The Lioness and The Lion are returning from Victoria to their new home at a steam museum at Westbury, west of Launceston.
The names are for two steam engines that were built in 1926 by John Fowler & Co in Leeds, England.
Used in the last major infrastructure project to involve steam power in Australia, the engines have started to go on display at Pearn’s Steam World Museum in Westbury.
Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke says the acquisition was protecting cultural heritage which why it was funded by a National Cultural Heritage Account.
“I’ve been to Pearn’s Steam World Museum as a tourist. I’m so pleased now that the government is able to further enhance the incredible collection in Westbury.”
They are believed to be the last known pair of Fowler winding engines under the same ownership anywhere in the world, according to the federal arts ministry.
• Who were John Fower & Co? click here to learn more.
LION AND LIONESS A STEAM RARITY
Federal MP for Lyons Rebecca White says the return of the steam engines is a proud homecoming for Tasmania.
“The return of The Lion and The Lioness is a proud moment for Westbury and for Tasmania. These remarkable engines helped shape some of our state’s biggest infrastructure projects and are an important part of our history.
“Thanks to the dedication of local volunteers, future generations will be able to see these engines up close and experience a piece of Tasmania’s industrial heritage that might otherwise have been lost,” she says.
The engines were used for large construction projects like hydroelectric infrastructure at a time when steam power was the only practical option in remote Tasmania. They survived while many others were melted down during World War II for ammunition.
Westbury Preservation Association volunteers intend to return the Lioness and Lion engines to working order and say it would not be happening without funding from the Account.
“After 50 years of these two engines being on the mainland, we are thrilled to be able to return these engines to their Tasmanian home where they made a huge contribution to Tasmania at the end of their working lives,” the association says.
“The late Pearn brothers would be thrilled to see these engines returned.”
The Lioness went on display from Monday (August 17) while the Lion is awaiting shipment in Victoria.
