The steam locomotive has proven itself as a powerful and versatile means of transportation. Over the years there have been many innovations to maximize its efficiency however with the introduction of electric and diesel traction, it struggles to compete. Nevertheless, the steam locomotive wins out with its romantic and inspiring presence.
There is a limit as to what the original materials can cope with. Time and fatigue through repeated heating or stresses will eventually cause a part to fail and will need to be replaced. Systematically much of the original engine is renewed and in effect a new engine emerges. The use of modern methods and materials, computer-aided design, laser cutting, welded boilers, and safer materials such as fiberglass instead of asbestos has made restoration easier, better, and longer lasting. Whilst there are costly areas such as pattern making and casting, many of these can be overcome through fabrication. In many ways, it is cheaper and easier to build new than to patch up the originals.
The thought of building a new locomotive from scratch is a daunting one. To create a locomotive that once trod the rails more than 120 years ago is a bold and exciting challenge. The concept of re-creating classes of locomotives that are no longer with us provides an array of choices. The tourist industry provides the motivation and financial means to make this possible. Through the locomotive heritage community, the concept of ‘New Build’ has emerged. Proof of this has been Britain’s highly successful ‘Tornado’ which gained superstar status in reaching 100mph, a first in over 60 years. There are approximately 3 new locomotives and 25 are in the process of being built. In America, construction is underway to build a Baldwin T1, a 4-4-4-4 design to challenge the current speed record for steam of 126mph. India has built four, all of the same class. Australia is building one. Significant progress had been made in building a replica of a South Australian Railways narrow gauge Z class. For railway preservation, building of new steam locomotives is the way of the future.
So, what can be gained from being part of this concept?
- An industry could be established that uses this project as a platform for inspiring and training young people to be actively involved in engineering
- An open approach to its construction would mean that many people would have an opportunity to be part of this unique venture
- Rediscovering and retaining items of significance in our history
- Highlighting a part of our pioneer past showing how we were already involved in the global market
- A completely New Build in every aspect. Every part is made from scratch from a new set of drawings
- The representation of a missing class in our collection of locomotives
- There are no locomotives of this type in Australia.
- One of only a couple of locomotives representing this early part of railway history
- Connection with our counterparts in America
- A very stylized looking engine which would attract interest and visitors from all parts of the community
- Would look fantastic on the cover of promotional brochures, a major selling point to our State
A good illustration of this are the two early American locomotives built to represent the union of the adjoining railroads across America at Promontory Point in Utah. Using 1970’s technology, with only slide rules and photographs available to them, they successfully designed and build a magnificent representation of their historic past.