Up to date information regarding the restoration of steam locomotive 6029 in Canberra, ACT Australia. Beyer Garratt 6029 is an EX NSWGR locomotive and was a member of the largest, and most powerful class in Australia. The restoration to full working order is being undertaken by volunteers in Canberra.
6029 is owned by the Australian Railway Historical Society, ACT Division and the restoration is proudly supported by their tourist operations and by the generous donations of members and public supporters.
The society operates rail tours out of Canberra with our heritage fleet of steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock every few weeks.
To travel in style on any of our tours, or to learn more about our collection and operations, go to Canberrarailwaymuseum.org
Oct 18, 2010
Sunday 17 October 2010
Ian reports that one of the four mechanical lubricators is now completed. As previously reported Ian has been doing this work in the comfort of his home workshop. Well done Ian, again only three to go.
Alan and Jack Barker continued with the front tank by drilling out two broken bolts that mount the electrical conduit to tank. The bronze plate with the numbers 6029 was refitted to the leading fireman's side. Not a high priority job but satisfying all the same.
The rebuilt bogie lateral control springs are now on site and were fitted to the hind inner bogie. This bogie was found to be in the worst condition out of the four. This can be attributed to the fact that it is located directly under the coal conveyor's screw. It is now looks almost like new, minus about four wheel barrow loads of coal dust.
Thanks to David for cooking lunch.
Alan Gardner
Oct 6, 2010
A brief interlude...
A direct result of the project success has been the willingness of many other groups and individuals who have offered both in kind and finical assistance. Without this help we would still have many years ahead of us. The many individuals have been mentioned in past reports and again thanks goes out to them. Our greatest supporters are our old mates at Goodwin Alco and in particular Steve Preston and Bob Gioia. Their help has been significant to the project’s success but again lifelong friendships have been forged. An ironic note is that Goodwin Alco were the manufactures of diesels, so it could be suggested that they look at becoming Garratt- Goodwin Alco! Naturally steam always comes first!
Saturday 2 October 2010,
Work continued on bogies 3 and 4 , the last bogie frame was cleaned down and standard grey primer as applied. Three lateral control springs are all that stand in the way of the final assembly of bogies 3 & 4. The springs have been rebuilt by an external contractor and the final buckling will be completed in the next few weeks.
Now that the bogie work is coming to an end, some of the team are now focusing on the leading engine unit. Andy Hays is methodically drilling and tapping out 68 cylinder cladding bolt holes(per cylinder) in preparation of the fitting of the sheets. Our newest team member Andrew Bridger started the strip down of the leading engine unit valve gear and motion. The big end bearing puller tool has proven its worth with both con-rods removed with no fuss. All roller bearing are in good condition but will be pressed out to facilitate the NDT and polishing of the rods. David Clark started the rebuild of the king pin locking mechanism for the hind inner bogie.
Our next workday is Sunday the 17th of October.
Alan Gardner