Australian Railway Historical Society (ACT Division)

Steam Locomotive 6029 6029 is a Beyer Garratt articulated steam locomotive, and is one of a class of 42 which were the largest and most powerful steam locomotives to run on any railway in Australia. The 4-8-4 + 4-8-4 giants weighed 265 tonnes (including 18 tonnes of coal and 40 tonnes of water) and, in their modified form, had a tractive effort of 63,000 lbs (280kN) which is equivalent to about 3,000 horse power. They measured 98 feet, or 29.870 metres, end-to-end, and had driving wheels measuring 4 feet 7 inches or 1.4 metres. 6029 was built by Beyer Peacock and Company in Manchester, England, in 1953 and was placed in service on 24 April 1954. Dual controls were fitted in 1959, enabling the locomotive to be driven from either side of the cab and to allow the locomotive to be driven safely in reverse. Due to its length, vision from the cab is limited. Like most of the class, 6029's cylinder bore was increased by 9mm and axle load raised (by weight redistribution) from 16.7 to 18.2 tonnes, to give a higher tractive effort. This modification (indicated by the symbols + + painted on the ends of the locomotive) was provided for in the original design. The locomotive was first allocated to Enfield depot, and later to Bathurst. In 1960, 6029 was transferred to Broadmeadow and had a succesful career literally hauling coals to Newcastle, remaining there until withdrawn from regular railway service on 29 September 1972. The total number of kilometres travelled in railway service was 996,827. When working hard, the Beyer Garratts consumed 37 kg of coal a minute, and converted 430 litres (about 95 gallons) of water into steam. 6029 was purchased by the National Museum of Australia in 1975 and placed in the care of the Society which operated it from 1976 to 1981. Ownership of the locomotive transferred to the Society in 1998. Following its restoration and service, the engine was withdrawn in 1981 due to the condition of its boiler. A replacement boiler, in good condition, was recovered from a Victorian timber mill and is currently being restored. A restoration fund has been started to undertake this return to service of 6029. If you would like to contribute, please contact the Society. Contributions can be money, time or materials. "6029 Project" planted the first seed of this latest restoration in May 2007. For further details, see 6029 Project.

Click on picture for larger image; use your 'Back' button to return to this page    6029's handover, 1975      In the Canberra yard      6029 near Goulburn, 1981    - photo courtesy John Hurst      Boiler, awaiting installation

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