To mark the occasion the restored, but yet to be certified, vintage steam loco 1076 will be on display along with other items of railway memorabilia.

To further enhance the significance of the occasion, we will be acknowledging the efforts of the late Neville Brown and Barry Bright plus the combined efforts of the ‘restoration crew’.

Prior to 1913, steam locos were serviced at the North Goulburn depot, however local Loco Branch personnel prepared plans for an extensive expansion of the depot and related sidings. Due to the lack of funds and workers as a result of the war effort implementation of the plans were delayed.

Between 1913 and 1915 major changes were planned for Goulburn with the provision for a workshop to facilitate loco maintenance and repairs. The duplication of the Main South Line to Cootamundra in 1915 resulted in a greater need for servicing locos. To resolve this problem plans for a new and larger roundhouse for Goulburn were prepared for land south of the former Mundy Street level crossing (now the over bridge).

This new facility was completed on May 15, 1918. The existing ‘north’ depot remained is operation until 1936 sharing the workload for both passenger and goods locos.

The original 75 foot turntable at this new facility proved to be inadequate for the heavier 57 class locos, so a new 90 foot turntable was installed in 1935.

The year 1952 saw the introduction of diesel locos, and this necessitated some alterations to some of the under-cover roads to facilitate easier access for maintenance crews.

Then in 1974 the State Rail authorities decided to demolish the Roundhouse. Much to the despair of both current and retired railwaymen at the time and in conjunction with the local council, sufficient pressure was brought to bear to cease the demolition of the roundhouse. However, we did lose 16 ‘covered’ roads.

In 1986 State rail announced the closure of the Goulburn Loco Roundhouse following the demise of steam locos. The final outcome being the creation of the Goulburn Loco Roundhouse Preservation Society Inc. to manage the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre.

The Goulburn Locomotive Roundhouse is the largest heritage based operating roundhouse in NSW. The Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre displays the historic transition from steam to diesel operation. A range of locomotives and items of rolling stock are exhibited. There are other items of heritage machinery and equipment relevant to the Centre’s history.

A significant part of the town's history, the original 42 road circular shed with its 90-foot turntable continues to operate today. The Roundhouse comprises a fascinating workshop complete with a large wheel lathe, machine shop, sheet metal shop, and blacksmiths forge. Numerous machines have been returned to working order.

A comprehensive history of Goulburn’s rail heritage is detailed in the book ‘The Rail Heritage of Goulburn’ available from the Goulburn Rail Heritage Centre at $46.50 or plus $5 postage.

The centre is open to the public from Tuesday - Saturday 10am – 2.30pm, Sunday 9.30am – 2pm. Admission $10 Adult, $6 Concession and $5.00 Children. 

For more information contact 4822 1210 or glrps12@optusnet.com.au