Projects

Pullman sleeper AL 1040

1040 was built in 1901 to the design of the Pullman Car Co. for use on overnight mail trains throughout NSW. In the 1930s it was converted to a mobile dental clinic, and carried on in this service until an onboard fire in the 1960s. Restoration commenced in earnest in 2005, to restore the carriage to original condition.

The restoration of AL 1040 has been a remarkable achievement, thanks to a handful of volunteers headed by project lead Bob Hall. Very little photographic evidence has survived of the AL sleepers, requiring painstaking research over several years. With many of the carriage’s original fittings removed in its 1930s rebuild, the 1040 team have turned to modern solutions, replicating many of the old brass fittings with 3d-printed designs.

AL 1040 offers visitors an experience that few, if any, other museums in the world can boast: the chance to look through an original Pullman sleeping car, as it would have looked when delivered over 120 years ago.

Major achievements thus far include:

-A near-complete reconstruction of the original interior

-Manufacture of new end handrails for the north balcony

-Reproduction etched crownlights

-A THNSW grant to reupholster 2 original seating berths

Current tasks include:

-Applying gold scrollwork to the exterior

-Refurnishing the smoking compartment

-Manufacturing replica sleeping bunks in the men’s compartment

Future tasks include:

-Reinstating the original canvas roof

-Completing the upholstery

-Replicating original washroom fittings

-Reconditioning and overhauling the bogies

NSWGR Dogbox HCX 632

Built by Ritchie Bros in 1913, HCX 632 is unique in our collection as the only example of the ‘dogbox’ express passenger car. With no central corridor, passengers were confined to their compartment until the journey’s end. The dogboxes were innovative for their time for providing onboard toilets for both 1st and 2nd class passengers. In the 1960s, 632 was converted into a guard’s composite, replacing 3 of the 6 compartments with space for a guard and luggage. 632 is significant to the museum as it was historically used on mixed-traffic services between Goulburn and Canberra.

The internal renovations to HCX 632 are made possible thanks to a grant from Transport Heritage NSW.

Current tasks include:

-Sourcing and installing authentic linoleum for the floor of each compartment

Future tasks include:

-General cleanup, repaint and restoration of passenger compartments and guard’s compartment

FS 2021

2021 is a standard second-class sitting car, built in the mid-1930s. The S-type cars were the first of steel-bodied construction introduced by the NSWR, and laid the groundwork for all future passenger cars.

In regular service until the 1970s, FS 2021 has been part of the museum’s operational fleet ever since, even being pulled by the Flying Scotsman during its 1988 tour of Australia! More recently, it has seen regular use on the Kiama Picnic Train. 2021 now requires an extensive tune-up before it can return to mainline use, entering the workshop in April 2023.

Current tasks include:

-Patching and replacement of damaged upholstery

-Repairing and repainting water-damaged ceilings

-Application of new lacquer on interior wood

-Replacement of broken windows

Future tasks include:

-Complete reroofing

-Sanding back and repainting carriage exterior to remove graffiti damage

LHY 1613

Built in the 1960s, LHY 1613 is an example of an express parcels and luggage van. These were once a common sight attached to the rear of regional passenger services, laden with passengers’ luggage and bags of mail. They remained in active service until the 1980s, when mail by rail fell out of favour, and timber-bodied carriages were gradually being phased out of use. 1613 found its way to Canberra Railway Museum, where it became a long-term project to restore it as a crew and stores van for long-distance excursions.

In 2022, the decision was made to instead restore the van as a volunteers’ facility; a space for our diligent workers to escape the elements, have a bite to eat, and relax.

Achievements thus far include:

-Relocating the van from long-term storage to the museum precinct

-Patching a hole in the roof and applying a fresh coat of protective silver paint

-General cleanout of interior

-An initial repaint of the eastern side

Current tasks include:

-Reactivating the electrical system and lights

-Repainting the interior

Future tasks include:

-Fully repainting the exterior

-Repair and replace rotten coffin vestibule timbers

-Constructing an external platform for ease of access

Locomotive 3016

3016 was built in 1903 as a 30 class suburban tank engine. In 1930 it was rebuilt as a tender engine for use on rural branch lines. Spending much of its working life around the Central West, 3016 is now a star attraction at Canberra Railway Museum, and for many years was our primary form of steam traction.

Last operational in 2019, the locomotive requires an overhaul before it’s ready to carry passengers again. Work on this overhaul commenced in November 2022, and continues as funds and volunteers permit.

Achievements thus far include:

-Removal of boiler cladding and boiler fittings

-Removal of expired superheater elements

-Successful boiler thickness test

-Coating of boiler with protective paint

-Manufacture of new boiler cladding

Current tasks include:

-Arranging an internal boiler inspection

-Finalising a forward strategy for restoration

-Establishing a fundraising appeal

Future tasks include:

-Repairs to damaged horn guides on the front bogie

-Manufacture of new superheater elements

-General overhaul of the boiler

CPH Railmotors

First hitting the tracks in 1927, the CPH railmotors were NSW’s first production foray into internal combustion traction. 37 were built with the purpose of replacing costly steam locomotives on branch lines that were struggling to make a profit, often where the passenger numbers were too low to justify a full train.

Canberra Railway Museum owns a pair of railmotors: CPH 27 & 37, the latter of which was the last of its kind withdrawn, as recently as 1985! 27 is the more complete of the two, with 37 still requiring mechanical work before it is fit to run.

Achievements thus far include:

-Repairing the radiator system on CPH 27

-Brining CPH 27 to a nominally operable state

-Internal and external cleanup and repaint on both railmotors

Current tasks include:

-Inspecting CPH 37’s mechanical condition

-Assessing for the installation of radio equipment

Future tasks include:

-A lift inspection of CPH 37

-Servicing of both railmotor engines

-Repairs to damaged seats and blinds