History
NSWRTM was established in 1962 at the former NSWGR locomotive depot in the Sydney suburb of Enfield, but was forced to move in the mid 1970s due to a proposed redevelopment of the Enfield site. In 1972, NSWGR merged with the New South Wales Department of Government Transport to become the New South Wales Public Transport Commission (NSWPTC). NSWPTC later selected Thirlmere as an alternative site for NSWRTM due to the disused "loop line" which could be used for train rides. The NSWRTM opened at its current location in on 1 June 1976.
In 1984 the NSWRTM became a founding member of the 3801 Limited managerial board. 3801 Limited was created to oversee the operation of the locomotive 3801.
The famous British railway locomotive 4472 Flying Scotsman visited Thirlmere in 1988 as part of its tour around Australia.
The museum played a major role in the 2005 celebrations marking 150 years of the NSW railways. It restored locomotive 3526 in 2004, for the occasion. They provided much of the rolling stock for a 150 years display at Sydney's Central Station in September 2005. 3526 joined other non-museum locomotives in shuttles to the suburb of Hurstville during the weekend.
NSWRTM was removed as a board member of 3801 Limited in November 2006 after 3801 Limited's 20-year operating contract expired. 3801 also returned to NSWRTM at the same time. Before 3801 Limited's lease expired there was an unsuccessful campaign to renew it, despite the fact that the organisation had funding and a long-term plan in place for the locomotive's overhaul and boiler replacement.
In 2008, steam locomotive 3642 was returned to service after being a static exhibit for 12 years. Its boiler was replaced with an already steamable spare boiler and some minor mechanical work was undertaken.
The NSWRTM is a regular operator of services at the Hunter Valley Steamfest, however in the most recent years a staged reduction of services offered and a refusal to bring passengers from Sydney has put a cloud on its involvement.
Read more about this topic: New South Wales Rail Transport Museum
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