TWO iconic Australian diesel locos have recently begun operation in preservation. In July, SteamRanger Heritage Railway, which operates the ‘Cockle Train’from Goolwa to Victor Harbour plus some longer trips on its 1600mm gauge line, began using Alco design Class 830 diesel No. 844 after it was restored to working order.
Built by A E Goodwin and Co at its Auburn, New South Wales factory, No. 844 entered service with South Australian Railways on October 25, 1962, being used over the subsequent decades on both broad (1600 mm) and standard gauge networks. Following withdrawal, it was donated to SteamRanger by OneRail Australia (formerly Genesee & Wyoming Australia). It entered service in preservation in July following a complete overhaul undertaken by SteamRanger.
Sister loco, No. 845 is also currently under restoration at SteamRanger’s Mount Barker Depot, south east of Adelaide.
