Locomotive 1210 is the oldest active main line steam locomotive in Australia. Lovingly maintained and operated by the Australian Railway Historical Society - Australian Capital Territory Division (ARHS/act), it is based in their Canberra Museum facilities.
1210 was one of thirty locomotives built by Beye Peacock UK between 1877 and 1879 for the New South Wales Railways and was originally designated as a 79 Class. (26 similar Class followed from Dubs & Co in Scotland between 1880 and 1881 followed by a further 4 from Beyer Peacock in 1881 and 8 from Atlas Engineering, locally produced in Sydney, also in 1881). As more powerful P(6) Class locomotives arrived in the 1890s, the 79 class were moved out to inland areas and some were converted to tank engines (including our 1210) were rebuilt with Belpaire boilers, steel sided cabs with circular windows and left side controls. In 1924 under the renumbering system, this class became a (Z)12 Class.
This presentation details 1210’s return to steam after undergoing extensive boiler repairs at the ARHS/act Canberra Museum. It covers preparation for the live steam boiler tests, the initial road trials after boiler certification, and both the positioning to and operation of 1210 at the Thirlmere 2005 Steam Fest. Locomotives seen in action include 12, 27, 35, 38 (both streamlined and conventional), 44, 48 and 73 Class.
Approximate run time: 86 minutes.