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Photo:
Don Pryde, David Rollins, Tim Solomon and Rob Gough all worked on restoring the 100yo locomotive. (ABC Radio Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe)
A train once used to deliver supplies on the Western
Front during World War I has been fully restored and now calls
south-east Queensland home.
Restoring the Hunslet No. 327
locomotive was a labour of love for former train drivers and engineers
from the UK and Queensland Rail at The Workshops Rail Museum in Ipswich.The 10-year project included three years of intense labour to bring the 7-tonne train back to its original state.
Photo:
One of the Hunslet locomotives being used in World War I. (Supplied: The Workshops Rail Museum)
Built in 1916 by the Hunslet Engine Company of Leeds, England, it was one of 665 steam trains ordered by the British War Office during World War I.
"It was used in France on the Western Front to move munitions and supplies to the front lines," the museum's collection manager Rob Shiels said.At the end of the war, the train was rebuilt and in June 1920 it was one of 15 Hunslet locomotives purchased by the Queensland Government.
Photo:
The Hunslet was deteriorating after being on display in a park. (Supplied: The Workshops Rail Museum)
The No. 327 then started work in Mackay in 1964 as a cane train, before it was retired and moved to be a display at Eton's Langford Park in Mackay.
Putting a 100yo train back together
In 2005 the train was removed from the park due to deterioration, and was donated to The Workshops Rail Museum.Restoration started in 2012 by completely stripping the locomotive down.
"We had to take every part off and soda-blasted it," Mr Shiels said.
Photo:
Original numbered parts were sourced from around the world for the Hunslet. (ABC Radio Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe)
"We also got plans from the Hunslet archives in England, so we knew what parts were original and what ones were added by the sugar mill.
"We found three parts from other Hunslet automotives that were stamped with WD (War Department) and a number.
"This was interesting as it showed that parts were swapped to keep locomotives running."
Photo:
Original parts were used to put the train back together. (ABC Radio Brisbane: Jessica Hinchliffe)
The team that put the locomotive back together included a core group of five retirees, some of which were former Queensland Rail drivers.
"We couldn't have done it without them; they spent hundreds of hours here and we're so thankful for their expertise and patience," Mr Shiels said.Volunteer David Rollins used his knowledge from England.
"I'd done 48 and a half years on the railways in England and came back out here in 2001," he said.
"I was restoring engines in England, so it followed naturally that I would get involved in this.
"It was difficult in getting it back to its original state … it was challenging."
Former train driver Don Pryde said it was wonderful to see the locomotive finished.
"I started here in 1976 and spent 25 years in the workshops and retired in 2000," he said.
"When I knew about the Hunslet I was invited back to work on the sheet metal work on the steam engine.
"We're chuffed to see it completed."
The train will now remain on permanent display at the museum.
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