Operational future of SteamRanger’s 621 uncertain
In his August letter to members, ARHS President Ben Greeneklee summarises the situation with loco 621 which has not operated with trains this year.
Although mechanically quite sound, the loco requires some $80,000 to purchase and install new boiler tubes and flues.
He suggests that it would not be a good use of these resources, which SteamRanger do not currently have, if the loco is only going to be used on the ‘Southern Encounter’ between Mt Barker and Victor.
Running the Southern Encounter, he states, can only earn around $120,000 annually above direct running expenses, and specifically will not even cover track maintenance between Mt Barker and Goolwa, let alone pay for loco and carraige maintenance and repair.
He asks, “would it be better to have 621 as a museum piece until the Society is in a better financial position. Should we devote all our income into operating smaller locos Rx224 (soon to return to service with new tyres) and now sidelined F251?”.
SteamRanger is seeking feedback from the public on the matter.
