Arc Infrastructure volunteer group lay 40 metres of track for Narrogin’s oldest PM706 locomotive to come home

Narrogin has taken its first steps to reclaim its oldest and most-loved locomotive and coal carriage with the laying of 40 metres of train tracks marking a significant milestone in the train’s return home. Arc Infrastructure donated equipment, time and crew to lay 40m of train tracks from June 4 to June 7 at the Narrogin Goods Shed site. Since 1990, the 1950s PM706 steam locomotive and its accompanying coal carriage — called a ‘tender’ — have sat at Hudson Valley Tourist Railway Pinjarra where it was sent to be restored to active steam service. Shire president Leigh Ballard announced the locomotive’s return in October at the Narrogin and Dryandra Visitor Centre’s official opening. Shire CEO Dale Stewart said the community is thrilled that Arc Infrastructure had fitted out the space and laid tracks so the locomotive can have a home in Narrogin. “I do not doubt that the shire will work with local community groups, heritage volunteer groups, and interested individuals to help look after the train,” Mr Stewart said. “It’s important because the PM706 is recognised and named the Narrogin locomotive — it’s a part of our rail history. “We are a rail town and this was our locomotive.” The PM706’s connecting piece, the Wuhrer XA1215 diesel locomotive, is at the Narrogin and Dryandra Visitor Centre and was refurbished in May 2024. The final piece of Narrogin’s historic train, a 1928 sleeping carriage, is held at Hotham Valley Tourist Rail Group in Dwellingup. Mr Stewart said the shire needed the support and expertise of volunteers to restore the historic pieces to their rightful home with the the locomotives, tender, and sleeping carriage still to be moved to the Narrogin Goods Shed.