The "C.G. Swann"

In 1866, the men of the General Mining Association's foundry and shops at Sydney Mines were given a special assignment. They were asked to build a locomotive. Chief Engineer John Elliot and his crew of pattern makers moulders, blacksmiths, machinists an d fitters replicated a machine already in service with the company. They named it the "C.G. Swann" after an official of the Association. A unique achievement, it is thought to be the only steam locomotive ever built on the island. After a trial run, it was floated on a barge across Sydney Harbour to South Bar and used on the Victoria Mines Railroad for many years.