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24 Humula

by GrahamH
Photo taken of the Easter 1972 railfan tour train to Albury and Tumbarumba NSW Australia. The train seen here at Humula on the return run from Tumbarumba. Passengers and others watch and photograph while the loco and gin (travelling water tank) are filled.
See PiP for a better view of the work removing ash from the smokebox.
The loco, 3144, was originally built as a tank engine for Sydney suburban service. Following electrification 77 of them had tanks removed and were fitted with a variety of second hand tenders. They then replaced older locos in branch line service. In the last years of steam they became shunters and back-up locos in country locations, this one being borrowed for the tour from Griffith, some 250 Km away from here.
The photo is scanned from a high speed ektachrome slide.

HWW to my viewers for 07/05/25.
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20 comments

Loose_Grip/Pete said:

Great pic. That's a fair amount of char coming out of the smokebox. A particularly nasty job especially if it's windy.
HWW Graham. Enjoy the day.
6 weeks ago

GrahamH replied to Loose_Grip/Pete:

Thanks Pete. I have a smokebox to clean tomorrow. Our 4-6-2 has been out on lease with our neighboring heritage group for the second of two contracts they had with a tour company. It came back yesterday evening and is not due to steam for a couple of weeks.
( www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjGXGfAN-3w&t=215s ) A video of the loco leaving home with me working the points onto the main line. I also lit it up that day, in daylight.
6 weeks ago

Annemarie said:

Wish you a nice Wednesday!
6 weeks ago ( translate )

GrahamH replied to Annemarie:

Thanks Annemarie.
6 weeks ago ( translate )

Mikus said:

HWW, Graham.
6 weeks ago ( translate )

GrahamH replied to Mikus:

Thanks Mikus.
6 weeks ago ( translate )

Don Sutherland said:

Great photo.
6 weeks ago

GrahamH replied to Don Sutherland:

Thanks Don.
6 weeks ago ( translate )

Xata said:

Excellent, brings us back to more human era...
HWW to you.
6 weeks ago

GrahamH replied to Xata:

Thanks Xata.
6 weeks ago ( translate )

Tanja - Loughcrew said:

Tolle Erinnerungen und was für eine harte Arbeit es war, dieses Dampfross in Bewegung zu bringen!
hWW Dir Graham!
6 weeks ago ( translate )

GrahamH replied to Tanja - Loughcrew:

Thanks Tanja. It still is hard work to make them work, and very satisfying too.
6 weeks ago

Peter_Private_Box said:

Hi Graham
A wonderful and interesting picture, which I like very much!
A view not often seen. In England they usually do this in a siding well away from everybody!
Best Wishes, HWW, a nice half week ahead, and stay safe!!
Peter
6 weeks ago

William Sutherland said:

Exceptional shots!
6 weeks ago ( translate )

Diana Australis said:

Love it, Graham. I adore steam trains. Such a vivid memory here for you. Looks such fun. But pretty grubby too!
6 weeks ago