History NSW Rail Museum

3801 @ newcastle preparing head south newcastle flyer special in 2007

the nswrtm established in october 1962 62 members. survey of potential sites around sydney found enfield locomotive depot suitable , in 1963 successful submission made department of railways. under arrangement department retain ownership of locomotives , rolling stock , responsibility maintenance. enfield depot still active, exhibits sent enfield storage not able accessed. in 1967 department made area adjacent petersham station available museum. first locomotives outshopped 3526 , 3609 painted blue , green.

in july 1969 nswrtm able move enfield roundhouse number 3 exhibits transferred september. in 1970 museum able relocate larger roundhouse number 1, allowing majority of collection stored undercover. in october 1972 display @ enfield officially opened commissioner railways, neil mccusker.

3820 static exhibit circa 1991



preserved silver city comet power car dp104

the nswrtm had maintained relationship department of railways, in 1973 replaced public transport commission. ptc under commissioner philip shirley decided wanted steam locomotives, including owned preservation organisations, off network 3820 operating nswrtm s last tour taree in 1974. ptc decided wanted nothing maintaining nswrtm s collection , handed on exhibits museum under deed of gift.

the ptc wanted demolish enfield roundhouses make way container terminal , offered museum site @ thirlmere on lightly used picton – mittagong loop line. site clearing began in late 1974 , works sufficiently advanced transfer of stock begin in june 1975. while trains hauled diesel locomotives, worked museum s own steam locomotives.

the nswrtm opened @ current location in on 1 june 1976. services on loop line between thirlmere , buxton began on 13 june 1976. uncovered, first section of roofing completed in 1979. on decade before whole site covered.

the ptc relaxed ban on main line steam in october 1976. 3801 returned main line. 1980s operating enthusiast journeys on regular basis including monthly service sydney central thirlmere.

in 1984 nswrtm became founding member of 3801 limited managerial board created oversee operation of locomotive 3801. famous british railway locomotive 4472 flying scotsman visited thirlmere in march 1989 part of tour around australia.

in 1993 museum concluded lease 14 km picton – buxton railway line following closure state rail authority.

the nswrtm removed board member of 3801 limited in november 2006 after 20-year lease of 3801 not renewed. locomotive returned nswrtm.