3642

3642
3642 at Central station in July 2014
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder Clyde Engineering Serial number 414 Build date 1926
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-6-0  • UIC 2′C h2 Gauge 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) Driver dia. 69 in (1.753 m) Total weight 160 tons Boiler pressure 180 psi (1.24 MPa) later: 200 psi (1.38 MPa) Cylinders 2 outside Cylinder size 23 in × 26 in (584 mm × 660 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort as built: 30,500 lbf (135.7 kN) as restored: 33,890 lbf (150.8 kN)
Career Operators New South Wales Government Railways Class C36 Number in class 42 of 75 Numbers 3642 Nicknames The Pig, Miss Piggy Locale Australia First run 1926 Last run September 1969 Disposition Withdrawn for mechanical overhaul

Locomotive 3642 is two-cylinder, simple, non-condensing, coal-fired superheated, 4-6-0 36 class express passenger steam locomotive built for the New South Wales Government Railways in 1926 by Clyde Engineering.

In service

3642 entered service in 1926 hauling passenger trains throughout New South Wales. Originally painted black, in the mid-1930s it was repainted green. With the onset of World War II it returned to black. In 1955 it was fitted with a Belpaire boiler. In 1964, it was one of six members of the class to receive power reversing units.

Demise and Preservation

3642 was withdrawn from Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot in September 1969, and placed in the custody of the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum (NSWRTM) in 1970. After being returned to service in December 1970, 3642 worked to South Australia with 3801 as part of celebrations to open the Whyalla line in October 1972. In 1973 the engine was found to have cracking in its firebox and was taken out of traffic pending re-boilering. It was stored at Enfield Locomotive Depot, being hauled to by 5910 to Thirlmere with the rest of the collection in June 1975.

In 1979, 3642 was transferred to Goulburn Roundhouse to be overhauled. The work was funded by the State Rail Authority who upon its return to service in November 1981, operated the locomotive on heritage trains throughout New South Wales with maintenance contracted to the NSWRTM. In 1986, it ran to Melbourne for The Phantom of the Opera which included a parallel run with Victorian locomotive R766. In 1989 it reverted to the custody of the NSWRTM.

In 1992, it again visited Victoria with 5910 to celebrate 30 years of the standard gauge line to Melbourne. In the December 1994 issue of Railway Digest magazine, a photograph of 3642 was accompanied by a caption stating that the locomotive had been withdrawn from service following the failure of an ultrasonic test on the rear driving axle and that there were no plans to repair the locomotive at that stage.

After failing its boiler inspection in 1996, it became a static exhibit at Thirlmere. In 2006 work commenced to restore 3642 and in March 2008 it returned to service. At the end of 2008, a project to repaint the engine began. The project was completed in 2010.

In 2008, 3642 appeared at the Hunter Valley Steamfest after a 16-year absence. In July 2011, 3642 was taken out of service for a re-tyre of the all driving wheels and a small mechanical overhaul returning to service in April 2012.

Following the recent return to heritage service of locomotive 3526, locomotive 3642 is now being retired from regular mainline operations. It is currently being considered for major overhaul, subject to funding and future fleet requirements. In the meantime, 3642 will be maintained in a serviceable condition so the engine can be utilised for occasional events.

Gallery

• 
  Builders's plate
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  Crank
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  Driving Gear
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  3642 at Central station
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  3642 at Central station
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  3642 at Katoomba station
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  3642 at Katoomba station
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  3642 at the Hunter Valley Steamfest in April 2009
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  3642 at Wagga Wagga in 2013

External links

Media related to NSWGR 3642 at Wikimedia Commons