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 7, 2011

The Air Compressor

Alan Gardner has been quietly working away on the Garratt's cross compound air compressor for a while now, with little bits being ordered here and there as money has become available. Some time ago the piston rods were hard chromed by Diamond Hard chrome in Sydney, and the castings were all sent to Melbourne specialist, Laurie Cameron from East Australian Engineering, where they were given a top notch overhaul. The bores were accurately re-machined and measured before being kindly returned to us by PBR member, Graham Clark on a trailer.

Just recently the new rings were ordered and that has allowed him to begin the reassembly in his spare time, and as you can see in the pictures, it is almost complete and looking very, very good. Now he is only waiting on some new gaskets, before it gets tested on air and refitted to the loco...



With stuff like this happening, you can really see the loco returning to steam in the not too distant future.