Engine 3001 @ Thirlmere 2024 Festival of Steam

Thirlmere village was once again awakened to the enchanting sound of the steam whistle for the annual Thirlmere Festival of Steam! One of the featured engines stealing the show was Engine 3001 - In 1903, the magnificent locomotive 3001 was crafted by the skilled hands of Beyer Peacock & Co in Manchester. This beauty was the first of 35 locomotives ordered for Sydney's bustling suburban passenger routes, sporting a sleek 4-6-4T ‘Baltic’ configuration. The success of this design led to more deliveries from Beyer Peacock and the NSWGR Eveleigh Workshops, eventually growing the class to a whopping 145 members. Originally known as S 636, this locomotive was the leader of its class, earning the S(636) class title. But in 1924, during a renumbering by the NSWGR, it was reborn as 3001 of the (C)30 class. As the Sydney suburban system evolved, 3001 and 76 of its fellow class members underwent a transformation from 4-6-4T to 4-6-0 tender configuration. This change allowed them to tackle mixed traffic duties on country branch lines, showcasing their versatility and power. These converted locomotives, now part of the (C)30T class, replaced older models and breathed new life into the railway system. Some even received hand-me-down tenders from the locomotives they replaced, adding a touch of history to their modernized look. The first conversion took place in July 1928 with the final one wrapping up in 1933, marking a new chapter in the story of 3001 and its fellow locomotives.