Re: State of steam in NSW

[jumboman@my-deja.com]

In article <000b8d9b.28248069@usw-ex0102-016.remarq.com>,
  Bob <alco4833@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Darren,
>        Some of your information is incorrect.I will make some points
> and comments here.
> * Richmond Vale Railway, SMR 22 has never operated in preservation (I
> think you were thinking of 24), in any case both 24 and 25 are now
both
> out of service. SMR 30 is nearing the end of it's restoration though
> still some time off. Marjorie is the only operable steam loco with
this
> group although Kathleen and the ROD are under restoration.
> * RTM, 3526 near to compleation however not a priority as it has been
> proven that steam makes no money for the RTM. 3642 and 5910 could be
> returned to service if the time and money is allocated,again not a
> priority.
> * LVR 3026 and 3237 restoration very slow however perhaps some
> additional income from railfreight operations may assist.3013 is
> stripped down but not being worked on.
> * Powerhouse Museum, the 3830 team has now started on 3265. There is
> also  talk of a replica #1 and train to be built by 2005 for the NSWR
> 150.
> * 3801 ltd will return SMR18 to service at some stage in the future
> however again a low priority.
> *3112 sits awaiting a decision on the front tube plate.
>
>   Now to the future. The SRA heritage Committee is considering options
> towards the future restoration of locomotives in the next few years so
> that some additional locomotives may be restored by 2005. Now the big
> question... How many more locomotives do we really need???? I suggest
> NONE. every group is streched to the limit right now looking after
what
> they have. Then there is the question of what work would be availible
> to  each additional locomotive. With the restoration of larger
mainline
> locomotives costing over $1M, where would the money come from??
>   OK, Victoria is on a high with so many locomotives running at the
> moment but this was not always the case. I recall in 1984 only K190
was
> operable.
>   In Queensland the taxpayer funded restoration of steam is also on a
> high however it would only need a ned CEO at QR and the whole thing
> could stop. Remember what happened in NSW with 3813 and Phillip
> Shirley.  A very similar thing happened last year in the US with
> Norfolk Southern suddenly stopping everything and getting rid of the
> lot.
>   Finally I wish to say that while I would love to see 20 or more
> operable steam locomotives in NSW, I know it will never happen. It
> can't and won't happen. Also it is worth mentioning the ever
incerasing
> amount of heritage diesel locomotive tours. Are we steam lovers a
dying
> breed?
> No doubt there will be a few coments to my thoughts.
> Cheers
> Bob
>

> Well said Bob, if we had more volunteers instead of
knockers,maybe,just maybe the NSW steam scene would be a little better.
442.
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