3801 has been operating for the last 20 years under
a lease agreement between RailCorp, the NSW Rail Transport Museum
and 3801 Limited, a not for profit company.
Chairman of 3801 Limited, John Glastonbury explains,
“3801 Limited is a successful company which has operated its
business without government funding for 20 years. We have generated
over $2 million a year for for the further preservation and care of
the locomotive and have continuing programmes in place to provide
for the replacement of major life expired components, for example a
new boiler.
A unique feature of the 3801 operations is that it
takes this iconic rail heritage to the people of metropolitan and
regional NSW for them to experience rather than requiring people to
visit a museum to look at a static exhibit.
We are the most successful of the State’s rail
heritage operators. We have carried over half a million passengers
over the past 20 years. As well as catering for the Sydney market,
we regularly visit regional centres where we are joined by thousands
of locals for shorter local steam train trips in their region.
Since 1999 we have also been running a successful
rail based tourism operation in the Illawarra and and Southern
Highlands – the Cockatoo Run.
We have more than 130 active volunteers of all ages
as well as 25 regular casual employees and 9 full time employed
staff. All this is now at risk because the NSW government will not
negotiate with us about our lease,” John Glastonbury said.
For the past 20 years 3801 Limited has been given
access to the Large Erecting Shop at South Eveleigh for use as its
operating base. As a result of the formation of the Redfern Waterloo
Authority (RWA), this portion of the South Eveleigh complex is to be
deeded to RWA in the near future. The Chairman of 3801 Limited has
said that another Sydney location could be suitable and has sought
to negotiate this with the NSW Government.
RailCorp has refused to re-sign a lease with the
company for locomotive 3801 and has advised that the engine will be
sent to the NSW Rail Transport Museum at Thirlmere. This will mean
that 3801 Limited company will be shut down.
For further information call john Glastonbury on
0408 876096 or (02) 9869 2749, alternately call Gabi Cseh on 0412
411101.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Raise your concerns and indicate your support on talk back radio.
Contact your local member.
Fax or email the Premier – fax (02)9228 3934
or email
thepremier@www.nsw.gov.au
OR
the Transport Minister – fax (02)9228 4855 or email
dp.office@watkins.minister.nsw.gov.au
3801 LIMITED INFORMATION
SHEET
Locomotive 3801 and its train
of historic carraiges have been maintained and operated for the past
20 years by the 3801 Limited company. The company was established to
restore steam locomotive 3801 and support its operation for the
enjoyment of the people of NSW. Prior to its restoration, locomotive
3801 was stored unused and rusting in a museum.
In November this year, the lease of locomotive 3801
from RailCorp will end and it is scheduled to be returned to the
museum and face an uncertain future. 3801’s historic carriages are
to be listed for disposal by RailCorp and the Redfern home of 3801,
the historic 1880’s built Large Erecting Shop, is planned to be
demolished to make way for a new high rise development.
3801 Limited has requested the NSW State Government
to renew the lease of locomotive 3801 and save its historic home so
it can continue to care for locomotive 3801 and operate heritage
rail tours.
3801 Limited is requesting the people of NSW
to petition the Premier and State Government representatives to
extend the lease of locomotive 3801, save the historic Large
Erecting Shop from demolition and secure the operating future of its
heritage trains from Sydney to regional and country areas.
SOME FACTS ABOUT 3801 LIMITED AND
LOCOMOTIVE 3801
– 3801 has carried
over 500,000 passengers throughout Australia over the past 20 years.
– Since being returned to service in 1986, 3801 has
travelled to all mainland State capitals in addition to Canberra and
Alice Springs.
– 3801 Limited has 9 staff and over 100 volunteers
who maintain locomotive 3801 and operate heritage trains every week
for the people of NSW.
– 3801 Limited is committed to the operation and
maintenance of locomotive 3801 and its fleet of historic carriages.
– 3801 Limited is the only rail heritage
company based in the Sydney metropolitan area and maintains the 150
year NSW steam railway link.
– 3801 has self funded in excess of $450,000.00 on
the maintenance of 3801 and its historic train in the last year and
continues to repair and renew equipment every day.
– Locomotive 3801 is recognised by the Heritage
Council and Institution of Engineering as a heritage icon.
– 3801 and the Eveleigh Large Erecting Shop belong
to the people of NSW.
DON’T LET
THE NSW GOVERNMENT CLOSE DOWN 3801 LIMITED! KEEP THE WHEELS ROLLING
– SAVE 3801 AND THE HISTORIC EVELEIGH LARGE ERECTING SHOP.