Locomotive 3642 is a two-cylinder, simple, non-condensing, coal-fired superheated, 4-6-0 36 class express passenger steam locomotive built for the New South Wales Government Railways in 1926 by Clyde Engineering. It is one of three 36 class locomotives that were preserved.
In service
3642 entered service in 1926 hauling passenger trains throughout New South Wales. Originally painted black, in the mid-1930s it was repainted green. With the onset of World War II it returned to black. In 1955 it was fitted with a Belpaire boiler. In 1964, it was one of six members of the class to receive power reversing units.
Demise and Preservation
3642 was withdrawn from Broadmeadow Locomotive Depotin September 1969, and placed in the custody of the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum in 1970. After being returned to service in December 1970, 3642 worked to South Australia with 3801 as part of celebrations to open the Whyalla line in October 1972. In 1973 the engine was found to have cracking in its firebox and was taken out of traffic pending re-boilering. It was stored at Enfield Locomotive Depot, being hauled to by 5910 to Thirlmere with the rest of the collection in June 1975. In 1979, 3642 was transferred to Goulburn Roundhouse to be overhauled. The work was funded by the State Rail Authority who upon its return to service in November 1981, operated the locomotive on heritage trains throughout New South Wales with maintenance contracted to the NSWRTM. In 1986, it ran to Melbourne for The Phantom of the Opera which included a parallel run with Victorian locomotive R766. In 1989 it reverted to the custody of the NSWRTM. In 1992, it again visited Victoria with 5910 to celebrate 30 years of the standard gauge line to Melbourne. In the December 1994 issue of Railway Digest magazine, a photograph of 3642 was accompanied by a caption stating that the locomotive had been withdrawn from service following the failure of an ultrasonic test on the rear driving axle and that there were no plans to repair the locomotive at that stage. After failing its boiler inspection in 1996, it became a static exhibit at Thirlmere. In 2006 work commenced to restore 3642 and in March 2008 it returned to service. At the end of 2008, a project to repaint the engine began. The project was completed in 2010. In 2008, 3642 appeared at the Hunter Valley Steamfest after a 16-year absence. In July 2011, 3642 was taken out of service for a re-tyre of the all driving wheels and a small mechanical overhaul returning to service in April 2012. In July 2018, 3642 was withdrawn from active service. It has been maintained in operational condition. In June 2019 it was hauled to Sydney for display at the Transport Heritage Expo.
