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Cooee Allen,
Steam generally ceased here in NSW in 1972.
Soot belchers endured a tad longer in Queensland and a couple of other states.
There were numerous soot belchers imported into Aus from the UK and USA.
Most were exported from the UK, but Baldwin was a major USA exporter to the NSWR.
Baldwin supplied some 2-8-0 beasties early on in the late 1880s - early 1890s.
These utilized on the very steep ( 1 in 33 ; 3% ) grade on the Blue Mountains.
The final exports from Baldwin Lima Hamilton being the 20 2-8-2 Mikados arriving from 1952 into NSW.
A couple of these are preserved by hysterical mobs.
Originally exported as oil burners, but the NSW converted them to coal as we did not have generic oil supply and have swags of black diamonds lurking under the top soil.
Gotta luv that Baldwin tugboat whistle, sends shivers up the spine during nite time.
Our Mexican mob imported two dainty 2 foot 6 inch gauge 2-6-2 side tankers from Baldwin in 1898.
A number subsequently built down under by VR for the then two foot six inch rural branches.
CHARMING is the only expletive necessary for these home brand baby Baldwins.
2022 here has not kicked off in any joyous way.
Just hafta keep the fingers crossed that things improve and this plague finally goes away.
Steve.
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