3801 Limited NewsletterNumber 13 – Published Autumn 2014

Welcome to the Autumn 2014 edition of the 3801 Limited Newsletter. Our Newsletter is issued quarterly approximately in October, January, April and July to inform our friends and passengers, both past and future, of news and events relating to 3801 Limited.

Volunteers Past and Present Vale Reg Osborne and Barry Tulloch

We readily pay tribute to the efforts of our wonderful hard working group of volunteers but we should also be mindful of the work of those who are no longer with us.

It is with sadness that we report the recent passing of our long term volunteer Reg Osborne who passed away last October. Reg was our Car and Wagon Examiner. Reg lived in Newcastle and would travel to Sydney weekly to carry out essential examinations on our rolling stock in conjunction with our engineering staff. His extensive library of railway books, videos and DVDs was bequeathed to 3801 Limited.

Another of our volunteers, Barry Tulloch, has also passed away in November 2013. Barry had a long association with 3801 Limited and his immaculately restored and well known steam locomotive 3112 was resident in the Large Erecting Shop from late 1987. 3112 was used in the Bicentennial runs as well as by 3801 Limited on occasions for tours and events. Barry was also involved with work on steam locomotive 3016.

3801 Limited extends sympathy to the families of Reg and Barry on their loss and acknowledges the valuable work performed by them for the organisation over the years. The work of all of our former volunteers is gratefully appreciated.

In This IssueTribute to Volunteers 13801 Limited Remains Confident of Future 2Recent Tours and Events Information Day for Volunteers and Staff 2 Annual Volunteers Christmas Lunch 3 Special Children’s Christmas Party 4 Mount Pleasant Winery 6 Brigadoon 6Image Gallery 7Tours and Contact Information 8

Photo Credits for this IssueJohn Clifton Ian MitchellFred Sawyer

Next IssueRestoration SpecialAn in depth illustrated update on 3801 Limited restoration projects

Information and ReservationsPhone: 1300 65 3801

www.3801limited.com.au3801 Limited Newsletter Number 13 – Autumn 2014 1

Recent Tours and Events3801 Limited Remains Confident of Future – Information Day for Volunteers and Staff

Saturday 17 May 2014The Directors of 3801 Limited recently invited all volunteers and staff to an Information Day in the form of a Shed BBQ in the Large Erecting Shop (LES).

As well as being a regular catch up and get together the Board was keen to outline the future directions of the Company in the form of a presentation by senior Company management.

In opening the presentation Board Member Sharyn Gregory stated that rail heritage is at the moment an exciting place with lots of changes occurring. Change brings with it threats and opportunities but it also brings uncertainty and rumours and fear. The day was about sharing what we know and how we are going to face the challenges together in a way that maximises the opportunity for us to successfully operate steam for the people of Sydney and NSW.

Ms Gregory stated that 3801 Ltd is a professional, friendly company with an excellent track record established in 1985. The 3801 Limited Mission Statement is:-

To restore, maintain and operate the heritage rollingstock in the care of 3801 Limited as the premier heritage train operator in New South Wales in a safe, efficient and economically sustainable manner for the ongoing benefit, cultural understanding and enjoyment of the general community and the volunteers and staff of the Company.

This remains unchanged.

Our achievements have been fantastic including the Bicentennial Train, Flying Scotsman, the Cockatoo Run since 1994 averaging some 2,200 passengers per annum, developing a very strong alliance with ARHS ACT at the Board and operating levels with regular visits of their steam locomotive 3016 to name a few. All we now need to do is remain focussed and keep moving forward one step at a time.

Ms Gregory and Business and Finance Manager Rhea Liebmann went on to share aspects of the Board’s business plan for future operations of the Company as well as discussing the challenges to be faced.

A major item of news was the announcement that John Glastonbury has requested the Board to consider a succession plan for his role as General Manager. John will remain as Chairman and he will help the Board finalise the long-term operating plan for 3801 Limited. This includes negotiating with Government the administrative arrangements for the future use of the LES as our operating base. He will continue to work closely with us to ensure a smooth transition.

John then addressed the group affirming that the rail heritage sector has been under challenge since the formation of Office of Rail Heritage in 2008. Disunity and distrust have reduced the NSW sector’s performance to half of what it was a few years ago. (c.f. LeMarshall statistics.)

John stressed 3801 Limited’s incredible achievement in not only surviving the removal of steam locomotive 3801 in 2006, but going on to grow and continue excellent heritage offerings under very difficult circumstances, political and financial.

“Our ability to have done this is largely due to the support and efforts of our amazing Volunteers and staff, without whom we would not be here. I and the Board acknowledge and thank you volunteers and staff for all your dedicated work and we all need to put that contribution in perspective. We are asking you to continue to support us, and in fact, want to grow your ranks.

“We have used our very best efforts over the last eight years to try and persuade Government to provide us with a steam engine and to adopt an equitable structure for the NSW heritage sector in which all heritage operators have a say.

Maintenance Manager Garry Ballhause (standing) opens the management presentation by introducing Board Member Sharyn Gregory and General Manager John Glastonbury. Also in image are volunteers James Gray (far left) and Stephen Rowling (in vest).

Following the presentation volunteers and staff at the Information Day assembled for a BBQ lunch in the Large Erecting Shop.

3801 Limited Newsletter Number 13 – Autumn 2014 2

“We have always cooperated with other heritage operators and will continue to do so, but now must look to our own independent future, and the formalisation of our relationship with ARHS ACT will achieve that aim. 3801 Limited and ARHS ACT are kindred organisations with very similar values and priorities that have learned the value of working together.

‘Since May 2010, the President ARHS ACT has been on the 3801 Board also. In September 2011, Australian Institute of Management chartered a fully air-conditioned sleeping/dining car train for a regional NSW Strategic Workshop trip. ARHS ACT provided the ex-Southern Aurora cars and 3801 operated it. The value of collaboration was strongly demonstrated.

“3801 Limited and ARHS ACT submitted a joint proposal on 5 December 2013 to Transport Heritage New South Wales (THNSW) for the future operation of the LES and securing our operating base here, and we are awaiting their response. After six months we have been informally told that a response will be forthcoming shortly and that we should be happy with their response, so we are optimistic for a successful outcome here.”

3801 Limited has an envied reputation as a very professional organisation that does things setting a very high standard giving its passengers a wonderful experience thanks to the unstinting efforts of all of you. We are all very proud of that reputation, which stands us in very good stead for the future. Our professionalism has earned us the support of very senior and well respected people and organisations inside and outside the rail industry that continue to help us secure the company’s future.

Sharyn Gregory thanked John for his commitment and leadership that has resulted in the many achievements implemented and all of the challenges he has helped 3801 Limited to overcome. Sharyn stated that our senior management, Rhea, our Business and Finance Manager, John Brown, Operations Manager and Garry Ballhause, Maintenance Manager were well placed to continue our operations and implement our business plan, and are working with John and the Board on this transition and ensuring our continued vision of operating steam in Sydney and NSW.

Rhea, John and Garry then went on to share with the group the strategies we are implementing and where we need everyone to help.

In summary Sharyn stated there is a lot of great things being managed and happening. “We will together work hard to ensure the success of these strategies. John will always remain willing to lend a hand where we need one. With each of us supporting Rhea. John and Garry we can have a great future before us building on the great foundation we have. We are here to stay and serve the people of NSW.”

Annual Volunteers Christmas Luncheon – Sunday 8 December 2013Our volunteers were invited to join the Cockatoo Run on this day and enjoy a sumptuous Christmas Luncheon at Robertson. This is an annual event to thank volunteers for their hard work for the Company during the year. The occasion was also used to mark the retirement of Geoff Hunter from the 3801 Limited workforce. Stuart Sharp on behalf of the Company made a presentation to Geoff of a very appropriate copy of The Great Eveleigh Workshops by Richard Butler. The images here capture the atmosphere of the day.

In charge of the BBQ were Geoff Hunter (Caught and Burnt Chef) and Kevin Dodds.

ABOVE: Some of our Volunteers at the Chistmas Lunch.

LEFT: Stuart Sharp speaks at the Lunch marking the retirement of Geoff Hunter.

RIGHT: Some of the very striking Christmas decorations.

3801 Limited Newsletter Number 13 – Autumn 2014 3

Recent Tours and EventsSpecial Children’s Christmas Party – Thursday 12 December 2013

The Special Children’s Christmas Party is a project run in conjunction with Make-A-Wish® Australia and supported by a number of media companies to provide a Christmas Party for children with a variety of special needs – those challenged by a physical or intellectual disability, a serious illness or an extreme circumstance. Since commencing in 1996 over 50,000 special needs children have had the opportunity to experience this wonderful event. 3801 Limited is a major sponsor of this annual event and has in past years been a participant in this special event by providing a steam train to convey children from Central Station to the venue at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse.

Thursday 12 December, 2013 was a near perfect day and the Rosehill Gardens Racecourse was filled laughter and squeals of delight of the almost 4,500 special needs children. The children together with their carers and 200 volunteers and some of the sponsors had a wonderful day. Each child left the venue with three or four beautiful gifts all provided by sponsors.

3801 Limited once again provided the train for those participants who chose to attend by rail and Lachlan Valley Railway’s steam locomotive 3237 was the star motive power sharing traction duties with our own diesel electric locomotive 4918. The special train departed Central Station around 9am and travelled via the Bankstown Line and the Goods Lines to arrive at Rosehill at about 9.45am. At Rosehill a huge number of amusements awaited the special guests including rides and jumping castles, hands-on displays by Police, Fire and Ambulance services, concerts, face painting and farm animals to touch.

Special guest on board was the wife of the Prime Minister, Margy Abbott, who travelled on the train and during the journey moved through all nine carriages meeting and talking with the children and their families and carers. Our Photo Feature tells the story of the day.

Sydney Special Children’s Christmas Party Departure from Central Station

1 2 3

4 5

1. General Manager John Glastonbury and Company Representative Alex Crass confer prior to departure.2 3801 Limited’s Aaron Seeto enters into the spirit of the day with his unique hat.

3. The train headed by steam locomotive 3237. 4. The Railway Band were on hand to farewell the train. 5. Company Representative Alex Crass chats with the engine crew before departure, Paul Stapleton (in vest) and Simon Foster.

3801 Limited Newsletter Number 13 – Autumn 2014 4

6

7

8

9

1011

Aboard the train bound for Rosehill Gardens

6, 7 & 8. Margy Abbott travelled on the train and moved through the carriages meeting and talking with our passengers and their parents and carers. Ms Abbott was a popular guest with our passengers and shared many a hi-five and chat with those on board.

9. This huge party animal was a great hit with the children.

10. The special train has arrived at Rosehill Station and 3801 Limited General Manager, John Glastonbury, thanks Margy Abbott for her time and participation in helping make the children’s train journey something to remember.

3801 Limited Newsletter Number 13 – Autumn 2014 5

Recent Tours and EventsMount Pleasant Winery – Sunday 23 March 2014A day of pure nostalgia and indulgence! Our heritage diesel train conveyed our party from Central to Maitland. Winemakers from McWilliams were on board the train to introduce their wines and to assist with tasting of some amazing new wines. Travellers in our first class lounge cars enjoyed Champagne Taittinger on the morning train and each received a bottle of Mount Pleasant wine signed by winemaker Scott McWilliam.

On arrival at Maitland coaches transferred passengers to the Mount Pleasant Winery for three hours of wine, food and fun. There was a tour of the winery with the winemakers followed by a magnificent buffet lunch accompanied, of course, by McWilliams wines.

Brigadoon Express – Saturday 5 April 2014Our Brigadoon Express departed Central headed for the annual Bundanoon Highland Gathering, this one the 37th. The Official Opening ceremony started the day off and the Chieftain of the Day was introduced. The day was full of events ranging from the music and marching spectacle of authentic pipe bands to the games including caber toss, hay toss, heavy championship and kilted dash.

LEFT: The Champagne Taittinger enjoyed by our first class lounge car passengers on the morning journey to the Mount Pleasant Winery.BELOW: Some of our passengers enjoying some wine tasting while awaiting luch at the winery.

RIGHT: Heritage diesel 4918 arriving with the Brigadoon Express at Bundanoon station for the return journey home.

BELOW: The station at Bundanoon takes on another persona for the day with this station sign portraying the annual event.

3801 Limited Newsletter Number 13 – Autumn 2014 6

Image GalleryHere and There

ABOVE LEFT: A happy group of 3801 Limited volunteers pose alongside steam locomotive 3237 on the Special Children’s Christmas Party train while waiting for passengers to board for the return journey to Central on Thursday 12 December 2013. From left standing are Daniel McQueeney, Sohtaka Kikuchi, Aaron Seeto, Cameron McQueeney and Stuart Sharp (kneeling).ABOVE RIGHT: Volunteer and intrepid photographer Fred Sawyer in action taking the photo of the group.

CENTRE RIGHT: Margy Abbott and 3801 Limited General Manager, John Glastonbury on the platform at Rosehill Station after the arrival of the Special Children’s Christmas Party train on Thursday 12 December 2013. Ms Abbott expressed her wish to participate in the event again in 2014.

RIGHT: Part of the spectacular scenery along the railway line at Brisbane Waters on the way north to the Mount Pleasant winery on Sunday 23 March 2014.

3801 Limited Newsletter Number 13 – Autumn 2014 7

For more information and reservations please contact our office at 1300 65 3801

or visit our website at www.3801limited.com.au

for tour dates and online bookings

For more information and reservations please contact our office at 1300 65 3801

or visit our website at www.3801limited.com.au

for tour dates and online bookings

Information and ReservationsPhone:

1300 65 3801www.3801limited.com.au

Viewing This NewsletterTo best view this Newsletter in Acrobat Reader select View>Page Display>Two Up and Show Cover During Two Up See image below

Our Regular Tours

On selected Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays travel in comfort aboard a restored heritage train from Sydney through to Robertson and Moss Vale via Wollongong.

Enjoy spectacular coastal scenery and the 600 metres ascent of the Illawarra Escarpment through rainforests and past waterfalls. At our Summit Tank stop admire the view over Lake Illawarra out to the Tasman Sea.

Visit the historic Southern Highland township of Robertson with its old town atmosphere and rustic appeal or travel on to Moss Vale.

For full details and fares and timetable visit our website at www.cockatoorun.com.au

The Illawarra Tree Top Flyer combines The Cockatoo Run with The Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk.

At Robertson our specially reserved coach will transfer you the short distance to the Illawarra Fly – a tree top walk approximately 25 metres above the rainforest and enjoy spectacular views from this high vantage point.

After your visit the coach will return you to Robertson in time for a short stroll past the shops and back to the train for the return journey. Full details at

www.3801limited.com.au/illawarrafly.htm

Our Mainline Tours From time to time 3801 Limited operates mainline tours to special events and places of interest. Some of these have included the annual Elvis Festival at Parkes, Steamfest at Maitland and the very popular Lovedale Long Lunch in the Upper Hunter Valley.

Details of our mainline tours are displayed on our website at www.3801limited.com.au

3801 Limited Calendar

Cockatoo RunTour Dates

Sunday 8 June

Sunday 6 July

Thursday 10 July

Sunday 10 August

Sunday 14 September

Thursday 18 September

Illawarra FlyTour Dates

Sunday 8 June

Sunday 6 July

Sunday 10 August

Sunday 14 September

3801 Limited Newsletter Number 13 – Autumn 2014 8