3801 Operations in 2026

After some time out for overhaul, 3801 is back!
Thirlmere Loaded Test Train: https://www.thnsw.com.au/post/locomotive-3801-completes-load-trials
Now available for main line rail tours: https://www.thnsw.com.au/post/locomotive-3801-returns-to-passenger-service
First outing being this weekend with Penrith Steam Train Rides: https://www.thnsw.com.au/experiences/penrith-jul-26 which are (surprise. surprise) sold out.
The same ticket (non-)availability on the Blue Mountains Flyer on the following weekend: https://www.thnsw.com.au/experiences/blue-mountains-flyer-aug-2026

 

Newcastle Flyer, 19th/20th September


"2026 Transport Heritage Expo." earlier this month:

https://x.com/NewOban191YT/status/2110301766973886837


Copyright of the respective videographers.

 

It seems that 3801 is in fine form these days. The two Newcastle Flyer trips, run on the locos old stamping ground, were a resounding success. On both days it tackled the twisting 5 mile long 1 in 40 Cowan Bank unaided and never faultered - and that with a seven coach load as against a normal unassisted limit of six coaches. As you might expect it was down to walking pace in places but sounded on top of the job all the way. Fortunately it is still allowed to put cameras out of the train windows over there and there is some excellent on train footage of the climb on YouTube. Pure steam in 2026 doesn't get any better than this.

Peter

 

Thanks Peter, watched an on board YouTube clip, great sound but thought it was one coach too many.

 

Somewhat 'pedestrian' up Cowan Bank, I am given to believe, but still made Cowan Station close to scheduled timing given the load. Those seven NSW carriages are heavier than seven BR Mk1s.
Boronia (?) Tunnel must have been somewhat ear shattering - I hope!

 

Peter, if you haven't seen any do look at some of the excellent footage on YouTube. The one I enjoy is by Tickhole Productions - others are available, of course, - 22 minutes long, starting crossing the Hawkesbury River Bridge. Filmed from the second coach behind the loco, it passes Hawkesbury River station at the bottom of the bank at 02.45 and the very even "stack talk" is pure joy to listed to. Sure it gets down to a slow steady pace but so do plenty of the current freight trains. You get the impression that it is on top of the job the whole way. It picks its feet up momenterally (12.45) just before Boronia No2 Tunnel and immediately the valves lift so the engine is clearly far from being winded. It passes Cowan station at 19.20 and is away as soon as the grade eases and again the valves lift as soon as the demand for steam eases. It really is almost as good as being there in person.

Peter

 

Peter, Thank you for the recommendation. Brilliant video showing the strength of 3801.
When I was with 60103 support crew, for around 3 weeks in 1989, we always led 3801 on the double-headed trips with which I was involved - including the epic Easter trip to/from Brisbane. Sometimes it was difficult to hear Scotsman's exhaust over that of the 38! Several memorable trips using Cowan Bank during my time Down Under.
I notice that there was comparatively little black smoke apparent on this video. Do you know if they are still using Maitland coal?
If so, I wonder how much is available for export after most coal sales seem to go to China? Perhaps it might bear cost comparison with some South American coals being imported into the UK although I believe several (most?) heritage railways use Polish or similar. Whatever was being used seems to have suited 3801's wide, shallow firebox.
Peter