Transport Heritage NSW (THNSW) is in the planning and research phase of the restoration of the 1867-built First Class Mountain Radial Carriage No. 5 (W 560).
The eight-wheel radial car will be restored by Blue Ridge Woodworks, supported by rail heritage, colour specialist and author Garry Saunders.
The carriage is to be restored to its 1880s appearance so that Transport Heritage NSW audiences, including visitors to the NSW Rail Museum, can experience the opulence of a first-class railway carriage and understand its unique radial engineering.
The carriage is one of six eight-wheel radial carriages built for the NSW Government Railways and thought to be the only surviving example in the world. It is the only carriage of international significance in state owned transport heritage collection managed by THNSW.
It was designed to negotiate the steeply graded and tightly curved tracks of the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands lines and was revolutionary in its technological advances.
The unique iron underframe features Adams’ style radial axles, which were designed to navigate curves more smoothly than fixed axles, remain in remarkably original condition.
When built, it was considered the last word in luxury: the body is comprised of a teak frame with mahogany exterior paneling, buttoned Moroccan leather upholstery and gold trimmed teak interior linings.
The project is expected to be complete in late 2025.
Meanwhile, the historic Locomotive 3001 was returned to service during a special relaunch ceremony with THNSW members and invited guests at the NSW Rail Museum last week.
The 120-year-old locomotive was officially relaunched by Member for Wollondilly, Nathaniel Smith, before the locomotive hauled its inaugural passenger service from Thirlmere to Buxton and return.
The return of 3001 will provide much needed additional fleet capacity for growing heritage train experiences at the NSW Rail Museum, particularly with the completion of the Loop Line Upgrade Project to Colo Vale in 2024.
