Perhaps a major overhaul? I agree, restoration is probably the wrong term, as she's already been "restored", it's just a matter of keeping her in good nick. Regardless of nitpicking terminology, we all agree that they're worth it ).

Is there any more than Crown stay repairs being done?
To be Called a major it would have to be completely dismantled much like 3801.

When was 3830 last used on an excursion train prior to being withdrawn for overhaul at Thirlmere?

Southern Highlander back in 2011 Could even have been 2010.

3830 was moved out of Roundhouse to undercover within the "Great Train Hall'' last Wednesday week. Apparently Powerhouse Museum is short on funding at present.

Southern Highlander back in 2011 Could even have been 2010.

3830 was moved out of Roundhouse to undercover within the "Great Train Hall'' last Wednesday week. Apparently Powerhouse Museum is short on funding at present.

From what I can gather after watching several of the "NSW In Steam" DVD volumes is that 3830 hasn't been used on an excursion since the triple header to Moss Vale in 2009.

Come to think of it you could be correct as recall there were some issues coming up the escarpment that day

Thank you guys.  I have been off-line for a few days in hospital.

Whilst I understand that there many have been a low water incident on that day, I can find no mention of such in subsequent reports.   In fact, I read in Digest that 3526 was detached at Moss Vale and returned light to Thirlmere, leaving 3642 & 3830 to return via the Coast with the load.   Obviously, at the time, nothing was thought to be a problem with 3830.
I guess that "leaky tubes" may have been booked and once back in the Shed, on thing led to another.

The low water theory is a load of crap,

It passed a boiler test this year but failed on a trial 3 days later, why was it given an acid washout between the 2 events?

The low water theory is a load of crap,

It passed a boiler test this year but failed on a trial 3 days later, why was it given an acid washout between the 2 events?

Perhaps a major overhaul? I agree, restoration is probably the wrong term, as she's already been "restored", it's just a matter of keeping her in good nick. Regardless of nitpicking terminology, we all agree that they're worth it .

Around about August as a volunteer of NSWRTM I ran into one of the engineers working on this overhaul from the PHM, am no expert on steam engines but the long pipe sitting next to the engine (I was told came from the boiler) looked pretty rusty. Talking to him further he said it was a just matter of getting the time to work on it, as all the work required to get her going was approved and funded.

I am referring to 2009 - the last time the train was used in revenue service, not the trial earlier this year.   ie, why was the locomotive stopped after the 2009 Southern Highlander trip and why did it take four years before the boiler was again steam tested?  
I am simply trying to sort out fact from fiction.   Hence I am attempting to seek some accurate information so that the record can be set straight.   I already have a detailed response from Powerhouse Museum, but this does not cover the original cause.

The low water theory is a load of crap,

It passed a boiler test this year but failed on a trial 3 days later, why was it given an acid washout between the 2 events?

Edit: Did a bit of research on boilers/fireboxes and from the length of this pipe laying beside the engine I would say with some certainty that it was a firetube. If still there next month (maybe there's others since then) I'll take a picture of it.

The December issue of "The Railway News" (59/1) has been mailed to subscribers.   Copies are now in the process of being distributed (over the course of the next week) to the retailers that normally stock the magazine.   The update on 3830 (continued from the previous issue) covers more than two pages and was compiled with the co-operation and assistance of the Powerhouse Museum.

Could be the main internal steam pipe. Could also be a superheater element.

Tube on the right appears to be a boiler tube. The ones on the left are superheater elements.