It was an impressive sight as the historic locos pulled into the old-fashioned station after they were hauled across the Blue Mountains behind a 45 class diesel provided by Goodwin Alco.

The arrival of the locos, which were purchased from the Patrick Corp at Botany Bay, signals just how close the Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway group (OTHR) now is to launching the long-awaited tourist train trips on the restored line from Oberon to Hazelgrove, and eventually from Oberon to Tarana.

OTHR publicity officer Col Bembrick said members are excited about the arrival as the locos are an integral part of their plans.

“These two diesels are relatively small, weighing only 50 tonnes, but they are more than adequate to haul trains on the 24 kilometre line between Oberon and Tarana – the ultimate aim of the OTHR group,” he said.

“ These units will enable two vintage 1897 end-platform carriages to be used to their full capacity to carry tourists travelling initially between Oberon and Hazelgrove, but at a later date between Oberon and Tarana.”

Mr Bembrick said the diesels would also provide the OTHR with the motive power to run efficient work trains down the section of track between Hazelgrove and Carlwood as part of the next stage of the restoration of the line.

The diesels slept overnight on the siding at Tarana before being lifted onto two low-loaders and transported by road to Oberon on the Sunday.

The locos were lifted with the help of two large cranes provided by Moorhead Engineering and Turner and Central Cranes of Lithgow, while the low-loaders were provided by Henry Plant and Equipment of Lithgow.

The locos are now in storage in Oberon awaiting drier conditions so that heavy lift cranes can access the track and lift them onto the rails at Oberon station.

Meanwhile, OTHR members are busy carrying out some minor maintenance and repair jobs, in preparation for the locos being certified to run on the line.

“This achievement has been the product of a great deal of co-operation between OTHR members, Steve Preston and his team from Goodwin Alco, the Lachlan Valley Railway group and 3801 Ltd. OTHR is indeed fortunate to receive such impressive support from all these individuals and groups,” Mr Bembrick said.