International Railroad Discussion > Australia -Steam locomotive 6029 (Beyer-Garratt) at Gosford

Beyer-Garratt 6029 is operating a number of public excursions between Gosford & Hawkesbury River (north of Sydney) this weekend.

Saturday's trips were unfortunately spoiled by poor weather. My video shows the loco & train arriving at Gosford station prior to operating the first service.

6029 was built by Beyer, Peacock & Co of Manchester, England in 1954.  The Garratt was restored to operating condition and returned to service in late 2014 at the Canberra Railway Museum.

On the rear of the train was diesel loco 4403, an ALCO built by Australian licensee AE Goodwin, in Sydney and originally entered service in November 1957, so only 3 years youger than the steam locomotive.  Both locomotives were originally built for the New South Wales Government Railways.

A locomotive at each end allowed a quick turn-round at each destination, as the trips had to fit in between regular services on the very busy main north line.

 

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Interesting that the diesel is coupled cab end to the train when it will lead back. I know it has a hostler position at the other end but why not have the cab end out?

Sharon Evans
Glen Allen, VA

The Australian 44 class have a full cab at the "blunt" end, so the loco could haul trains with either end leading at normal speeds. As many trains were hauled by a single loco, this saved having to turn the loco at the end of a trip.

The majority of locos built for the NSW Governent Railways after the 44 class were dual cab locos.
 

Note to American steam operators. The diesel in Australia is on the rear, out of the way to not screw up the photos. A common practice in Europe also in the few cases where a diesels is needed for traction or the reverse move.