.