3801 - Major Accomplishments and Events

Major Accomplishments and Events

• First streamlined locomotive in NSW
• First 4-6-2 locomotive in NSW
• Fastest journey by rail from Sydney to Newcastle (2:01:51) (28 June 1964)
• Operated train celebrating 25th anniversary of Newcastle Flyer (31 May 1969)
• First steam locomotive to cross the Australian continent - "Western Endeavour" (22 August 1970 - 12 September 1970)
• Starred in film A Steam Train Passes (1974)
• A three year restoration at the Hunter Valley training company announced in (1983), back in steam in (1986)
• Two songs were written about 3801, Jolly Green Giant by Johnny Ashcroft (1976) and 3801 by Ray King and Ron Russell (1987).
• Main locomotive of the "Bicentennial Train" (1988)
  • Visited Perth, Western Australia again (April / May)
  • First standard gauge steam train to visit Adelaide, South Australia (20 May 1988)
  • First standard gauge steam train to use Roma St station, Brisbane
  • Paralleled by 2 Victorian steam trains towards Albury at Aus Steam '88 (22 October 1988)
• Involved in many trips with LNER 4472 Flying Scotsman - the world's best known steam locomotive (1988–1989)
• Involved in Cowan rail crash claiming 6 lives (6 May 1990)
• Visited Alice Springs, Northern Territory (1992)
• Annual race against a Tiger Moth aircraft at Maitland Steamfest
• 3801 is recognised by the Heritage Council and Institution of Engineering as a heritage icon
• 3801 has carried over 500,000 passengers since restoration
• 3801 is now getting its long awaited major overhaul including a new all-welded Boiler and firebox