3642
| Company type | Steam locomotive |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | 1926 |
| Founder | Clyde Engineering |
| Defunct | September 1969 (retired from service) |
| Fate | Preserved and restored for heritage service |
| Headquarters | New South Wales , Australia |
| Products | Steam locomotives |
Locomotive 3642 is a coal-powered, two-cylinder superheated 4-6-0 engine from the New South Wales C36 class locomotive, constructed in 1926 by Clyde Engineering for the New South Wales Government Railways. It remains one of only three locomotives from this class that have been preserved.
In service
Commissioned in 1926, 3642 was primarily assigned to haul passenger services throughout New South Wales. Originally painted black, it underwent a color change to green during the mid-1930s before reverting back to black during World War II. In 1955, the locomotive was fitted with a Belpaire firebox, and by 1964, power reversing equipment was installed to improve its operational capabilities.
Demise and Preservation
After being retired in September 1969 from the Broadmeadow Locomotive Depot, 3642 was handed over to the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum (NSWRTM) in 1970. Later that year, it was restored to operational status and took part in significant occasions such as the inauguration of the Whyalla railway line in South Australia in 1972. The discovery of firebox cracking in 1973 led to its withdrawal for re-boilering, with the locomotive subsequently stored at multiple depots.
Restoration efforts commenced in 1979 at Goulburn Roundhouse, supported financially by the State Rail Authority, culminating in a return to heritage service across New South Wales by November 1981. Notable runs included a 1986 journey to Melbourne connected with The Phantom of the Opera and participation in the 1992 celebration of the standard gauge line anniversary to Melbourne. Following unsuccessful ultrasonic axle testing in 1994 and a boiler examination failure in 1996, it was retired from operation and placed on static display at Thirlmere.
Work to restore the locomotive resumed in 2006, leading to its reintroduction into service by March 2008. A repaint completed in 2010 revitalized its exterior. Between 2012 and 2018, 3642 operated shuttle services at the Thirlmere Railway Museum and frequently appeared at Day Out with Thomas events, where it portrayed Henry during these promotions.
The locomotive was taken out of active service in July 2018 but remained maintained for potential operation. It was exhibited at Sydney’s Transport Heritage Expo in June 2019. In 2023, it resumed limited operation sporting a black paint scheme and is now reserved for special events.