NNG - Australia's newest and now worlds largest operating steam locomotive
| August 19, 2014 04:40PM |
Apologies for taking this thread off-course, but I thought some might be interested in a look at Australia's newest and now the world's largest (apologies to UP) operating steam locomotive - ex NSWGR AD 60 4-8-4+4-8-4 garratt 6029. Originally mooted as being a highlight of the bicentenial Austeam 88 events, it has taken more than 30 years to bring it to life. Weighing in at just on 264 ton (a light weight by US standards) and 108'7"
in length.
It undertook a trial run last week, mainly just for a look-see and to check visability on track circuitry (something I had never thought of) and will be undertaking load trials in teh next couple of weeks.
It's home turf was the notorious Fassifern Bank at 1:40 (often double heading) and is a joy to see back on the rails. There is talk of a multi-state tour in the not too distant future, but I think I would still rather see the OY lashed up to a couple clearing Tanglefoot and Los Pinos, just to mark off my bucket list
in length.
It undertook a trial run last week, mainly just for a look-see and to check visability on track circuitry (something I had never thought of) and will be undertaking load trials in teh next couple of weeks.
It's home turf was the notorious Fassifern Bank at 1:40 (often double heading) and is a joy to see back on the rails. There is talk of a multi-state tour in the not too distant future, but I think I would still rather see the OY lashed up to a couple clearing Tanglefoot and Los Pinos, just to mark off my bucket list
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488 stops for water at Los Pinos tank on closing day Oct. 1979. Photo courtesy Don Richter
The NGDF was started by Don Richter and is currently operated in his memory by Nathan Holmes and others. Others who have contributed to the upkeep of this board are (in no particular order): Charles McCandless, Everett Lueck, Ted Wilton, Cole Adams, James Bane, John Moellmer, Jon Bentz, Linn Moedinger, lloyd lehrer, Rod Jensen, John Craft, Steven Forney, Herb Kelsey, Bill Ramaley, Russ Sperry (El Russo Loco), Josh McNeal, John West, Jim Armstrong, Bob Bergstrom, Greg Scholl, Blake Forbes Doug van Veelen and Mark Fuller.