It was all aboard for a taste of history when the steam Locomotive 3526 chugged into Gosford on the long weekend as part of Transport Heritage NSW’s Gosford Steam Weekend.
The train took delighted passengers along the picturesque waterside railway between Gosford and the Hawkesbury River.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said the visit from this giant of the steam era was a joy to behold.
“I was absolutely thrilled to see the Gosford Steam Weekend return for another year,” she said.
“The picturesque journey past bushland and waterways made for a magically memorable experience, and it was an absolute delight to share this rare opportunity with locals and visitors from far and wide.
“I’d like to say a special thank you to all the fantastic volunteers and crew who make this event possible.
“Their passion for our NSW heritage fleet is wonderful to see, and shines through in every smile and interaction.”
The Locomotive 3526 is the last remaining C35 class locomotive in existence.
Originally built in March 1917 by NSW Government Railways, the Locomotive 3526, along with the rest of the 35-class, spent much of its life on northern services.
Prior to a renumbering project in 1924, Locomotive 3526 had the number 1314 and the C35 locomotives were known as the NN class, giving rise to the nickname ‘Nanny’.
Locomotive 3526 was withdrawn from service in 1967 and retained for preservation, before becoming the first exhibit to be painted by the NSW Rail Transport Museum.
From 2014 to 2018 it underwent extensive restoration works, marking the most comprehensive overhaul of any of the Transport Heritage NSW steam locomotive fleet.
The locomotive is operated by Transport Heritage NSW which received ongoing funding from the NSW Government (Transport for NSW) to operate and maintain the state’s operational heritage fleet as well as the broader transport heritage collection.
