The two faithful locos that hauled Hunter Valley coal for much of the last century are “coming home” to be permanently based at Maitland.
Locos No10 and No18, both 10 Class locomotives that originally worked at the J&A Brown collieries in the Coalfields, will leave from North Rothbury where they have been restored and steam to Telarah on Friday afternoon, November 5.
They will then take up permanent residence in the “Big Red Shed” that was once their workshop at South Maitland Railways and is now part of the Hunter-V-Tec training centre, located on the corner of Mount Dee Road and Junction Street.
The historic locos will remain in steam on Saturday, November 6 where enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity between noon and 4pm to walk through the cabin of each loco while it is in steam.
The return of the locos marks the fulfillment of a dream for Hunter Valley Training Company Chairman, Mr Milton Morris AO.
As a boy, he would watch the locos from the platform of the East Greta Junction station as they hauled hoppers of coal destined for export through Newcastle’s port.
“These locos are part of the Hunter’s rich industrial history and I feel privileged to be a part of their restoration and long awaited return to the workshop where they were loyally serviced over their working life,” he said.
Mr Morris welcomed all steam fans and enthusiasts to East Greta Junction,Telarah on Saturday afternoon, November 6 and said it would be a fascinating sight for youngsters who rarely had the opportunity to experience the romance of steam.
Many adult fans of steam, including some who worked on the locos and the coal rail system, are expected to take part in the welcome home celebrations.
For further information;
Melinda Smith M; 0408 426 651
Mr Milton Morris AO P; 4932 4222 |