After long months of hard work by the loco team, there was excitement on July 2 when 1210 resumed steaming on passenger services.

Our "flagship", which carries all steam duties in the absence of 3016 which is undergoing a major restoration, has for some time been suffering fatigue on a number of fronts.

Early this year, thorough examinations revealed work was required with the copper inner firebox (requiring a specialist welder), tubes, brick arch, axle box and tender springs along with a host of side repairs.

It has been 18 years since the last heavy overhaul of 1210, so this need for a major service was not a surprise.

Initially it was hoped to return 1210 to service for the all-important Easter steam shuttles. Despite best efforts, this could not be achieved.

To compensate, we then planned to run the shuttles on the June long weekend. Despite long hours to complete the tasks, it was not to be.

While we disappointed a lot of steam fans, it was important to get 1210 into good condition and not risk damage for any short-term gain.

The loco team, with help from RTM, the Powerhouse Museum, and other skilled contractors, got 1210 to the stage of boiler tests just prior to the July 2 picnic train to Royalla.

After such major work, there are always some who will hold their breath when there is the first real test, in this case, the 1-in-40 climbs with set 52 carriages in tow.

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But our passengers were delighted with the run, and while there is still further work to be done on 1210, she is again steaming proudly.

The next service task is a trip to Goulburn Roundhouse where the drop pit will be used to assess the axle boxes.

In the meantime, the Society has scheduled a special steam shuttle day for the approaching school holidays. Three Canberra-Queanbeyan return trips will be run on Tuesday, July 18.

Congratulations to all who were involved in this major work.

The Society's loco team is small and desperately needs additional members.

While the return to service in 2007 of 3016 (a mere 103-years-old) after her major restoration will be great motivation, ARHS needs a team that can keep the venerable 1210 operating - at 128-years-old she is Australia's oldest steam locomotive in regular operation.

For this reason, and her special link with Canberra (she hauled the first goods train into Canberra in 1914), she is the Society's treasure.

If you would like to become involved in this important work, please contact Peter Anderson on 4474 4122 (ah), . Any assistance will be welcomed.