Local

3801 once again turning heads in Junee

Published

3 weeks ago

April 23, 2025

FOUR years after the iconic Locomotive 3801 wowed crowds in Junee, the ‘Legend of Steam’ is once again turning heads in the heart of the railway town.

A striking high-quality billboard-style photo of the newly-restored steam engine was unveiled at a prime spot near Junee’s grand, heritage-listed railway station on Wednesday — right by the roundabout at the level crossing where it now greets passing motorists and visitors.

The captivating image of 3801 was taken at Junee Station in April 2021, following a decade-long restoration that captured the hearts of rail fans across the country.

The head-turning locomotive is the only steam locomotive to have visited every mainland state and territory in Australia.

First launched from Central Station in 1943, it began life as an express passenger locomotive, later shifting to freight before being retired from service in 1962.

A proud slice of railway history — now immortalized in the heart of Junee.