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
Aug 23, 2011
Sunday 21 August 2011
The two main reservoirs were offered up and fixed in place with the retaining straps. Sounds easy to say in one sentence but the alignment and fitting of the pipe work was no easy task. Anyone would think that we are getting good at this type of thing. The outstanding smaller valves such as the independent release valve were fitted into place and as the main reservoirs were now fitted we are basically done with the brakes. The only outstanding task will be the fitting of the three and four control pipes that run from the drivers brake valve to the distributing valve. These pipes cannot be fitted until the cab is in place.
The trailing pivot nuts were adjusted/backed off and after the usual three man pull helped by a four foot long extension bar, the unit settled down into position. The constant contact side bearings were checked for alignment and all was well. As we had a good turnout of volunteers we were able to also have another look at the stoker trough and it was decided to remove the two leading support brackets. As originally fitted they were held in with bolts however, later in life they are welded into place. That’s OK in service but it prevents the stoker trough from being removed as designed. The use of an angle grinder and about six cutting discs later and both brackets were removed. The fork lift made easy work to slide the trough out and as suspected it will require a full rebuild.
To say that we had a significant workday would be an understatement as we completed a few milestones that are noteworthy in context to the overall project. These being the completion of the brake system, the removal of the stoker trough and the adjustment of the pivots. Having completed these tasks the locomotive can now again be shunted safely. From a strategic overview there are no more strip and assessment tasks to complete. In essence we are putting 6029 back together and we hare now planning for the steam testing and subsequent operational systems checking. To this end the hind bunker/tank has be fitted to facilitate the up coming steam tests later this year. However we have a lot to do before this can take place... for instance the ash pan and fire grates still have to be rebuilt and the smoke box fit out will be the next major tasks. We still have to fit 20 superheater elements, the blast pipe, main steam lines and the front end throttle assembly.
Alan Gardner