5917

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Locomotive 5917 is a two-cylinder, simple, non-condensing, superheated, coal-fired, 2-8-2 ‘Mikado' steam locomotive and one of five D59 class locomotives that were preserved. As of June 2021, it is the main steam locomotive used for the Picnic Train, mainly running between Sydney and Kiama.^[1]

In service

Locomotive 5917 was built in the United States by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for the New South Wales Government Railways (NSWGR) entering service on 12 March 1953 as an oil-burning locomotive, this was in the NSWGR's original plan when it was submitted to the builder during a coal shortage in New South Wales. It was later converted to a coal burner. 5917 was used for freight haulage during its NSWGR service right up to its withdrawal and spent some of its last years at Bathurst banking diesel hauled trains up Raglan and Tumulla banks. 5917 still carries the specially modified buffers to this day

Demise and preservation

On 16 August 1972, the locomotive was withdrawn from service and stored at Enfield Locomotive Depot. 5917 was stored in the open on the east side of Enfield No 3 turntable until mid-1974 when it was moved into Enfield No 1 Shed for preliminary work following purchase by a syndicate of enthusiasts.^[2]

Ownership passed to the '5917 Society' being operated and maintained by the

In 2017, the locomotive was withdrawn from service due to condition of the driving wheel tyres. It returned to service in 2019 and now runs under Sydney Rail Services as the primary locomotive for the Picnic Train.[3]

References

External links

Media related to 5917 at Wikimedia Commons