Friday, November 21, 2008

Railcar 629/729 joins the fleet.



Goodwin Alco is pleased to announce the addition of railcar set 629/729 to its rollingstock fleet.
Goodwin Alco successfully tendered for the purchase of the railcar set from its previous owners RailCorp who decommissioned the unit in 2007.

Entering service on 3/12/1963, 629/729 was one of 18 2 car 620/720 diesel train sets built at the NSWGR Rollingstock workshops Chullora to replace steam hauled passenger operations in NSW suburban and country areas.

Known to many as "Sputniks", "grubs" or "sausage trains", these trains streamlined running schedules and services in many parts of the state and provided service to the NSW travelling public for over 45 years.
629/729 spent its last in service years on the Newcastle to Scone & Dungog runs and although retro fitted with modern traction & compliance systems and a new colour scheme, its overall appearance and configuration still remains largely as it looked when delivered into service.
Goodwin Alco intends to restore 629/729 using authentic fittings and colours and utilise it to operate heritage tours throughout NSW in the near future.

Unit 629/729 maintains Goodwin Alco's preservation focus on the products of manufacturer AE Goodwin as its bogies were built under contract for the NSWGR.

Any information, photos or equipment to assist with 629/729's restoration would be greatly appreciated by Goodwin Alco.

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