The boiler cradle strip down and assessment was completed with the removal of the leading pivot. This sub assembly is in poor condition and subject to detailed measurement, it may have to be sent out for re-machining. The damage sustained is a direct result of no lubrication and as a consequence of this, two extra feed lines will taken off the mechanical lubrication system. This will ensure lubrication to this vital part of the locomotive. The boiler cradle reach rods were repaired and given the usual undercoat treatment. The next workday should see the reach rods and roller assemblies re fitted. The two main reservoir air tanks are now ready for the hydrostatic test and if all goes will they will be re fitted in place.
The second of the four bogies was rolled clear of the hind unit and as expected it resisted all of the way. The locking pin that retains the king pin was completely seized and several attempts to remove it was unsuccessful. As a consequence of this a large part of the morning was dedicated to the cleaning out of the hollow passages in the main frame casting. This allowed access to the locking pin assembly inside the main farm. After we extracted bucket loads of coal and gunk we could at last see the seized locking pin. The usual heating with the oxy torch did not seem to do much and it was looking like a "too hard" scenario would prevail here. However to our surprise, with several blows of the sledge hammer the pin stated to move. After we extracted the locking pin the King pin dropped straight to the ground without fuss. Half an hour later the bogie was clear of the hind engine unit. As can be seen in the photos years of grime will have to be removed before disassembly can take place.
The first bogie that was removed last month now sports its second coat of black paint. All of the components are progressively being repaired and painted. Our next few workdays should complete this bogie with significant progress on the second one. It is anticipated that the last two bogies will be relatively quick to complete as they do not have brake gear fitted.
Our next few workdays will focus on the bogies and when competed the re assembly stage of the project will start in earnest. However we still need your help either financially or in person. Our next workday is Sunday the 20th of September and could I please ask that you take the time to come along and help. Lunch is provided!
Alan Gardner
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Sep 7, 2009
Aug 29, 2009
Raffle Winners
The Project 6029 raffle has now been run and won. Thanks to everyone who have supported the project and purchased tickets. The raffle was very well supported with sales coming from as far afield as America and England. Thanks should also go to those who took on the task of selling the tickets.
The winner of the Eureka 60 class model was Mr S Buck of Roseville, NSW.
Second place, The 60 Class book was won by Mr T Kilgannon of Dundas Valley, NSW.
Thanks again
Mike
The winner of the Eureka 60 class model was Mr S Buck of Roseville, NSW.
Second place, The 60 Class book was won by Mr T Kilgannon of Dundas Valley, NSW.
Thanks again
Mike
Aug 18, 2009
Turbo generator
Thanks to the efforts of our good friend Percy Forrester 6029 now has a Stones 32 volt generator. A few months ago we put out a plea and as usual Percy has come up with the goods. The delivery took place from Queensland thanks to Percy’s friend Paul.
Well done Percy!!
Alan Gardner
Well done Percy!!
Alan Gardner
Aug 3, 2009
Saturday 1 August 2009
The first of the four bogies is now looking great with a top coat of black enamel paint. The two bogie lateral control springs have been dispatched to Sydney for rebuild and the overhaul of Nathan oil distribution system is completed. It is anticipated that this bogie will be completed in the next couple of months. Interesting to note that it is stamped as 6018.
The boiler cradle is looking great as the overhauled components are progressively being bolted back. The three rollers and brackets that support the cradle revering gear are now ready for fitting. Again we can confirm with these components that we are not rebuilding 6029,rather it’s a collection of 60 class components that are being badged as 6029. The numbers on the three rollers are 6019,6024 and 6027.
The refit of the back head boiler cladding continued with the with about 90% of cladding sheets finished. So yet again the usual undercoat and two top coats are being applied. At this stage we will only complete the cladding of the fire box area until the boiler is lifted onto the cradle.
Our next workday is Sunday the 16th of August.
Regards,
Alan Gardner
The boiler cradle is looking great as the overhauled components are progressively being bolted back. The three rollers and brackets that support the cradle revering gear are now ready for fitting. Again we can confirm with these components that we are not rebuilding 6029,rather it’s a collection of 60 class components that are being badged as 6029. The numbers on the three rollers are 6019,6024 and 6027.
The refit of the back head boiler cladding continued with the with about 90% of cladding sheets finished. So yet again the usual undercoat and two top coats are being applied. At this stage we will only complete the cladding of the fire box area until the boiler is lifted onto the cradle.
Our next workday is Sunday the 16th of August.
Regards,
Alan Gardner
Jul 12, 2009
Superweek Report
Brrrrrrrrrrrr...
Monday morning 7:30 am -4 degrees. The first job as the highest priority was to light the fire. In fact this would be repeated every morning.
As planned the boiler cradle strip down was completed and the usual undercoat and two top coats of black were applied. The reversing gear was completely seized and the rollers that facilitate easy movement had in fact worn flat when the locomotive was in operation. A compete new set of rollers is being manufactured. The pivot centre oil lines and boxes were repaired and fitted ready for use. The re fit steam delivery pipes from the smoke box to the hind unit started, however we have to order a new set of inch BSW studs and nuts to complete the job. Thanks to the efforts of Mike Ridley, Peter Gleeson, Stuart Edwards, Barry Peffer and Roger Maynard.
On the engine unit side the first of the four bogies was completely stripped down to the last nut and bolt. The lessens learnt here is that even the sub assemblies are heavy. The bogie frame was cleaned down and crack tested with no significant issues found. Three of the manganese horn liners will be replaced due to cracking in the corners. The many smaller components were progressively stripped cleaned and assessed. As previously reported the lateral control springs are in poor condition and by weeks end they were dispatched to Sydney for rebuild. Thanks to Ian Senini, Malcolm Cluett and David Griffiths.
In all 290 hours of work was completed for the week realising another significant milestone. Thanks to the efforts of all involved the boiler cradle is now almost compete. We can now move onto the overhaul of the four bogies and when completed reassembly of the locomotive proper will commence. In parallel the bogie work we will continue with the strip down of the motion and the assessment of the engine units.
We are now at what can be called the turning point of the project, however as is always the biggest threat to the project is money. We now have some big ticket items that will have to be competed in the next six months. These are,
· 20 off super heater elements. $27,000.
· Hard chroming of piston and valve rods.$ 12,000.
· Spring repairs and rebuilds. $10,000.
· Piston rings for vales, cylinders and air compressor . $14,000.
· Sundries. $20,000.
So now for the big news, if we realise the above $89,000 6029 will be steaming in 2011. We have the team and the skills to do the job, so it all gets down to money, its as simple as that. So please keep the donations coming in, no matter how small every bit counts. Collectively we can once again see Australia’s largest stem locomotive gracing the rail network.
Keep steaming,
Alan Gardner
Monday morning 7:30 am -4 degrees. The first job as the highest priority was to light the fire. In fact this would be repeated every morning.
As planned the boiler cradle strip down was completed and the usual undercoat and two top coats of black were applied. The reversing gear was completely seized and the rollers that facilitate easy movement had in fact worn flat when the locomotive was in operation. A compete new set of rollers is being manufactured. The pivot centre oil lines and boxes were repaired and fitted ready for use. The re fit steam delivery pipes from the smoke box to the hind unit started, however we have to order a new set of inch BSW studs and nuts to complete the job. Thanks to the efforts of Mike Ridley, Peter Gleeson, Stuart Edwards, Barry Peffer and Roger Maynard.
On the engine unit side the first of the four bogies was completely stripped down to the last nut and bolt. The lessens learnt here is that even the sub assemblies are heavy. The bogie frame was cleaned down and crack tested with no significant issues found. Three of the manganese horn liners will be replaced due to cracking in the corners. The many smaller components were progressively stripped cleaned and assessed. As previously reported the lateral control springs are in poor condition and by weeks end they were dispatched to Sydney for rebuild. Thanks to Ian Senini, Malcolm Cluett and David Griffiths.
In all 290 hours of work was completed for the week realising another significant milestone. Thanks to the efforts of all involved the boiler cradle is now almost compete. We can now move onto the overhaul of the four bogies and when completed reassembly of the locomotive proper will commence. In parallel the bogie work we will continue with the strip down of the motion and the assessment of the engine units.
We are now at what can be called the turning point of the project, however as is always the biggest threat to the project is money. We now have some big ticket items that will have to be competed in the next six months. These are,
· 20 off super heater elements. $27,000.
· Hard chroming of piston and valve rods.$ 12,000.
· Spring repairs and rebuilds. $10,000.
· Piston rings for vales, cylinders and air compressor . $14,000.
· Sundries. $20,000.
So now for the big news, if we realise the above $89,000 6029 will be steaming in 2011. We have the team and the skills to do the job, so it all gets down to money, its as simple as that. So please keep the donations coming in, no matter how small every bit counts. Collectively we can once again see Australia’s largest stem locomotive gracing the rail network.
Keep steaming,
Alan Gardner
Jul 6, 2009
Superweek 2009 has started
The July superweek has started and there has been a good turnout with the promise of a few more participants later in the week.
Saturday 4 July Workday
Report from Peter Reynell
Another successful day, made the more memorable because it was the 33rd anniversary of the Garratt’s first trip under ARHS ACT Accreditation. And we had a little party to celebrate. Lindsay Richmond [another survivor of those early days] and I reminisced over some slides [yes, even a projector was used!] and about 25 people from the various work parties on site were shown the good old days and a good time…our ARHS on train catering crew including Chris S and Lindy S put on a much better than usual spread. Imagine Roast Beef, Oven baked Chicken fillet, party pies and salad , as well as hot doggies; sausages and all the accomaniements.And even cake!
Thanks, crew, you did us proud.
A special thanks to Brian Nye, Chief Executive of the Australasian Railway Association for coming along to offer some very encouraging words.
Oh, and we did some work too..ends were rescued from the old superheater elements, more black paint went on the boiler cradle and Paul Quinn lit a huge fire under the engine unit which eventually liberated the very frozen solid pony truck bearing which caused the angst months ago when the pony truck came off the rails. A long overdue apology to Lindsay, we always chose to blame his trackwork..sorry, Oldmate. (Some did, some knew better...Mike)
Work on the bogies has commenced with the front units hind bogie receiving attention. The lateral control springs from all four bogies should be in Sydney by the end of the week to be overhauled while the crew work on the bogies.
Saturday 4 July Workday
Report from Peter Reynell
Another successful day, made the more memorable because it was the 33rd anniversary of the Garratt’s first trip under ARHS ACT Accreditation. And we had a little party to celebrate. Lindsay Richmond [another survivor of those early days] and I reminisced over some slides [yes, even a projector was used!] and about 25 people from the various work parties on site were shown the good old days and a good time…our ARHS on train catering crew including Chris S and Lindy S put on a much better than usual spread. Imagine Roast Beef, Oven baked Chicken fillet, party pies and salad , as well as hot doggies; sausages and all the accomaniements.And even cake!
Thanks, crew, you did us proud.
A special thanks to Brian Nye, Chief Executive of the Australasian Railway Association for coming along to offer some very encouraging words.
Oh, and we did some work too..ends were rescued from the old superheater elements, more black paint went on the boiler cradle and Paul Quinn lit a huge fire under the engine unit which eventually liberated the very frozen solid pony truck bearing which caused the angst months ago when the pony truck came off the rails. A long overdue apology to Lindsay, we always chose to blame his trackwork..sorry, Oldmate. (Some did, some knew better...Mike)
Work on the bogies has commenced with the front units hind bogie receiving attention. The lateral control springs from all four bogies should be in Sydney by the end of the week to be overhauled while the crew work on the bogies.
Jun 28, 2009
Like a house of cards
Saturday morning saw Mike Riddley, Mike and Peter Reynell turn up to take advantage of the comfortable work area in the Eveleigh large erecting shop.
Today saw more than a little progress on the cab. In the past, nearly all the work has concentrated on removing years of built up corrosion and muck from the panels so that the damage can be identified and assessed.
We finally have given up trying to do the repair work in situ, and the decision was made to reduce the cab to smaller sub-assemblies so that the panels can be repaired properly and the corrosion that has until now been trapped between the riveted components can be removed properly.
With a few rows of rivets and bolts removed, the cab quickly fell apart like a heavy house of cards. The rear panel of the cab took five or six people to lift onto trestles.
The roof vents were also liberated from the roof panel so that they can be repaired separately before being refitted to the new roof.
Over the next few weeks, replacement components will be arranged so that the corroded areas can be removed and new metal welded back in. There is a new roof to be cut and rolled, the angles that mount the cab to the loco frame will need to be replaced, and some paneling around the windows will need attention.
It seems like a lot of work, considering that it just a cab, but once it is finished, I doubt it will need to be touched for another 20 or 30 years.
Jun 22, 2009
Sunday 21 June 2009
The start to the day was significantly delayed due very wet conditions that did not clear until midday. After the weather cleared David and Alf salvaged the useful parts off the unserviceable super heater elements.
Barry Peffer having returned from his overseas work, was reunited with the needle gun on the boiler cradle. Shaun Barker continued with the strip down and assessment of the front pivot. Gavin and Paul jacked up and removed the first of the four bogies revealing many years of grime and rust. As a result of this the leading unit is now a 4,8,0 and will soon be an 0,8,0. As suspected the lateral control springs will have to be send out for reconditioning.
Peter went out on the local steam train to Bungendore to sell raffle tickets, thanks Peter! Bruce drove down from Sydney to measure up the compressor bores confirming that they are within specification. Bruce also gave us a look at the great work he is dong with the power reverser and has promised some photos for the blog.
Our next work day is Saturday the 4th of July and Super week will start on Monday the 6th of July.
Alan Gardner.
Attendees...
Alan Gardner
Peter Reynell
Gavin Woolf
Paul Quinn
Shaun Barker
Jake Barker
Barry Peffer
David Villiers
Alf Spiteri
Jun 19, 2009
Jun 15, 2009
a nice shade of grey..
The contractors have been in and completed the sandblasting and priming of the bunker, and what a difference it makes!
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