Commonwealth Of Australia

This forum is for the discussion of the locomotives, motive power, and rolling stock of the LNER and its constituent companies.

Moderators: 52D, Tom F, Rlangham, Atlantic 3279, Blink Bonny, Saint Johnstoun, richard

Post Reply
Steve05
NBR D34 4-4-0 'Glen'
Posts: 255
Joined: Sun Mar 13, 2011 12:44 pm
Location: QLD Australia

Commonwealth Of Australia

Post by Steve05 »

Hi All,

With the shipping of A4’s to USA and Canada, I have also have read statements that A4 Commonwealth of Australia was offered to New South Wales Government Railways. Is this true? If so, what are the details surrounding the offer and perhaps the details as to why the offer was declined?

Were any other similar offers made to NZ and India?

Thanking you all.
Steve
S.A.C. Martin

Re: Commonwealth Of Australia

Post by S.A.C. Martin »

Frustratingly, I can't find the reference itself, but Cecil J. Allen stated in one of his books (possibly British Pacific Locomotives?) that CoA had been offered to NSWGR but for reasons hitherto unknown, the locomotive didn't make it. One can only surmise that either it was declined, or negotiations broke down.

I had thought myself that NSWGR had declined it, but being unable to find the reference now I may have remembered it incorrectly.
Steve05
NBR D34 4-4-0 'Glen'
Posts: 255
Joined: Sun Mar 13, 2011 12:44 pm
Location: QLD Australia

Re: Commonwealth Of Australia

Post by Steve05 »

Thanks Simierski,

I remember reading this about 25 years ago. I recently mentioned it to a colleague who is big into NSWGR and he expressed his surprise as he had heard nothing of such an offer. I then thought to myself that this is perhaps just hearsay until I can prove it so. I am unable to recall where I read this from but I have also it heard mentioned on several other forums in the UK over the last three years.

What a huge pity it did not find its way here.

Regards

Steve
User avatar
manna
LNER A4 4-6-2 'Streak'
Posts: 3863
Joined: Sun May 24, 2009 12:56 am
Location: All over Australia

Re: Commonwealth Of Australia

Post by manna »

G'Day Gents

Totally agree, never hear much about this engine, wonder how good it was !!

manna
EDGWARE GN, Steam in the Suburbs.
rob237
NBR D34 4-4-0 'Glen'
Posts: 251
Joined: Sat Mar 27, 2010 6:33 pm
Location: 62723

Re: Commonwealth Of Australia

Post by rob237 »

Certainly a regular performer on The Elizabethan, throughout the 50's...
Arguably, the most used Haymarket A4 on the duty...suggesting she was held in high regard at 64B.
Cheers
Robt P.
Steve05
NBR D34 4-4-0 'Glen'
Posts: 255
Joined: Sun Mar 13, 2011 12:44 pm
Location: QLD Australia

Re: Commonwealth Of Australia

Post by Steve05 »

Hi Guys,

Many thanks for the background information about the loco…it seems it was a good en.
Any more luck about the offer to NSWGR?

Steve
S.A.C. Martin

Re: Commonwealth Of Australia

Post by S.A.C. Martin »

Steve05 wrote:Hi Guys,

Many thanks for the background information about the loco…it seems it was a good en.
Any more luck about the offer to NSWGR?

Steve
Not as yet Steve, I have it on my list for tomorrow, and will have another look. :)
Post Reply