Australian-built locomotive 3642 helped revolutionise rail travel before World War II and will carry passengers to Branxton on Saturday.
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The loco entered service in 1926 – with the rest of the class – on mainline passenger service displacing the older 32 and 35 classes.
The 36 class was designed with less maintenance in mind and long range (water) tenders, which meant fewer stops.
Clyde Engineering at Granville built the loco as one of 10 engines that delivered shorter travel times on long distance journeys and ushered in new levels of passenger service.
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The 3642 and its class enjoyed a long service life even after the 38 class largely replaced it for express passenger services.
The 36 class became mail trains that stopped at all stations en-route.
The NSW Government Railways withdrew the 3642 from service in 1969 when NSW Rail Transport Museum took over its care and ran it on heritage steam tours until 1973.
It has remained in their care since and has received a replacement boiler and ongoing maintenance since.
The 3642 is usually on display at Thirlmere and is on loan for Steamfest.
The green paint scheme was applied in 1981 at Goulburn as part of an overhaul and is representative of the 36 Class passenger services in the 1930s and 1940s.
Some tickets are still available for the Branxton expedition.
The one hour return journey promises passengers a short but memorable trip.
On Sunday 3642 will take passengers on The Great Train Race and will offer additional trips to Branxton-return on Sunday afternoon.
