For the first time in nine years, a steam train traveled the famous tracks of the Zig Zag Railway.
Residents across the state were thrilled to see the steam in the air as the train arrived.
Zig Zag Railway chairman Ben Lawrence said that day had been a long time coming.
“So many people have worked long and hard to get the railroad to where we are today,” Mr Lawrence said.
“There have been times when we have come so close to this moment, only for it to slip away. But this week we were able to get the Zig Zag Railway back on track as we put on our newly restored engine to the test. .”
The last steam engine to make this trip did so on December 7, 2011.
STEAM TIME: The train was seen passing over the golden arches over the weekend. Photo: CHRIS LITHGOW
“It’s a fantastic moment to see the engine back on track and achieve another key milestone in our recovery process,” said Mr Lawrence.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind visitors to the area that although we are not yet operating passenger trains, Zig Zag remains an operational railway.
“Please stay out of the rail corridor for your safety and that of our volunteers who are working hard to get us back on track.”
Zig Zag rail operations manager Thomas Worley said the restoration had been a major undertaking for the railroad.
“With an engine of this age, it’s not as simple as going to the mechanic for your annual service and you’re on the right track,” Worley said.
“We rebuilt much of this engine from the ground up, from machining new pistons and bearings to building a new spark arrester and brake mounts, the list has often seemed endless.
“Our skilled contractors and volunteers dedicated thousands of hours of their time to ensure the rebuild was completed safely for this commissioning trial.
“It was an incredible achievement, which I am so proud to witness today.”
For railway enthusiasts and keen spectators, the lovingly restored locomotive is 218A.
Affectionately known as “The Yank”, it is one of only two such engines remaining in Australia. These engines were brought to Australia during World War II to help move vital supplies across the country.
Zig Zag Railway would like to acknowledge the help of the Honorable Paul Toole MP, the NSW Government and our industry partners who helped during the rebuilding of the railway.
ALIVE AGAIN: Steam blanketed the air as the engine circled the tracks. Photo: CHRIS LITHGOW
History of the 218A locomotive
Call for tenders 2-8-2. The ‘A’ was added to the American number in Queensland to distinguish the class from local steam locomotives with the same numbers.
It arrived disassembled in Sydney in June 1943. It was assembled at the Ipswich Railway Workshops in Queensland.
Decommissioned in 1969, after having traveled 523,620 miles, she was bought by Zig Zag in 1975, to be restored.
Another survives, No. 221A at the Redbank Museum, near Brisbane, Queensland.
Technical data: It carried 8 tonnes (8.13 tonnes) of coal and 5,000 gals (18,800 liters) of water.
Its weight is 94.05 tons (95.9 t), cylinders 16 x 24 inches (41 x 61 cm), boiler pressure 185 lb (1275 kPa), coupled wheels 4’0″ (122 cm), effort pull 20 128 lbs (89.6 kN) grid area 27.7 sq. ft (2.573sq.m), length 59.65ft (19.18m), only 20% heavier than the C17.
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