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ArcelorMittal Steel in Zenica, Bosnia - Visit by Project 62 on 16th February 2009 Towards the end of 2008, Project 62 received notification from ArcelorMittal Steel (via the British Embassy in Sarajevo) of their intention to sell ten of their remaining Class 62 steam locomotives (other than the two for display at the works, and one destined for display in the city of Zenica). Project 62 Chairman, Richard White and Dave Brown, the group's Locomotive Liaison Officer, visited ArcelorMittal at Zenica on Monday 16th February 2009 and reported the following situation:- 62-322 - complete, stored following acquisition by the Bosnian National Railway. 62-382 - complete, stored following acquisition by the Bosnian National Railway. This locomotive hauled the final steam services at the steelworks in October 2008. 62-383 - complete, stored following acquisition by the Bosnian National Railway. 62-520 - complete, stored following acquisition by the Bosnian National Railway. As at February 2009, these four locomotives listed above have been acquired by the Bosnian National Railway for eventual use at depots including Bihac, Mostar and Tuzla. 62-380 - complete, requires heavy overhaul. This locomotive was seen in operation hauling 1,200 tonne loaded trains by Project 62 Chairman, Richard White, in December 2006. See below for a photograph of this locomotive in action. This locomotive is available for purchase. 62-314, 62-316, 62-372, 62-373, 62-374 - all stored since 1991 on a siding area within the site. All now derelict. There has been extensive use of smaller parts to maintain the operational fleet, however most major components are present. 62-362 - preserved at main gate. 62-381 - stored under covers in the former steam motive power depot building. This received a cosmetic restoration in 2008 and is awaiting relocation to a site yet to be determined in the city of Zenica. 62-680 - stored in the former steam motive power depot building. This one of the final batch built in 1961, and is scheduled for cosmetic restoration as an additional display at ArcelorMittal Zenica. Project 62 has made a firm indication of interest in available parts and is investigating the practicalities of acquiring complete locomotives for other organisations that have also made their interest known to Project 62. As Class 62 is a direct derivative of Colonel Hill's USA Tank (Southern USA Class) there remains a number of locomotives which would be eminently suitable for use on UK heritage railways. Please EMAIL US either to assist Project 62 in acquiring our needs or indeed if your organisation is also interested in making a purchase.
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62-520, 62-383, 62-382 and 62-322 are for the State Railway
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"Graveyard" locomotive 62-372 has been stored since 1991
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62-380 is for sale virtually complete and not long out of service
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Dave Brown with Alma Kadunic of the British Embassy on 62-380
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Project 62's Dave Brown (left) and Richard White (right) were presented with plaques commemorating the final operation of steam services in October 2008. Traffic Manager Mr Matic (second right) with his Deputy Mr Plecas (next to Dave) was given a copy of "Southern USA Tanks" to mark Project 62's visit (photo: A Kadunic)
All photos are copyright of Project 62 unless otherwise credited. For more information about our locomotives 30075, 62-521/30076 (and of course 62-121 at the National Railway Museum in Ljubljana), assisting with a donation or participating in part ownership by purchasing shares, email us at project62@supanet.com - many thanks. |
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