Locomotive D³ 671
This locomotive was constructed by the Victorian Railways Newport Workshops in 1917 and originally numbered DD 1024, becoming one of the 261 members of the Victorian Railways DD-class mixed-traffic locomotives. It was renumbered to DD 732 in 1925 before being superheated and modified to D² configuration in 1931, becoming D² 732. It was later further rebuilt with the larger D³ boiler in 1933, becoming D³ 671 along with 93 other D¹ and D² Class locomotives that were converted between 1929 and 1947.
The D³s were economical and efficient, but also renowned for their superior performance. They could be worked hard and were a favourite with crews. Although restricted to a maximum permitted speed of 60 mph (96 km/h), the D³s were known to be capable of up to 75 mph (120 km/h).
With their ability to travel at relatively high speed and their low axle load, the D³ helped to speed up passenger services on many lightly laid branch lines.
At the end of steam operations, D³ class were used as yard shunters in major rural centres and scrapping began of the D³ Class in 1958. Out of the 93 converted D³ class, 12 remain either as preserved in static display or stored awaiting restoration or as a supply of parts and 1 has been restored into operating condition hauling various rail enthusiast special trains.
After 879,128 miles (1,406604 km's) locomotive D³ 671 was plinthed in Brown's Waterhole Park, Lismore in 1965, where it remains to this day.
