The day started with a visit from Father Christmas (AKA Ian Senini) who asked everyone to gather around his trailer. One by one we were all given a component that Ian had completed at his home workshop. This included two Nathan four way oil distributers, stoker controls and the first of the DV5 mechanical lubricators. Ho ho ho!
The last of the four bogies was removed and as expected it was covered in bucket loads of crud(technical term for cylinder oil and coal dust). It was with great confidence that the guys started the strip down of this last bogie. Following on from the expertise gained from the first three bogies the decision was made to roll the bogie upside down. This allows for easy access to the myriad of split pins and the eventual use of the torque gun. It now takes about four hours to strip a bogie compared to four days when we first started. Although this work has been enjoyable the team is now looking forward to a different challenge that will hopefully not include working on our backs.
The completed draft package was lifted into position, but it took a bit of grunting and groaning before the last bolt was tightened up. The next job in this area will be to fit up the leading coupling. We have also ordered new flexible brake hoses so the front end of 6029 will soon start to look like a finished locomotive.
Work continued on the Westinghouse brake distributing valve and the fitting of two new cup seals to the leading brake cylinders. The old leather seals were still serviceable however the opportunity was take to replace them because they cannot be accessed once the locomotive is completed. In fact the front tank has to be lifted off before access can be obtained!
The steam cleaner is receiving some long overdue repairs with David building a new trolley at his home in Cootamundra. Thanks David
Now that the we are well into the bogies, planning is now focusing on the engine units proper. The next big chunk of work will be the removal of connecting and coupling rods. The big end roller bearings require the manufacture of a pulling tool. This tool screws onto the inner race of the bearing and with the push of a hydraulic ram the inner race is popped off. This will allow the removal of the connecting rod, all be it with the overhead crane. Most of the valve gear has already been removed and assessed to be in good condition, but we anticipate many hours of metal polishing here.
Our next workday is Saturday 3 July.
Alan Gardner
