6042 is a four-cylinder, simple, non-condensing, superheated, articulated 4-8-4+4-8-4 Garratt steam locomotive of the AD60 class. It was built by Beyer, Peacock and Company in Manchester, England, in 1956 under works number 7544. About 42 of the AD60 class were built for the New South Wales Government Railways (NSWGR) to operate as heavy goods trains along their main lines.
In 1965 Dieselisation led to the gradual withdrawal of the AD60s. All but four members of the class were scrapped. 6042 was the last one to be withdrawn from service and operated the final New South Wales Government Railways steam service in February 1973. Shortly after, it was chosen to work the ceremonial "Last Steam Train" from Newcastle to Broadmeadow in March 1973, where it was ceremonially driven through a celebratory banner by the-then NSW Transport Minister. After this 6042 remained available for enthusiast rail tours for a time until being condemned in December 1974.
In 1986, 6042 was purchased by the Dorrigo Steam Railway & Museum collection however to this day the engine still remains at Forbes, NSW, awaiting funds to cover the cost of her removal and transportation to the museum. Despite the museum's best efforts, almost 40 years of battling the elements and residing in an open field have taken a toll. It's unlikely that 6042 will ever run again but hopefully it's possible that the locomotive could still be at least cosmetically restored one day.
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