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F251 - End of Broad Gauge Steam for the Adelaide suburbs
The re-commissioning of ex SAR suburban tank locomotive F251 not only marked an end for Steamranger at Dry Creek, but also marked an end for broad gauge steam tours originating out of the suburban area. Built in 1922, F251 served the railways of South Australia until 30th May 1963 when she was retired to an Elizabeth West shopping centre car park. On the 2nd September 1981 the locomotive was moved to Dry Creek depot by road, where it then lay dormant awaiting a miracle to return it to service. Fourteen years later on 23rd July 1995, F251 was re-commissioned in front of a large crowd in the Adelaide Railway Yards under Morphett Street bridge. Having been re-commissioned, F251 pushed its train back into platform one and filled its cars with VIP's for her maiden run to Blackwood. Pouring rain, didn't have any affect on the loco as she steamed uphill. On its return to Adelaide, she took up duties, operating two trains to different suburban locations each Sunday. I was lucky enough to travel behind her on a history making run - the first steam locomotive to run to Noarlunga centre. By the time that F251 was to be moved to Goolwa, it was found that standardization was complete and the loco was moved by road to Strathalbyn. The centenary cars also eventually being moved by road, and marking the end of an era for broad gauge steam in the suburbs. On its transferal to Goolwa, F251 took up duties as the only operational steam locomotive in the Steamranger fleet after both Rx207 and Rx224 were taken to Mount Barker for heavy overhaul and 621 and 520 were also out of service due to mechanical problems. F251 claimed honours, being the first steam locomotive to haul a train out of Mount Barker, following the relocation to Mt.Barker from Adelaide. She then took up duties hauling the Highlander from Mt.Barker to Strathalbyn and the Cockle train along the south coast. Currently F251 is at Mount Barker in need of work on a very delicate firebox plate.
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