3801 Back in Steam. (preview)

On Saturday 8 November 1986, in the State Dockyard Newcastle, a small group of people witnessed history being made. The Queen of the NSWGR, Steam locomotive 3801 was being returned to steam after an extensive restoration by a dedicated group of out of work apprentices. These apprentices had lost their jobs and faced the prospect of not being able to complete their apprenticeship indentures. The Hunter Valley Training Company was set up to provide the necessary skills and training to allow these young people to complete their apprenticeship. A project was needed to keep these apprentices employed and the restoration of locomotive 3801 for the State Rail Authority was to be their accomplishment This film was taken during that restoration and is dedicated to that group of young people and their instructors who worked tirelessly on the project to make it a reality.
Some said that this restoration was 'Mission Impossible' an impossible dream, but these people took this restoration, made it their own and could and would be justly proud of their achievement.
On the 15th November 1986 3801 was Officially Handed Over to the State Rail Authority and began an active career working tour trains for the next 20 years.
During my time at the Dockyard I watched 3801 go from the massive one piece frame casting. To having every piece slow added until it became a locomotive. Then, as I have done so many times, watched the fire slowly warn the boiler until steam is produced. The steam pressure then build as the locomotive again comes alive and is ready to go. The oiling, cleaning, shovelling coal, inspecting and preparing 3801 for another run. To take a part NSWGR history and return it to the rails for another day so people can relive once more the era that was 'The Age of Steam'.
I was permitted permission to film this restoration and now 25 years later I have been able to make a DVD using a very small selection of the film taken. This short film is taken from the finished film which I am still working out what is the best way to release it.
This film is part of the story of that restoration and the return to steam of 3801.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• 3801+NSWGR
• Steam+Great
• Northern
• Railway+Steam
• Train
• +Restoration+North
• Coast
• Trains

[EastwoodBirds]

Where did you get this video from?

Thanks for uploading.

[Aussielgb]

@EastwoodBirds

Hi they film was taken by myself during the restoration.

Having had this film for 25 years I have finally been able to do something with it and have put together a DVD that is just over 1hr. I am still working out how is the best way to release it. I took close to 30hrs of video over the 3 year period. This preview was cut and paste from the completed DVD so there is a lot more footage available.

[3801Catcher]

Great video!

[EastwoodBirds]

@Aussielgb

Gosh, 30hrs thats a lot! If you released this film I know I would (and i'm sure a lot of other people) would buy it.