50 years of 48's - Happy birthday 4801.

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

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

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.

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.......

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.

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!

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.