#Underrated workhorses of the VR

[engineer-gunzelpunk]

The Cost of a Steam Locomotive: Then and Now (and some info on VR A2 964)

(Victorian Railways A2 4-6-0 No 964 Express Passenger locomotive at Edwardes Lake Park, where it still is today.

Note the Boxpok driving wheels, a relatively late modification that was given to 5 A2s, similar to the currently in-steam VR A2 No 986 currently operated by SteamRail)

(Article from the Herald Sun, I copied it so you don't have to click the link below)

Edwardes Lake Park's locomotive has steamed up in value

RESERVOIR'S popular steam locomotive display cost $648 in 1968 and is now worth an estimated $200k.

Kellie Cameron

July 11, 2013 - 12:00AM Preston Leader

A STEAM locomotive bought for the city 45 years ago is still paying off for Darebin residents.

The locomotive on display at Reservoir's Edwardes Lake Park is enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year.

Children on school holidays last week were among many climbing aboard its cabin.

Local historian Mervyn Lia said the former Preston Council paid the state $640 for the locomotive in 1968.

The total cost including transportation to the park was more than $3000.

Mr Lia said it would now be worth more than $200,000.

Darebin La Trobe Ward councillor Gaetano Greco said the bargain buy had become an invaluable local icon.

He said of its original price: "You couldn't even buy a good train set let alone a train these days for $640.''

Railway Historical Society (Vic) president Wayne Brown said the locomotive's cost 45 years ago was most likely its scrap value at the time.

He was glad it was saved, saying it offered an insight into a bygone era, and was one of few still accessible at public places.

"It's great for any engine to be accessible to an admiring public given the amazing contribution that all such engines made to development of the state,'' he said.

Mr Lia said the rare class of locomotive weighing almost 90 tonnes was brought to the park via rail and road in 1969.

It was a well-earned rest for A2 964, which had travelled more than two million kilometres during its years of service from 1921 to 1963.

Cr Greco said the council had no plans to move the locomotive.

Edwardes Lake Park, on Edwardes St, attracts about 135,000 visitors annually.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/edwardes-lake-park8217s-locomotive-has-steamed-up-in-value/news-story/584e76447d28fe9dc265ad94ec0956dc

More info on A2 964 here:

Photos belong to Gus Pegel