A vintage steam locomotive weighing over sixty tonnes will be temporarily relocated from the Mobilong Wharf area of Sturt Reserve in an epic journey of approximately 100 metres. The move will involve the use of a crane and movable rail track modules to rehouse the Loco to a new site adjacent the ‘Old Shell Depot’ (occupied by the Murray Bridge Riverboat, Rail and Steam group)where it will be restored and ultimately moved to a location adjacent to the Goods Platform.
Built by the South Australian Railways (SAR), the 109 year old ‘Rx 160’ Steam Locomotive will be temporarily moved to make way for works commencing on the Mobilong Wharf “Landside” site at Sturt Reserve in mid-February, including a shelter and adjoining landscaping as part of the multi-million dollar redevelopment at Sturt Reserve.
Construction of a limestone base pad at the new location will be undertaken in the first week of February. Ongoing traffic and access within the Mobilong Wharf area will be restricted while the landside works are being undertaken until June.
The Rx-class locomotive were assigned to both passenger and freight duties until the arrival of larger locomotives in the 1920's, after which they settled in to branch line, suburban and shunting roles. In this capacity they lasted until the end of regular SAR steam operations.
The Rx 160 was among the final members of the class remaining on the SAR books when decommissioned on 21 August 1969.
For more information about developments at Sturt Reserve keep an eye on the Rural City of Murray Bridge Facebook page.