8649 Transfer from Werris Creek

On the 2nd December 2019 Electric Locomotive 8649 was transferred from Werris Creek to Morandoo Yard (near Broadmeadow) in preparation to be lifted off its bogies at Cardiff workshops, to enable a full examination of the underframe. This was the first time 8649 had left the Werris Creek area in nearly 20 years. Following this inspection the locomotive is expected to be returned to Werris Creek for further recommissioning works.

Its now 7:30 am and 8131 and 8649 set off for Morandoo. The first stage of the run is operated at a cautious 30km/h, as 8649 has been in storage for 22 years and the correct operation of its relubricated axle and traction motor bearings has to be established. For this stage of the trip 8649 was manned by SETS and Progress Rail with radio contact to the crew of 8131. Photo by Michael McGinty
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