5112

["Ian Larcher" <metalastic@ozemail.com.au>]

Yes Darren Yates was right when he commented that nothing appears to have
been done to 5112 over the last 2 years. A group of interested people had
negotiated with Bathurst City Council to reform the CWRPS which had
effectively folded.

As a result a new group was formed- called the Cannobolas Heritage Railway
Society in the interim to restart the restoration project, with assistance
from several skilled people & the backing of the LVR, who would have
provided spares & specialised tools & equipment, but  after agreeing to the
recomencement of work on the Loco after they met several imposed conditions
Bathurst City Council has now done a complete backflip and has demanded the
engine back, to be stored in the Council Works Depot at Bathurst, and not at
the Lithgow State Mine Museum as has been widely reported in the media.
Apparently they are adamant that it will not go to any other Society, but
eventually back on the plinth.

Finally, after years of nil progress Bathurst Council has effectively killed
a good chance of the engine finally being restored to working order- as it
should be. As for the Boiler I can vouch for the fact that the Boiler is in
excellent condition, having had major repairs carried out- the Boiler has
been treated & will not deteriorate.