Saturday 5 December 2009.
The rebuild of the bogies continued with most of the components now completed on the first. Ian has finished the machining of the replacement pins and Barry applied the top coats of black. The replacement manganese horn plates were fitted by Shaun while John and Kyle continued on with the assessment of the horn keep plates and associated parts. We are now hopeful that the first bogie will be completed before the years end. The experience gained will ensure the speedy rebuild of the next three bogies. The last outer bogies do not have air brakes fitted so this will make for much faster progress.
Mike Ridley came down from Sydney on Friday and he was able complete two straight days work. Mike has concentrated his efforts on the boiler cradle with the fitting of the reverser reach rods and he has now moved onto the power reverser mounting bracket. Mike is also looking at the mountain of electrical conduit with regard to the eventual re-wire.
We welcome two new members to our growing team. Paul Newland and Joseph Spinella cleaned out and re-organised the JLX box van adjacent to 6029. We now have room to work on the motion and valve gear. Paul and Joseph started to clean down the valve gear in preparation for crack testing.
The fitting of new sheet metal cladding to the boiler continues. The copper drain pipes for the gauge glasses and water column test cocks were bent up using the time honoured method of filling the pipes with sand before heating. Ian has taken the large bore copper pipes for the stoker system home for overhaul. When completed, the back head piping will be fitted in preparation of the final steam test.
The reach rods from the control handle to the front end throttle were assessed and given the usual grey primer clean up. Mike Reynell has been rebuilding the camshaft and main valves at home. Thanks to Malcolm for supplying the old maintenance manuals for the front end throttle. Mike advises that he will come down from Sydney for a few days and he intends to complete the final fit out of the front end throttle and sub assemblies.
Our next workday is Sunday 20 December.
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Dec 7, 2009
Nov 17, 2009
Sunday November 15 2009.
Work on the MHG support van is progressing well. We now have a decent workbench and tool storage. Pat the electrician has been beavering away behind the scenes installing power points and lights. The grinder, cupboards and bench drill have been installed and as a consequence of this we now can now actually work efficiently. Before we had the van we wasted countless hours setting up and packing away equipment every work day. Thanks to the efforts of all involved we can just plug in the power and start working.
As previously reported the four bogies are main focus of work. The years of grime and rust are now giving away to what resembles an almost a new bogie. Originally we were only replacing the worn mounting studs however when using the torque gun they were snapping like carrots. So all are now being replaced with new.
Our resident fitter, boilermaker, sheet metal, and generally good bloke Ian continues to work at home at what ever is asked of him. The cladding on the back head of the boiler has now started to progress forwards along the firebox area. As a consequence of this, the final fitting of copper pipe work has started. The labyrinth of small bore copper pipes is being annealed and assessed for condition and re fitting.
In general terms we are at the hard slog stage, and although the cleaning, assessing and painting is hard work, we are realising some very pleasing results. Having said that we can only do it with help and presently we have no shortage of tasks that are looking for willing helpers. No skills are necessary and on site tuition is available.
If you haven’t come along to a work day for some time or even if you are new to Project 6029, please come along, all welcome.
Our next workday is Saturday the 5th of December, again all welcome.
Alan Gardner
As previously reported the four bogies are main focus of work. The years of grime and rust are now giving away to what resembles an almost a new bogie. Originally we were only replacing the worn mounting studs however when using the torque gun they were snapping like carrots. So all are now being replaced with new.
Our resident fitter, boilermaker, sheet metal, and generally good bloke Ian continues to work at home at what ever is asked of him. The cladding on the back head of the boiler has now started to progress forwards along the firebox area. As a consequence of this, the final fitting of copper pipe work has started. The labyrinth of small bore copper pipes is being annealed and assessed for condition and re fitting.
In general terms we are at the hard slog stage, and although the cleaning, assessing and painting is hard work, we are realising some very pleasing results. Having said that we can only do it with help and presently we have no shortage of tasks that are looking for willing helpers. No skills are necessary and on site tuition is available.
If you haven’t come along to a work day for some time or even if you are new to Project 6029, please come along, all welcome.
Our next workday is Saturday the 5th of December, again all welcome.
Alan Gardner
Oct 21, 2009
Sunday 18 October,
The first of the four bogies is now starting to look like it is brand new ex-works. The brake cylinders have been re fitted and the many sub assemblies have had the usual three coats of paint. Some of the bushings and pins will need to be replaced. John continued with the strip down of the second bogie and we are hopeful that we can lift the bogie frame off the wheels on the next workday. The repaired lateral control springs should be back on site in the next few weeks.
Mike continued with the re fitting of the overhauled reverser reach rods that run down the drivers side of the boiler cradle. One of the last jobs for the day was to lift both of the long reach rods into position. Yes that’s correct we are starting to put it back together.
Since starting the project, we have had no workshop facilities on site. Thanks to the continued efforts of Barry, Stuart, Marc and Pat the electrician, we now have a mobile workshop. As a consequence of this we are now looking for a bar fridge(already found), kettle and seats.
Our next workday is Saturday 7th November 2009.
Alan Gardner
Mike continued with the re fitting of the overhauled reverser reach rods that run down the drivers side of the boiler cradle. One of the last jobs for the day was to lift both of the long reach rods into position. Yes that’s correct we are starting to put it back together.
Since starting the project, we have had no workshop facilities on site. Thanks to the continued efforts of Barry, Stuart, Marc and Pat the electrician, we now have a mobile workshop. As a consequence of this we are now looking for a bar fridge(already found), kettle and seats.
Our next workday is Saturday 7th November 2009.
Alan Gardner
Oct 10, 2009
Saturday 3 October 2009
Canberra is presently experiencing significant rain fall and it goes without saying that it's most welcome. However as we have no shed for 6029 the weather can influence our workdays. As a result of the poor wether the fit out of our new workshop (the MHG guards van) progressed significantly. Stuart fitted a new bench in the perishable goods end and he has plans to fit a vice and bench grinder in this area. When completed we will at last have an indoors work area that will be a welcome change to all. Pat, our resident electrician has promised to fit some power points and lights and we may even be able to boil the kettle in the near future. If any one wants to help out with the painting and fit out please come along as this work can happen any time mid week or even weekends.
Between showers, John continued with the stripping down of the second bogie, he also had time in the past week for some work at home by cleaning up some small components for the bogies. We joke that after four bogies, John will be the resident bogie specialist. If the weather holds off on the next workday it is anticipated that the second bogie will be completely stripped down for assessment.
The project manager and our friend from the USA, Jack Corrick spent most of the day studying SKF drawings for the big end bearings. The end result being the partial disassembly of one big end. We now need a special pulling tool to facilitate the removal of the inner bearing assembly. Mike Reynell has offered to make this vital equipment up. Thanks also to Craig Mackey for suppling the NSWGR drawings and bearing manual.
Roger Maynard started cleaning down the four Nathan DV mechanical lubricators however no undercoat could be applied due to the wet weather. The preliminary assessment has shown that they are in good condition.
The last jobs on the boiler cradle are being completed by Howard and he had the unenviable task of removing the last of the sound deadening boards from underneath the cab floor. The attempt by the manufacture with sound deadening was poorly applied, with the use of timber and alternative modern martials will be sourced for this area.
By the days, end we were all wet and tired, however the day’s efforts had at least allowed us to be one step closer to steaming 6029. We now have an indoors workshop and the previosly unknown, black art of the SKF roller big end bearing has revealed it self to the next generation of steam fitters.
Please make the effort to come along to the next workday (Sunday the 18th of October) as we need lots of mussel power and willing hands.
Alan Gardner
Between showers, John continued with the stripping down of the second bogie, he also had time in the past week for some work at home by cleaning up some small components for the bogies. We joke that after four bogies, John will be the resident bogie specialist. If the weather holds off on the next workday it is anticipated that the second bogie will be completely stripped down for assessment.
The project manager and our friend from the USA, Jack Corrick spent most of the day studying SKF drawings for the big end bearings. The end result being the partial disassembly of one big end. We now need a special pulling tool to facilitate the removal of the inner bearing assembly. Mike Reynell has offered to make this vital equipment up. Thanks also to Craig Mackey for suppling the NSWGR drawings and bearing manual.
Roger Maynard started cleaning down the four Nathan DV mechanical lubricators however no undercoat could be applied due to the wet weather. The preliminary assessment has shown that they are in good condition.
The last jobs on the boiler cradle are being completed by Howard and he had the unenviable task of removing the last of the sound deadening boards from underneath the cab floor. The attempt by the manufacture with sound deadening was poorly applied, with the use of timber and alternative modern martials will be sourced for this area.
By the days, end we were all wet and tired, however the day’s efforts had at least allowed us to be one step closer to steaming 6029. We now have an indoors workshop and the previosly unknown, black art of the SKF roller big end bearing has revealed it self to the next generation of steam fitters.
Please make the effort to come along to the next workday (Sunday the 18th of October) as we need lots of mussel power and willing hands.
Alan Gardner
Sep 23, 2009
Sunday 21 September 2009
Once again Canberra turned on some beautiful spring weather and as a result of this the painting of the boiler cradle was completed. Stuart and Howard disappeared under the cab floor area applying the last coats of black enamel. The cradle reversing reach rods and rollers were also painted ready for fitting.
Mike Reynell delivered the steam pipe spacing rings made by an external contractor in Sydney. These rings will
facilite the fitting of the insulation and cladding to the main steam pipe that runs down the right side of the boiler cradle to the hind engine unit.
The front end throttle overhaul is being completed by Mike Reynell at his Sydney works. Mike showed off his handy work with the completed repair of the throttle shaft. He is now focusing on the main vales and associated fittings. Ian has also been beavering away at home with the last of the backhead sheets and he advises that the final fit is only days away. His biggest issues has been the neighbours washing and the over-spray drifting over the fence.
The re-assembly of the first bogie continued with the repaired manganese liner’s fitted. The brake equipment for this bogie was assessed and re-painted for eventual fitting.
Our next work day is Saturday the 3rd of October. Work will again focus on the bogie rebuilds.
Alan Gardner
Mike Reynell delivered the steam pipe spacing rings made by an external contractor in Sydney. These rings will
facilite the fitting of the insulation and cladding to the main steam pipe that runs down the right side of the boiler cradle to the hind engine unit.
The front end throttle overhaul is being completed by Mike Reynell at his Sydney works. Mike showed off his handy work with the completed repair of the throttle shaft. He is now focusing on the main vales and associated fittings. Ian has also been beavering away at home with the last of the backhead sheets and he advises that the final fit is only days away. His biggest issues has been the neighbours washing and the over-spray drifting over the fence.
The re-assembly of the first bogie continued with the repaired manganese liner’s fitted. The brake equipment for this bogie was assessed and re-painted for eventual fitting.
Our next work day is Saturday the 3rd of October. Work will again focus on the bogie rebuilds.
Alan Gardner
Sep 7, 2009
Saturday 5th September
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
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
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
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