News articles and media releases
Outback icon returns to steam on Pichi Richi Railway
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An historic “Ghan” steam locomotive is set to steam over its old track later this year after a complete restoration by Pichi Richi Railway. Today two identities from the former Commonwealth Railways inspected progress on the restoration. The NM25 locomotive was built in 1925 for the Commonwealth Railways and retired from active service in 1965.
The restoration of NM25 to full working order has taken two years, and is part of the extension of Pichi Richi Railway to Port Augusta. Funding for the project has come from the City of Port Augusta, SA Tourism Commission, and Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society, as well as numerous supporters and suppliers. The recommissioning is planned for Saturday 26 April, when it will pull special trains between Port Augusta and Quorn in the Flinders Ranges, before returning to regular service with Pichi Richi Railway.
Central TV news article: Pichi Richi on track
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(Please note that the picture shown in the article is not related to the Pichi Richi Railway.)
Pichi Richi Railway to launch another carriage
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Members of PRR have created another South Australian first, by being the only heritage railway group to fully restore to operating condition a J. G. Brill Railcar Trailer. This follows five years and 3,800 hours of volunteer effort, and $60,000 of Society funds.
PRR Steams in to Port Augusta, line officially opened
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Former South Australian Railways locomotive T186 became the first narrow gauge locomotive to steam in to Port Augusta for over 30 years when it headed a test train in to the station on Saturday 15 September.
Carriages from both the Commonwealth Railways and South Australian Railways were in the consist, as a dry run for the Centenary of Federation trains in October.
Visit the Port Augusta track extension project pages for photographs of the train, and the opening ceremony for the track.
Narrow gauge line reaches Port Augusta
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The first narrow gauge train operated by PRR entered Port Augusta on Tuesday 22 August, delivering ballast, following the completion of the initial track work on the previous Friday.
Central TV news article: Finally, the great train rolls in
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(Please note the picture shown in the article is not related to the Pichi Richi Railway.)