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

Dec 12, 2011

Saturday 3rd December 2011

Work continues to focus on the leading engine unit and associated sub assemblies as part of the critical planned  path of re-assembly. The two leading sand boxes were taken out of storage and fitted but it took a few goes as the mounting bolts have to be assembled in the correct order to prevent them fouling each other. David also took the added precaution to run a die nut over all of the threads to ensure easy fit all...the torque gun created an effective, don’t argue with us approach. After the boxes were secured into place the painting team moved in with paint brushes and applied the standard black enamel paint.


Andy Heys put his carpentry skills to the test building all new timber packing’s that acts as an interface between the engine unit and the front water tank. The finished job looked so good that it will be a pity to paint over the new wood. Work was also taking place at ground level with the fitting of the right hand leading  valve gear including  the radius rod and expansion link with its die block. Many of the old tapered locking pins have been assessed as unserviceable but replacements are no longer available and the final fit of the valve gear cannot take place until the pins are manufactured new. Regardless, it was still pleasing to actually fit the polished valve gear into place.

The smoke box fit out continued with Graeme Kidgell fitted 22 of the 44 7/8 BSW saddle bolts that secure the smoke box to the boiler cradle. This job has not been an easy one as many of the bolt holes were welded over when the boiler was used at the saw mill in Victoria. The welded over holes had to be cut out with the use of a small pilot drill and oxy touch as they welded material was almost glass hard. A finish off with the die grinder and the bolts were tightened up with the good old torque gun.... only 22 to go!

The next few workdays will continue around the leading engine unit with the testing and commissioning of the oil lubrication system and some minor cosmetic work around the cylinders. Once completed the leading tank will be final fitted into position and inturn the water system hook up will commence with gusto.

Alan Gardner