They already have two, but hope to find a third one.

The quest to pinpoint another locomotive was launched after the previous engine needed extensive repairs.

“Steamfest organisers have been advised that the particular locomotive 3265 will no longer be attending Hunter Valley Steamfest,” Maitland City Council communications team leader Chris Breaden said. 

“The owner of that engine, the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, along with Transport Heritage NSW, has undertaken a joint assessment,” Mr Breaden said.

“They agreed the scale of works required to bring the locomotive to operational condition for Steamfest is unlikely to be completed in time for the event on April 18 and 19.

“The loss of engine 3265 will mean changes to the engines running specific excursions across the timetable will be required.”

As organisers were still working through what the changes might mean for the timetable, Mr Breaden advised ticket holders to wait until further information was released before they contacted organisers.

“We hire trains from Transport Heritage NSW and we are looking at a couple of different options for steam locomotives across the state,” event co-ordinator Adam Franks said. 

“This is a race against time.

“We are hoping we can supply a steam engine in working order for Hunter Valley Steamfest that will bring our total for the event to three.

“At the moment, we already have two – one based at Thirlmere in NSW and another one at Lachlan Valley Railways.

“We will have the engine from Lachlan Valley Railways taking people on Saturday on a journey along the Port Waratah coal loop.

“The engine from Thirlmere will be in action on the Sunday, taking people from Maitland up to Dungog and back.”