Yass steam train enthusiasts are in for a treat again this Thursday as the Locomotive 6029 ‘Beyer-Garratt’ will once again hit the rails in Yass.  

The 6029 is one of the largest steam engines operating in the world and easily the largest in the Southern Hemisphere,

In June of last year, over 150 people turned out to Yass Junction Train Station to see the monster of a train roll into Yass, onlookers old and young were awed at the spectacle of seeing the largest working steam engine in the world.

This time the 6029 will bring with it two diesel trains and 13 carriages, making it an even bigger spectacle than last year.  

The 6029 is a 265 tonnes, three piece locomotive consisting of a water tank, a fixed chassis supporting a boiler and a rear engine unit carrying a coal bunker and water tank.

Bought from the Federal Government for $1, the locomotive has been restored by volunteers from the Australian Railway Heritage Society at Kingston. Despite its initial purchase price, the locomotive is extremely expensive to run.

Alan Gardner, the person who lead the restoration team and brought this dinosaur of the steam age back to life says the size is the first thing that impresses the onlooker.

“It’s identical in length to Captain Cook’s ‘Endeavour’ and about the same weight. But the big locomotive has the extra dimensions of the sound shock load. People experience it as we power down the line toward them. Beyer-Garratt 6029 creates a great sense of anticipation as it whistles and pulses its arrival.”

“Cars pull up everywhere along the way. Drivers suddenly change their routine because you don’t see this type of size of mammoth machine in action every day.”

The train will be passing through Yass Junction Station on Thursday May 26 at 9.55am, heading to Harden.

Safety note

The Canberra Railway Museum asks that all enthusiasts take all safety precautions when near the railway corridor. Trains are big and heavy and don't stop very fast. It is not just us but other network operators that are out and about. Please stay a minimum of 10 meters away from the railway lines at all times and remember to stay behind the yellow line on platforms.