859 was officially named the City of Port Lincoln by the Mayor, Peter Davis, at a ceremony at Port Lincoln railway station on 3 September 2003. Speaking at the ceremony, ARG’s Business Manager, Eyre Peninsula, Rob Gregor said, "The transfer of 859 to Port Lincoln is part of an ongoing programme to upgrade the performance and capacity of the Eyre Peninsula locomotive fleet. Today’s ceremony is a small way for us to acknowledge the partnership we have with the local communities in providing transport solutions for their economic growth". | |
25 May 1963 Entered service on the narrow gauge Peterborough Division, in the SAR 'mustard pot' colour scheme. 12 Jan 1970 Converted to standard gauge for the new Port Pirie - Broken Hill line. 1979 Repainted in the ex-Commonwealth Railways red and silver colours, one of only three 830s so treated. Jul 1980 Repainted again, this time to the 'ANR yellow' scheme (a modified version of the 'mustard pot' colours). 30 Jul 1980 Transferred to Tasmania (back to narrow gauge). 1 Dec 1987 Transferred to Gladstone for Wilmington line working. By now repainted into the AN green and yellow scheme. 14 Mar 1988 Relocated to Peterborough for Orroroo working. Returned to Gladstone by July 1988. 8 Dec 1989 Converted to standard gauge again. 24 Jul 2003 Outshopped from Port Augusta workshops after a major rebuild, repainted in ARG's orange and black colour scheme. 27 Aug 2003 Converted to narrow gauge and transferred to Port Lincoln. 3 Sep 2003 Named City of Port Lincoln.