Steamrail Victoria will reveal the inside of its Newport workshops, built in 1885, for three public open days during the Labour Day long weekend from March 12 to 14.
Steamrail, a not-for-profit organisation, restores vintage steam, diesel and electric locomotives and carriages at its workshops off Champion Road.
Marketing manager Cathie Skelton said the group had seven Victorian Railways’ steam locomotives, six heritage diesel electric locomotives, various suburban electric rolling trains and 29 heritage carriages.
“The workshops were the birthplace of most of the Victorian Railways’ steam engines and carriages from the 1880s to the 1950s,” she said.
“The workshops also produced military equipment during the Second World War.
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“The workshops were a major employer and testament to the skills of Victoria’s manufacturing industry.”
During the open days, people will be able to see “Polly”, the first steam locomotive built at the workshops – in 1893.
All engines will be on display and working, including the M232, the last to be built at the workshops, in 1959.
Carriages will be open for inspection, including seating carriages from 1910 and 1940 and sleeping carriages from the famous Southern Aurora, Overland and the 1910 Adelaide express.
The workshops will be open from 10am to 5pm daily from March 12 to 14.Tickets can be bought at the workshops on the day. Enter via Shea Street, off Champion Road, Newport. For prices and more details, visit www.steamrail.com.au.
