While the blog, and actual physical work on the Garratt has been a bit slow in the last month or so, due in part to the need to perform some maintenance on the societies steam work horse, 3016, there has been some magnificent progress made in Ian Senini's garage.
If you have been following the blog for a while, you may remember the quality of the work he did on the mechanical lubricators , and it comes as no surprise that his next restoration task is being carried out to the same standard. Ian, and Glenn Bridgart have been hard at work on the stoker motor and Cardew valves, all of which have suffered from the years in service and years in open storage.
The Cardew valves, used to prevent damage from any excess water in the cylinders, being mostly brass, have suffered very little and look a treat now that they are clean, but the springs inside them are a different story and may require replacement before too long.
The stoker motor is also getting the royal treatment and while it is complete, and was not seized by exposure, is going to need a little work to set it right. The crank will need to have the journals chrome plated to repair some pitting and the piston rods will likely get the same treatment. Otherwise it has cleaned up very well and no doubt will give sterling service when it is finished.
A little work has been done on the front tank, and another day or so should see its underside completed and ready to fit. One badly corroded area of the floor will have to be replaced, but better now than when it is full of water and on the loco. David slaved away for hours removing the years of grease and grime that had accumulated under the tank, with a fair bit of elbow grease and some determination. Well done, its not the most glamorous job, but it still needs to be done.
Last but not least, there are a few images this monthof 3016 leaving Goulburn roundhouse after the maintenance work had been completed nearby.
Remember that the next workday is Saturday the 5th of May at the Canberra Museum, jobs for everyone and if your lucky, a BBQ lunch as well
Mike Reynell
