ArchivesACT has chosen the story of one of the first objects to be listed on the Territory’s Heritage Register – Locomotive 1210 – as its Find of the Month for December.
The Archives said Locomotive 1210 hauled the first train to Canberra in 1914 during the beginning of a network of temporary rail lines which were essential to construction works in the new city and represented a key moment in the building of Canberra.
“Locomotive 1210 was built in 1878 in England worked in various parts of New South Wales before and after its historic expedition to Canberra,” ArchivesACT said.
“It went on to work in districts including Parkes, Mudgee and Moree before it was retired from service in 1962,” it said.
“The National Capital Development Commission (NCDC) was quick to make arrangements with New South Wales railways to secure the locomotive for permanent display in Canberra.”
The Archives said a display plinth was built near the Canberra railway station to receive the locomotive and its tender in preparation for its second trip to Canberra.
“On 27 January 1962, Locomotive 1210 arrived back in Canberra hauling with it ‘sleeping cars and other carriages accommodating about 100 members of the Steam Train & Railways Preservation Society’,” it said.
“In what was considered a ‘simple ceremony’ the members of the society, the driver of the train and other passengers were greeted by representatives from the NCDC, the Canberra Historical Society, the Department of the Interior, the ACT Advisory Council and the local station master.”
The Archives said Locomotive 1210 was now stored and displayed at the nearby Canberra Railway Museum.
Further information on ArchivesACT’s ‘Find of the Month’ for December can be accessed at this PS News link.
