Random Bollocks From A Semi-Retired Foamer!: WALLABY - ILRMS ALBION PARK

Builder: Hawthorn Leslie & Company (Newcastle-On-Tyne)

Builders #: 2988

Year: 1913

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Meet Wallaby — The Little Locomotive That Could (and Did!)

Built in 1913 for the Hoskin Lithgow Steel Works, Wallaby was a hardworking little engine with a big job — keeping the No. 2 blast furnace fed and fiery. For nearly two decades, it chugged around the steelworks like a true industrial champion.

In 1932, Wallaby packed its bags and rolled off to Port Kembla, courtesy of Australian Iron and Steel Ltd. (AIS), as steel production shifted to the coast. But this wasn't just a one-off trip — in 1933, it took a short detour to South Kembla Colliery for a working holiday before heading back to AIS, where it settled in for the balance of it's working life.

After nearly 50 years of hard work, Wallaby steamed into retirement on 19 November 1962. Not one to fade quietly into obscurity, it was placed on static display less than a year later, on 5 June 1963 — giving the public a chance to admire this oldie up close.

In December 1979, Wallaby found a new forever home when donated to the Illawarra Light Railway Museum, where it continues to charm rail fans and history buffs alike."

All photos taken by Brad Peadon.

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Please note that all these shots were taken midway through WALLABY getting some much deserved TLC.

This was recently finished and the magnificent results can be seen in the image below taken by Brad Johns.

More shots can be found on the 'Illawarra Light Railway Museum' Facebook page.

Photo: Brad Johns via Illawarra Light Railway Museum Facebook page.

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Note: Coming up on our SRF YouTube channel is a visit to the 'Black Diamond Heritage Centre' at Bulli station. A good look around, with footage of the utmost lowest quality you have come to demand.

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Bradly 'Dr Cooties' Coulter.

Brad Johns

Volunteers of the 'Illawarra Light Railway Museum'

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