Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum in Valley Heights, New South Wales | Arts and entertainment

Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum

Locality: Valley Heights, New South Wales

Phone: +61 2 4751 4638

Address: 17b Tusculum Road 2777 Valley Heights, NSW, Australia

Website: http://valleyheightsrailmuseum.info

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24.01.2022 On Sunday 9th February we celebrated the 90th Birthday of the Museums largest exhibit - Steam Locomotive 5711. A number of Special Guests were invited to the event and although Mother Nature is always welcome to all our events, she certainly stretched the friendship on the weekend. Sadly the rain did impact visitor numbers. Weather aside we were not going to let a little bit of rain spoil the party. Four months of planning culminated in the locomotive being moved to a locat...Continue reading

24.01.2022 Today was a historic day in the Museums history. After an extraordinary amount of time by the museum and its volunteer resources, their efforts were rewarded today with Diesel Locomotive X206 entering service for the museum. Eighteen members of the X200 class were built between 1963 and 1967. X206 entered service with the NSW Government Railways as a shunting locomotive in 1963. An interesting feature of the X200 class is they were built on the inner bogie of the AD60 Clas...s Garratt steam locomotive. X206 will not replace the Steam Tram or Steam Train that we operate but rather, provide us with improved flexibility with the ride experiences we offer our visiting public. Previously during the hot summer months (particularly January) we have not been able to provide visitors with rides due to routine maintenance requirements for our steam fleet or Total Fire Bans. X206 provides us with a means of providing rides for our visitors during summer, on days of Total Fire Bans or as a substitute if our steam tram or locomotive requires unexpected maintenance. Congratulations to our maintenance volunteers in achieving this milestone for the museum and may X206 be a valued asset to the museum into the future. Enjoy the video of X206s first day of public Service. Video: Andrew Tester.

24.01.2022 Twenty years ago today steam locomotive 3830 hauled a tour to the Blue Mountains to celebrate its 50th Anniversary. The locomotive was scheduled to stop at Penrith to take on water in preparation for the climb up the mountains. However on the morning of the tour the crew of the train were advised that they could not take water from the column at Penrith as it had been booked out of service. Alternative arrangements had to be organised for the train to be able to continue up ...the Blue Mountains. The Museums Chairman was contacted by phone early in the morning to see if the train could access the depot to take water. While the museum was agreeable to the request a lot of organising had to the negotiated within the railways to accommodate this request at such short notice. Thankfully with the assistance of some local railway contacts at the time, permission was granted and the tour could proceed as planned. Here is a short (12 minute) video captured by Bevan Wall Productions of the tour including some scenes of 3830 taking water inside the Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum. For those of you who are familiar with the depot today, we are sure you will notice a big difference with how the Museum has progressed in the 20 years since this video was captured. Thanks to Bevan Wall Productions for capturing this footage of this special occasion.

23.01.2022 A great day today celebrating 140 years since the first Steam Trams commenced operation in Sydney.

22.01.2022 On Sunday 9th February we celebrated the 90th Birthday of the Museum's largest exhibit - Steam Locomotive 5711. A number of Special Guests were invited to the event and although Mother Nature is always welcome to all our events, she certainly stretched the friendship on the weekend. Sadly the rain did impact visitor numbers. Weather aside we were not going to let a little bit of rain spoil the party. Four months of planning culminated in the locomotive being moved to a locat...Continue reading

22.01.2022 Today saw Diesel Shunting locomotive X206 enter service for the Museum. Here we see the locomotive hauling the second service for the day past Valley Heights Railway Station. Thanks to Rob Alekna for capturing and sharing this photo.

20.01.2022 The fireman on board the Steam Tram feeds the hungry fire box with coal. Visitors can share this view from the front seat of the tram car. Be sure to experience this view when you next visit. Video courtesy of Allan Shalless.

20.01.2022 Yesterday amongst all that is going on globally there was some fantastic news with a low key unveiling of Steam Locomotive 3801, by our parent body Transport Heritage NSW at the NSW Rail Museum, Thirlmere. 72 year old 3801 was revealed to the world, looking resplendent in its glossy coat of green, after a major overhaul and reconstruction of the locomotive. This weekend was to see the locomotive Officially relaunched and returned to service. Sadly this occasion has had to be... postponed. However, the people of NSW can soon look forward to seeing 3801 travelling the main lines to the many popular destinations including the Blue Mountains, once the current economic uncertainty is behind us. One thing is for sure, 3801 will bring excitement and pleasure the people of NSW for many years to come. We would like to extend our congratulations to the many volunteers involved in the restoration of 3801 and to Transport Heritage NSW, in securing 3801s return to service.

19.01.2022 We advise that our Christmas Event "Santas 2019 Encore visit to Valley Heights" planned for tomorrow, Sunday 8th December is still proceeding, unless the current weather / fire conditions seriously deteriorate over night. The nearest fire is not a threat to the Museum and as such we will be open for business tomorrow. The Museums gates will open from 10am and Santa is due to arrive at 11am and again at 2pm. Kids, bring your #Christmas Wish List and Mum and Dad bring the cam...era. While a Total Fire Ban has not been declared at this stage , the operation of the Steam Tram cannot be guaranteed given the current fire / weather conditions. In the event that the tram rides do not run (Total Fire Ban or not) your Museum Admission price will be reduced. We hope you can join us for a day of fun with Santa.

18.01.2022 Today we worked in partnership with the local community to provide free entry for Grandparents, Elders and their families. This was the first time we had worked is such a partnership which delivered a successful outcome for the event organisers. It was interesting to note a number of locals visiting for the first time many of who were pleasantly surprised with what the museum has to offer. ... We only hope they walk away after their visit today and spread the word of the experience and return with family and friends in the future.

15.01.2022 School kids at home driving you crazy. Why not get them out in the fresh spring air for a visit to our Museum. We are open at reduced prices tomorrow (Thursday 10th October from 10am - 4pm). While there will be no train or tram rides on offer their will still be plenty to see, do and explore.... Our Caf will be open with a limited supply of refreshments. If you havent visited our Museum or find it hard to make one of our regular Sunday Open Days then tomorrow is your opportunity to pay us visit.

14.01.2022 Following the recent relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, we are pleased to announce the re-opening of the Valley Heights Rail Museum, effective 12 July. Museum management and volunteers have been working very hard to achieve this re-opening and we would like to acknowledge the assistance of Transport Heritage NSW for their guidance and assistance to reach this milestone. Re-opening will mean changes to how we operate, to ensure we comply with current COVID-19 guidelines. ... Online bookings, social distancing and a regular cleaning regime will be necessary, to provide a safe and hygienic venue for our volunteers and visitors. Further details will be posted on our website and on this Facebook page in the near future regarding booking details.

13.01.2022 It is with much sadness that we advise our loyal Facebook followers that the Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum will be closed to all Public Open Days and Events from Wednesday 18th March 2020 - until further notice. As we all know COVID-19 Coronavirus, has turned this world upside down, like we have never seen before. Advice issued by the Government at both Federal and State levels, although necessary, has made it difficult for organisations such as ours to comp...ly with the health and safety guidelines, in order to remain open. We give the health and safety of our Members, Volunteers and most importantly the General Public top priority in these uncertain times. This decision was not easy, but the management of this volunteer run organisation thought in the best interest of the community, to temporarily close. However on the bright side we will be back. In the meantime, we will endeavour to remain active on Facebook, giving our followers updates as they come to hand. So as to maintain interest amongst our followers, we will take a look back at where we have come from and share our journey in the development of your Museum over the last 30 years. News of progress towards a re-opening - (sooner rather than later we hope) - will also be posted. Thank you all for your understanding and patience.

12.01.2022 Hello followers of this page and local residents of the Blue Mountains who may not be familiar with Valley Heights and its role in Blue Mountains History. With the Museum currently closed (like many other businesses) activity on this page has slowed. We would like to share with our followers some of the history behind the Locomotive Depot and its significance to the railway. Prior to 1913...Continue reading

12.01.2022 Happy New Year and welcome to 2020. We trust all our followers enjoyed a very Merry Christmas with family and welcomed in the New Year full of optimism. Before we get excited about the coming year for the Museum we need to take a moment to reflect and recognise the dreadful #bushfire crisis that is not only threatening our very own backyard but right across the state and the nation. We have to be extremely thankful to the combined efforts of the Emergency Services (many of th...Continue reading

10.01.2022 This Sunday Santa will arrive in the Mountains for the first of two visits to the Valley Heights Rail Museum. Be sure not to miss his arrival aboard our Heritage Steam Tram at 11am and 2pm. Bring your camera for that memorable photo opportunity with Santa. Our standard Museum tickets prices apply. Tickets purchased at the door.... Dont worry if you cant make this Sunday as Santa will return for an encore visit on Sunday 8th December. We hope you can join us at this special time of the year.

09.01.2022 For all interested in this weekends steam action here is a sneak preview of what to expect. Here 6029 passes through Emu Plains as it enters the Mountains. Happy Steaming.

08.01.2022 School Holidays are here again and yes we are open both today Thursday 3rd October and Thursday 10th October at special reduced prices. While there will be no rides available on either day there is still plenty on fun things to see and do. So if you are looking for something to keep the kids amused and fill in a few hours why not drop in for a visit. ... Open 10am to 4pm.

07.01.2022 Showcasing Transport from the 1920s 100 years down the track in 2020. Over 220 visitors stepped back in time at this years event.

05.01.2022 Today we commemorated and celebrated the 140th Anniversary of Steam Trams entering service on the streets of Sydney. Nearly 200 visitors took advantage of the beautiful spring weather to join us in the celebrations. Among the guests were Susan Templeman, Member for Macquarie and Mr Don Loughry whose Great Grandfather travelled from the Baldwin Locomotive Works in America with the initial 4 Steam Tram Motors in 1879 to oversee their entry into service. Don addressed those in ...attendance at the ceremony about his Great Grandfathers association with the steam trams and his ultimate transition to the railways. Following the ceremony a commemorative cake was cut by Don which was shared with those in attendance. A number of rare photographs and special exhibits that have been collected from the era were also on display. Here is a selection of photos from todays celebrations.

04.01.2022 We had a tremendous Trains Trams and Model Ts event on the weekend. Here is some short video highlights from the event.

04.01.2022 Start spreading the news..... Today we reached a fantastic milestone in the Social Media world - 3000 Likes on Facebook. Thank you to all who have supported, followed and ultimately visited us through your Facebook interaction with our Museum. ... We look forward to your continued support into the future.

02.01.2022 We are pleased to announce our long awaited COVID Safe re-opening commencing Sunday 11 October. There will be changes to our usual operations to comply with our COVID Safe Plan. Bookings are Essential as we are limited to 60 visitors per session. Visitors can book for a Morning or Afternoon Session visit.... Please see our event post for full details.

02.01.2022 ***UPDATE ON MUSEUM RE-OPENING*** After lengthy consultation with Transport Heritage NSW, our parent body, we have reluctantly decided to delay the museums much awaited re-opening. This means that the previously announced Open Day on Sunday 12 July will not proceed, nor the expected regular day on Sunday 26 July. With the current situation re COVID-19 still very fluid, a decision on a new date may not be made until mid-July. The virus especially in Victoria is still quite a...ctive, meaning that the risk of an outbreak at the museum is still live. As well as the chance of viral exposure to the public and our volunteers, there is also the risk of having to deep clean the site if a hotspot was detected. The uncertainty of not yet having approval to offer rides, also limits the timeframe within which we can organise the volunteer crews that run our trains. Please be assured that the museum is well positioned in terms of planning, including the (already completed) purchase of screens, sanitising stations, and signage etc. to make future operations as safe as we can. Once again, we thank you for your patience, apologise for any inconvenience, and hope that you stay well and fit to enjoy a visit to the museum as soon as the path is clearer."

01.01.2022 Rare opportunity to ride behind the largest operating steam locomotive in Australia. Travel from Penrith to Springwood and return behind the 260 ton Beyer Garratt. Dont be disappointed. Tickets will sell fast.