Tenders were called by RailCorp in October and again in November, seeking a new boiler for their high profile 204-tonne streamlined express steam locomotive, which is undergoing full restoration at the Rail Transport Museum’s Thirlmere compound.

The 3801 locomotive has historic links to the Highlands, having completed the Cockatoo Run to Robertson for many years.

Believing several overseas firms had tendered for the work in the first round, Mr Ainsworth, who has 30 years experience building and repairing steam boilers and equipment, was “incensed” it might not be built in Australia.

“After all, it is an iconic Australian locomotive, built in 1942 by Australians to an Australian design,” he said.

While Mr Ainsworth conceded there were few people left with the expertise to build railway locomotive boilers, and particularly one so large, he pointed out the engineering required was simply “straightout traditional heavy fabrication”.

“There is nothing scientific about steam boilers in locomotive use,” he said.

Tenders closed on December 3 and the successful tenderer could be known by late January.

Having been a steam enthusiast all of his life, Mr Ainsworth has already engaged several specialist design firms to assist him, should his tender be successful.

He has also spoken to Japanese firm, the Kawasaki Tube Mills, believed to be the only firm left in the world making fire-tubes to the old imperial measurements. Nine tonnes of them would be required for the 3801 project.

For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Wednesday, January 14