Goodwin Alco News

Santa’s on track for a great Christmas….

2011-12-22T02:07:00.001-08:00

With 2011 almost over its time to reflect on another year of activities and the results of planning and hard work thanks to the contributions of many oldmates.

Goodwin Alco wishes all our suppliers, supporters and friends all the very best for a Happy Christmas and thanks you for making 2011 another great year.

We hope the festive season is an enjoyable time and look forward to continuing our activities with you in 2012.

50 not out – Happy Birthday 4833.

2011-10-24T23:32:00.000-07:00

Like several other surviving Mark 1 models The 4 8 3 3 has now notched up 50 years since its construction by AE Goodwin Pty Ltd.

Built to replace steam locomotives on all manner of services, 4833 is one of 165 original class members which became the backbone of the NSW government railway loco fleet.

48’s could be once found on any type of service, on any line in the state and to this day they are still popular with crews and maintainers due to their performance and dependability.

Based on a universal design developed for wordwide operations, the DL531 was embraced by many railways and whilst there are many variations NSW 48’s have undergone few significant modifications from the original configuration.

With changing regimes comes varied image and NSW 48’s have appeared in many different colour schemes. 4833 being an early recipient of the “Candy” colours was one of 2 units painted with the originally proposed “Belbin” white roof prior to the more serviceable red roof colour being adopted as standard.

Following its sale at the Cardiff auction, 4833 was returned to service and original livery by Goodwin Alco and has since operated with 3801 Limited hauling services including the Cockatoo Run, performing shunting duties as well as some “deep sea” operations.

4833 can today can be seen regularly hauling new built OSCAR suburban sets to Broadmeadow yard for testing, a task which it is ideally suited for.

Recent engine overhaul and body repair works should ensure that 4833 continues to operate for many years to come.

Happy birthday old girl.

Thanks to The 4 8 3 3’s oldmates JC Scrapmonger and Jamie McIntyre for artistic contributions to this news post.

Garratt works deliver results.

2011-09-14T23:21:00.000-07:00

Following months of rust cutting, fabrication, rebuilding and riveting, 6029’s cab has now left Eveleigh and has been reunited in Canberra with the rest of the locomotive.

With the loco undergoing a comprehensive restoration by the Canberra ARHS ACT division, 6029’s cab was brought to the Eveleigh LES for overhaul in 2010, its repairs being sponsored by Goodwin Alco.

The choice of the Eveleigh worksite was particularly significant given that the new 60 class locomotives were assembled there after arriving by ship from their English manufacturer Beyer Peacock. Some service life overhauls and repairs were also performed at Eveleigh.

With new steel work supplied by R&L Wall a mixture of volunteers from ARHS, Goodwin Alco, Blueridge and Maywald Engineering (international) completed the final assembly and riveting works in August & September.

Finally back together in one piece the cab was lifted out into the sunshine by franner and transferred south by road on September 15.

With the cab refitted, the final placement of cab floor, backhead fittings, gauges and pipework is now underway and the locos return to steam is getting tantalisingly close.

To keep up to date with the 6 0 2 9 restoration works go to:

http://project6029.blogspot.com/

The last Sputnik leaves the depot.

2011-04-05T06:19:00.000-07:00

Nearly 4 years after the last regular Newcastle suburban service was operated by a 620/720 set lifelong “Newcastle” pair 626/726 has finally left its Broadmeadow home and commenced its final journey to preservation.

Suffering from various problems, 626/726 was the first of the refurbished “Cityrail” sets to be withdrawn from regular operations as the era of the “Hunter” railcars dawned. During recent years 626/726 has sat neglected on the wheel lathe spur road, surrendering some components to keep in service sister units running.

For reasons known only to the RailCorp heritage managers, 626/726’s internal ownership allocation and value changed several times after withdrawal and the unit was offered and withdrawn from multiple sale processes until finally being awarded for purchase by Goodwin Alco .

Although 626/726 will never run on NSW metals again its acquisition will provide continued support to keep its sister heritage units running and the car bodies will ultimately be preserved in a static private railmotor display.

Due to time, accreditation and logistical restrictions 626 & 726 were removed by Australian Train Movers from Broadmeadow by road on the 4th & 5th of April being craned off their bogies and then hauled out along the “Fitton Highway” before a final high speed fling down the F3 for storage and stripping.

Already 626 & 726’s sacrifice has yielded many valuable spares including engines, transmissions, bogies and air system equipment as well as multiple body and internal fittings.

Its always sad to see a unit condemned to a static existence but in this case the benefits will be long term, far reaching and 626 & 726 will enjoy a long rest with care after so many years of service.

4464 back on track at Kandos.

2011-02-19T05:39:00.000-08:00

After an extensive overhaul and recommissioning project the third Lachlan Alco 44 class –4464 has re entered service under the operations of 3801 Limited.

Purchased in 1994 at the infamous “Cardiff” auction 4464’s restoration was the subject of several stages of efforts by various project teams using both volunteer and paid labour.

Although considered to be the “best” of the 3 LA locos purchased 4464’s works included extensive body repairs as well as works on engine, traction motor and electrical control systems.

4464’s relaunch was facilitated by the operation of a special passenger train to Kandos on February 19 with a stop at Brogans creek during which the project workers, Alco fans and general passengers were able to witness the Alco operation first hand. On this day 4464 and sister units 4473 & 4486 operated “holding hands” for the first time in preservation.

Thanks to the project teams efforts 4464 will enjoy many successful years of Heritage operation during its second service career.

Bells are ringing and Santa is on his way…..

2010-12-21T04:16:00.001-08:00

Well another successful year of operation, restoration, sponsorships, projects, road trips and good times has rushed past and again we find ourselves running through the last section to Christmas.

Goodwin Alco wishes all our suppliers, supporters, and friends all the very best for a Happy Christmas and thanks you for making 2010 another great year.

2011 is already shaping up to be a busy year and we again look forward to sharing the rewards of our Heritage activities with our oldmates.

Christmas comes early for The 4 8 3 3

2010-12-21T03:57:00.001-08:00

Veteran Goodwin Alco loco 4833 has received an early christmas present this year thanks to the professional efforts of the oldmates from Drivetrain, Maywald Engineering International, Col Parry and the Lithgow Suit club.

Having worked tirelessly for many years, 4833 has been the subject of extensive repair and overhaul works in recent weeks which should prepare it for many more years of reliable service.

With engine works including new pistons,

liners, gudgeons, rings, bearings,

heads and injector pumps, a turbo overhaul, engine timing and a filter change,

body works including body repairs,

panel replacement,

various mounting repairs as well as air brake component change outs and pipe work repairs it should be no surprise that the receipts now total in the vicinity of $90,000.00.

Add to this the Compressor overhaul, traction motor blower refurbishment and electrical inspections completed in previous months and theres not much left on the list of planned works to tick off.

Commitments like this are a necessary part of essential maintenance programs and thanks to the efforts of our willing workers our 48 should continue to be the “backbone” of the fleet.

Thanks guys, we hope you enjoy your christmas break.

RTM returns 4001 to service.

2010-12-21T03:09:00.001-08:00

After a marathon restoration historic NSWGR Alco locomotive 4001 has returned to active duty 37 years after it was withdrawn from regular service.

The 40 class were the NSWGR’s first mainline diesel locomotives and survived until the ordering of 442 class locos in the early 1970’s, when they were destined to become donors of parts and scrapped.

4001 was saved for preservation and its restoration is due to the combined efforts of numerous RTM staff, volunteers and supporters over various eras with many missing components required to rebuild the loco being donated.

Goodwin Alco was pleased to be able to assist the restoration progress firstly with the supply of fan and oil filter components to former Maintenance Manager Jim Martin and more recently via the commissioning and donation of reproduction MLW builder and Alco design plates.

Sporting a shiny coat of fresh Blue paint, 4001 was recommissioned on November 20th and has subsequently hauled 2 tour trains for fans celebrating its restoration. Unfortunately 4001 suffered a fan drive failure during its 2nd outing to Bathurst but is hoped to again be returned to heritage service in the near future.

Congratulations to all involved in the restoration of this historically significant old Alco.

Up Up and away.

2010-10-30T19:40:00.001-07:00

Goodwin Alco’s support of Alco restoration moved “interstate” briefly in September to help our oldmates at ARHS ACT progress works on their World model DL500 Alco 4468.

With body restoration works well underway by the dedicated Canberra locals a work team comprising of Canberra fitter Gav, and representatives from Far North Rail Consultants, Goodwin Alco and the Lithgow Suit club gathered in the national capital to remove and strip the locos bogies in preparation for rewheeling.

With the services of a very impressive crane, light work was made of the lifting and with 4468 positioned on temporary bogies, stripping of the 6 wheelset/traction motor combinations from the frames was completed ready for shipping.

3 days of team work saw the job finished with time to spare and another great example of inter group working completed.

Time was also taken to inspect and document the condition of Canberras other DL500 the recently arrived RailCorp Core Heritage unit 4403. With a condition report prepared and submitted, corrective works are scheduled to commence soon and 4403 returned to mainline service.

OTHR 73 class head West for new “home”.

2010-07-26T08:06:00.001-07:00

After a 7 week “sleepover” at the Eveleigh Large Erecting shop OTHR’s first locomotives 7307 & 7321 have moved west and have now reached their new home of Oberon .

Thanks to a great combined effort by OTHR, LVR, 3801 Ltd and Goodwin Alco the locos headed west to Tarana on Saturday 24/07/10 hauled by Goodwin Alco’s locomotive The 4 5 0 1 and the following day were lifted off the rails and transferred to Oberon by road.

Whilst at Eveleigh the locomotives received considerable attention from OTHR members, Goodwin Alco and other supporters to improve their condition prior to their journey over the Blue Mountains and beginning the next chapter of service in their railway career. Eveleigh was the overhaul location for 73 class locos for many years so it was fitting that the locos returned there for attention.

In addition to coordinating the relocation of the locos Goodwin Alco donated the operation of The 4 5 0 1 for this movement and replacement equipment including air brake components, windows, number boards and specially produced “Oberon” depot plates.

Goodwin Alco is pleased to be associated with OTHR’s efforts to reopen the Oberon branch line for heritage operations and congratulates them on their remarkable progress to date.

To keep up to date with progress at Oberon go to:

http://othr.com.au/ or become a member and get directly involved in the activities of this exciting project.

Goodwin Alco units haul 73 class for OTHR

2010-06-04T05:44:00.001-07:00

On Saturday May 29 former Patricks locos 7307 and 7321 commenced the first leg of their final journey to preservation being moved from Botany to Eveleigh by Goodwin Alco locos 4501 & 4833.

Despite the gloom of a wet Sydney day spirits were high amongst the faithful volunteers who had gathered and volunteered their time to ensure that the units recently purchased by the Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway were safely transferred and secured.

Having been the subject of some theft and vandalism at Botany and purchased “as is, where is” the combined efforts of the Lachlan Valley Railway, 3801 Ltd and Goodwin Alco joined forces to prepare, transport and secure the engines ready for their journey West to their final home.

Thanks to the generosity of Lachlan Valley Railway who moved the locos at cost, 3801 Ltd who provided temporary shelter and workshop facilities at Eveleigh and Goodwin Alco who donated the use of locos 4501, 4833 and the fuel used for the transfer, the Walkers built locos are now undergoing repair and recommissioning works. Soon the move west to Tarana will be possible and the OTHR locos will commence the next stage of their service career and enter their second period as preserved units.

Goodwin Alco wishes OTHR well in their endeavours and encourages anyone interested to support their activities via physical and financial support to preserve and reopen the unique “pioneer” line from Oberon to Tarana.

For more information on OTHR’s activities visit their website at:

http://www.ozsite.com.au/oberonrailway/

CPH 13 bound for Oberon

2010-05-17T05:53:00.001-07:00

Goodwin Alco is pleased to announce that it has secured vintage NSWGR railmotor CPH 13 for operation on the Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway. The rebuilding of the first section of line to Hazelgrove on the former Oberon branch line is nearing completion by OTHR and the provision of “Tin Hare” CPH 13 for tourist service will be part of Goodwin Alco’s contribution to this worthy and exciting heritage project.

Currently located out of use in Canberra, CPH 13’s service career commenced in 1925 and after serving on NSW suburban and country lines for nearly 60 years it entered preservation with the ARHS ACT division in 1984.

Following several years of tour service out of Canberra, CPH 13 was placed on loan to the “Line of Lode” group in Broken Hill and after the unfortunate abandonment of that project was returned to Canberra in 2005.

While currently in a partially dismantled state, restoration plans to rebuild and reactivate CPH 13 will soon have it ready for the next stage of its operating career at Oberon.

To learn more about OTHR’s activities reactivating rail operations at Oberon visit their website at:

http://www.ozsite.com.au/oberonrailway/

Goodwin Alco awarded 6029 project “Silver” sponsor status.

2010-05-09T05:04:00.001-07:00

Since the inception of the 6029 restoration project Goodwin Alco has supported the efforts of the Canberra based Garratt restoration team via monetary and other donations, archival research, the restoration of components and the Eveleigh workdays program.

The 6029 project has made incredible progress in a relatively short period of time and is a credit to the dedication of its hard working volunteers, management team and many supporters. The value of Goodwin Alco's sponsorship was recently recognised by the 6029 project team via the awarding of "Silver" sponsor status, the first such award made by the 6029 project.

One of the main Goodwin Alco activities has been the sponsorship of 6029’s cab restoration. The cab was transported to Sydney by truck in mid 2008 and its restoration is being conducted at the historic Eveleigh Large erecting shed inconjunction with 3801 Ltd.

The cab has now been completely dismantled, the deteriorated components repaired or replaced and is being prepared for reassembly. The 6029 project is a great example of oldmates from many different organisations and interests working together and will ensure that an example of the largest locomotive type to run in the southern hemisphere will again steam for the first time in 30 years.

The completion of 6029's restoration will mark the success of one of the biggest volunteer steam loco restorations in preservation history and support the education and enjoyment of todays and future generations that have never seen such a locomotive operate.
While much good work and progress has already been achieved, the 6029 team still need support to complete their project which is bigger than the locomotive itself!

There are many ways that you can assist the project team get 6029 steaming again in 2011 and to identify the role you can play go to the 6029 project blog at:
http://project6029.blogspot.com/

Goodwin Alco unit moves Krupp crane to preservation

2010-03-29T02:42:00.000-07:00

Unique 120ton capacity breakdown crane LC1060 has made its last mainline journey and entered preservation thanks to the Lachlan Valley Railway Co op and haulage by Goodwin Alco loco 4501.
Once an essential part of loco depot inventory, the era of rail breakdown cranes has sadly past with modern day preference being to use mobile road cranes to clear mishaps.
1060 also known as "The Krupp" spent recent years languishing at the former Lithgow Depot and has been purchased by the Dorrigo Steam Railway & Museum group who had long considered it to be an essential addition to their collection.

Efforts by LVR oldmates saw the crane serviced and certified for travel and with ARTC & RailCorp approval, the Krupp was hauled to West Tamworth over 2 days by Goodwin Alco loco 4501. Due to the cranes enormous 22.3ton axle load its maximum permitted speed was 50kph from Lithgow to Werris Creek (via Sydney) and then finally 30kph from Werris Creek to West Tamworth.
Thanks to good planning and the Krupps reliable german engineering the haulage task went off without a hitch and was delivered to its new owners after a 17 hour journey.

Goodwin unit celebration at Kandos

2010-01-31T01:36:00.000-08:00

4833 & 4501 stand at Kandos station having arrived from Sydney. Photo Jamie McIntyre.

To celebrate 50 years of service of the trusty Goodwin Alco DL531 48 class locomotives, 3801 Limited operated a tour from Sydney to Kandos and return on Saturday February 2o headed by Goodwin Alco heritage locomotives 4833 & 4501.

The occasion was a double celebration as 2010 marks 15 years of heritage activities by the Goodwin Alco Pty ltd team, and what better way to celebrate than to have both locomotives head the train west over the Blue mountains and through the Capertee Valley with a train full of passengers.

To ensure everyone had the opportunity to record the occasion a line side photo stop was held under the towering bluffs at remote Brogans Creek before the passengers were treated to a magnificent lunch either on board or at the Kandos Hotel.

Miles from civilisation the Goodwin Alco units run past for the photographers. Photo Leon Rudd.

With the train remarshalled and the passengers back on board a glorious western afternoon ensured the scenery was seen at its best as the train retraced its path back to Sydney.

Powering through Wallerawang 4501 leads 4833 and a train full of happy passengers on their way home. Photo Geoff Taylor.

For information about future tours contact 3801 Ltd on 1300 65 3801 or visit http://www.3801limited.com.au/.

621/721 re-enters service in original livery

2010-01-17T05:09:00.000-08:00

After several months effort, hundreds of hours of voluntary labour and numerous litres of paint RailCorp Heritage Railmotor set 621/721 was returned to service by custodians The Rail Motor Society on Sunday 17th January 2010 again wearing its original livery. Whilst largely completed by Goodwin Alco the sets transformation is also due to the combined efforts of The Rail Motor Society and Maitland Rotary volunteers who worked with the project team resulting in a great example of inter group support and co-operation. The Rail Motor Society's team also carried out body repairs, a mechanical service and car cleaning and fit out to ensure all was ready for the inaugural trip to Nowra. Goodwin Alco took time off from restoring their own set 629/729 and both managed and sponsored the project by contributing paint, preparation materials, voluntary labour, project management, reproduction shaded lettering, and also reinstated original toilet mirrors and replica builders plates.

To read more about the project works and the history of set 621/721 go to: http://621721.blogspot.com/

To view set 621/721 returning from its inaugural trip to Nowra view the video clip below:

4833 visits the National capital!

2010-01-13T05:56:00.000-08:00

December is a busy time in many areas due to pre Christmas celebrations and Canberra is no exception. Every year the ARHS ACT division run an extensive program of pre christmas special trains to cater for end of year office party and group celebrations.
The end of 2009 was no exception and to cater for the capacity crowds that booked on the dinner & dance special trains Goodwin Alco's 4833 was requested to head south to help shift the loads. Holding hands with ARHS's 50 year old Alco 4807 and Steam stalwart 3016, 4833 operated to destinations including Bungendore and Tarago with record crowds tugging behind on the drawbar.
During its time in Canberra 4833 also got to rub couplers in loco with oldmates including ARHS's tuscan & russet painted 7315 and newly acquired mainliner 4468.
Following the success of this initial visit future trips are being discussed and further examples of interworking and cooperation between the like minded oldmate groups is in the pipeline.

Thanks to Canberraite Paul Quinn for providing the "on shed"pics during 4833's ACT visit.

Ho Ho Ho

2009-12-18T00:23:00.000-08:00

With another year past Goodwin Alco would like to thank all our supporters, suppliers and friends for their support and wishes them the very best compliments of the season for a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.
2009 has been another successful year full of heritage restorations, operations, sponsorships and projects with both new and oldmates and we look forward to working again with you all in 2010.

Repaint of heritage class leader underway.

2009-12-16T02:56:00.000-08:00

RailCorp core heritage rail motor set 621/721 is the subject of Goodwin Alco's latest project effort which will see it restored to its authentic 1960's Indian red & lined livery in the coming months.

Works are being conducted at the depot of set custodians The Rail Motor Society with project labour consisting of team members supplied by Goodwin Alco, TRMS and Maitland Rotary.
Goodwin Alco is also sponsoring the supply of materials to repaint the set including sanding and masking materials, primer and undercoat, final paint and reproduction NSWGR shaded lettering.
Even builders plates are being reinstated!

As commitments have already been made for the sets operation in 2010 the project team dont expect to get much of a break until the new year but believe the final product will be worth the sacrifice.

Keep an eye out in early 2010 for 621/721's spectacular return to the network looking like a set hasnt for over a decade.
If you want to travel on 621/721's first run for 2010 book now with ARHS NSW at: http://www.arhsnsw.com.au/current/t100117.pdf
or contact TRMS for information regarding trips later in the year.

Another old girl saved and started!

2009-12-16T02:27:00.000-08:00

Breaking news reports that another example of Alco diesel locomotive engineering has been saved for preservation, this time by the Australian Railway Historical Society ACT division.
Successful negotiations saw the ownership of DL500 model loco 4468 transferred from CFCLA to ARHS ACT in November and in early December the loco was transferred from Lithgow to Canberra utilising SSR haulage to Sydney and Goodwin Alco's own 4833 to complete the journey to our nations capital.

On December 4 Goodwin Alco representatives travelled to Canberra and after inspections and preparations with the ARHS loco team started 4468 for the first time in preservation.

Works required to restore 4468 to mainline service are expected to take some months so if you live down south and love your alco's why not get involved in the full restoration project?
At the very least keep up to date with progress at: http://project4468.blogspot.com/
or donate to the project - Donations over $2 are tax deductable!

Heritage signs reproduced

2009-11-21T17:52:00.000-08:00

Goodwin Alco's repair and reproduction of authentic heritage items continues with station signs recently being produced for future use by our friends at the Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway.

Like many railway locations, in the years since rail services finished the station signage "disappeared" and with plans for the full restoration of the Oberon station underway Goodwin Alco partnered with Blueridge Woodworks & car builders to produce replacement items.

After extensive research authentic designs, materials and mouldings were used to recreate the signage used previously by the NSWGR.

Although not yet ready for permanent installation the signs were recently given a trial run at Oberon and will now be placed in storage awaiting the reopening of this wonderful heritage precinct.

Goodwin Alco has previously produced station signage for other parties and would consider any requests for repairs or reproduction of similar heritage items.

50 years of 48's - Happy birthday 4801.

2009-08-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

4801 at A.E. Goodwins St Marys. 28th August 1959. R G Preston photo.

50 years ago on August 28, 1959, loco 4801 was presented to the NSWGR by builder A.E. Goodwin at a ceremenony held at their St Marys construction plant.
A few days later on September 1 it was delivered to its owners the NSWGR at DELEC and commenced trials and then its working career.

4801 at DELEC September 1, 1959. R G Preston photo.

Built to the American Locomotive Company DL531 design, the 165 strong 48 class were to become the backbone of the NSW railways eliminating steam haulage from branchlines but also being used for mainline duties. Such was the popularity of the DL531 design that a total of 165 48 class units were eventually placed in service with the NSWGR as well as 44 being built for the South Australian Railways and another 3 for the Broken Hill based Silverton Tramway Company

During their service life the 48 class have proved to be extremely reliable units as well providing the flexibility to haul all types of trains over all lines in the NSW rail network. Despite having worn many different liveries and undergone various modifications their basic configuration remains the same as when first delivered.

4801 at Lithgow loco depot in 1993. J McIntyre photo.

To this day many 48 class units continue to operate in daily service while several have also been saved for preservation.
4801 is included on the RailCorp Heritage Rollingstock register but is unfortunately not operational. It is currently stored facing an uncertain future with classmate 4805 and can be seen from passing trains at Eveleigh Carriage works.

Happy 50th Birthday oldmate.

New windows for old cars

2009-07-25T23:16:00.001-07:00

As preserved rollingstock ages, remaining stocks of traditional spare parts dwindle and commercial production of many components ceases the challenge for heritage groups to maintain, repair and restore vehicles is becoming harder and harder.
Recently Goodwin Alco inconjunction with Blueridge Woodworks was asked to investigate the production of new wooden window stock for Lachlan Valley Railway "S" series cars which after many years of service were in dire need for replacement windows.

After following up on several options Bob & Jono Bennett from Pinnacle Cabinets & Joinery at Molong NSW provided not only a quote which was affordable but also committed to manufacturing the windows using traditional joints and practices and utilising new glues and modern paint finishes to ensure the windows will last for many years to come.
The frame machining was also modified slightly to incorporate the important inclusion of safety glass.

The windows were supplied finished with glass and mouldings fitted in our choice of paint and internal lacquer finishes. The boys can even quote to deliver and fit the windows if you require.
If you have a need for any type of window or woodworking components give them a call on 0263691500 or 0428328587.

Painting the Pay Bus

2009-05-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

Goodwin Alco's heritage project support activities continues with its contribution to the restoration of RailCorp historic 1930's Pay Bus No 1.
Over the past few months Peter MacFarlane accepted RailCorp's invitation to provide instruction and assistance to RailCorp apprentices and instructors and has been involved with the preparation and painting of the vehicle ready for its return to service. Goodwin Alco's contribution included labour, technical advice and some materials on a voluntary basis to help progress the project.
The restoration of the pay bus is another successful example of heritage restorations being completed as an apprentice training exercise under the guidance of senior and volunteer tradesmen.
As seen in the picture above, the works on Pay Bus No 1 are nearing completion and its bright and distinctive livery will ensure that in future it becomes an easily identified member of RailCorps heritage fleet.

Restoration of railcar set 629/729 commences.

2008-12-26T03:44:00.000-08:00

Only days after arrival at Paterson, the restoration of railcar 629/729 has commenced.
Goodwin Alco plans to restore the 2 car diesel train to an authentic livery and configuration reflecting its early days of service.

To keep updated on the restoration progress of 629/729 visit the restoration blog site:

http://629729.blogspot.com/

All the very best.......

2008-12-21T17:53:00.000-08:00

Goodwin Alco wishes all our supporters, suppliers, friends and oldmates the best compliments of the season for a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year in 2009.
2008 has seen another successful year full of restorations, operations, sponsorships and new oldmates and we hope that the good times will continue in 2009.
Thankyou to all who continue to support our rail heritage activities.

L813 arrives for preservation.

2008-12-20T22:31:00.000-08:00

Goodwin Alco is pleased to announce that L813, the S truck won for preservation in the recent RailCorp heritage EOI, has finally arrived at our Werris Creek restoration base.
After a round about period that saw it disappear from Dubbo yard but thankfully found again (thanks to the efforts of our oldmate Keg) 22 miles to the west, L813 was delivered by tilt tray to Älco Park"in early December.
The years of neglect whilst stored at Dubbo have taken their toll but plans are already underway to restore this icon of the öld" railway.
S trucks were once the backbone of railway freight traffic being used for the transport of all kinds of goods throughout NSW.
It is fitting that the first piece of freight rollingstock to be preserved by Goodwin Alco is from such a significant class of vehicle.

These photos depict the deterioration of L813's body work and an open axle box showing that the axle box lid and brass have been removed.

The first of many journeys!

2008-12-19T23:30:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday December 10, railcar set 629/729 made its first journeys under Goodwin Alco ownership on its delivery run from the Broadmeadow RailCar Depot to Paterson, the home of our friends, The Rail Motor Society.
Collected by Goodwin Alco's own locomotive 4833, the event free trip saw the consist arrive safely at Paterson at approximately 1300hrs.
Thanks to the generosity of TRMS, 629/729 will enjoy an initial restoration period at Paterson prior to its next outing.
Goodwin Alco wishes to thank the many oldmates who assisted making this move possible particularly those from RailCorp, TRMS and The Lachlan Valley Railway Co op.

"Put away", 4833 and 629/729 pause briefly at Mindaribba to allow an up freight to pass whilst enroute to Paterson.

Off the main line at Paterson, 4833 shunts 629/729 up to the TRMS depot whilst class leaders 621 & 721 look on.

NSWGR Shaded lettering and numbers reproduced.

2008-12-07T04:29:00.001-08:00

To assist with the authentic restoration of NSW carriage stock, Goodwin Alco has commissioned the reproduction of NSWGR shaded lettering and numbers.
Prior to the introduction of the "Candy" colour scheme in the early 1980's these shaded letters were used to denote classifications, coding's and other labelling on the Indian red vehicles.
Originally produced as hand painted water transfers, the reproduced artwork is printed on stickers with a weather proof clear coat to ensure the colours last for many years.
Able to be produced for any vehicle, sizing and quantities of the required labels is all that is required to enable them to be printed.
Goodwin Alco thanks its artwork master Tony for his assistance to make this project such a success.

Reproduction lettering and numbers were recently supplied by Goodwin Alco to put the finishing touches to the repainted railmotor 402 at The Rail Motor Society, Paterson.

Railmotor 402 repainted.

2008-11-21T03:06:00.000-08:00

Goodwin Alco has recently helped complete the repainting of railmotor HPC 402 for its friends The Rail Motor Society at Paterson, NSW.

A team comprising of Goodwin Alco Director and TRMS member Peter MacFarlane and several other TRMS members, cleaned, sanded, masked, painted, lined and decaled 402 in under 4 weeks and in time for its around the state tour for ARHS NSW.

It is believed that 402 was last painted in the late 1980's at the railway carriage works Eveleigh whilst being prepared for radio network test duties.

The application of the new livery was sponsored by Goodwin Alco who supplied paint and materials at no cost and also produced and applied reproduction shaded lettering decals to the traditional design to denote carriage classification, seating configuration and numbering.
Special thanks is due to oldmate Tony Matthews for his excellent skills in producing the lettering files.

All agree that 402 now looks better than it has for many years and hopefully it will continue to provide excellent heritage service in the future.

Railcar 629/729 joins the fleet.

2008-11-21T02:07:00.000-08:00

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.