John and Kyle’s Excellent Adventure.

When the call went out for a volunteer to collect the super heater elements from Ballarat, I thought that this would be a bit of an adventure, so the hand shot up.

I was selected from the throng, and set about the logistics. My copilot was to be John.

Friday April 30 saw us on the road, and well clear of Yass, before sunrise. We didn’t get to see sunrise, more of an increase in light between fog patches. The drive was quite uneventful. I have not been on the Hume since the Coolac bypass was finished. Also notable was the extended dual carriageway into Albury and the start of works to bypass Tarcutta. As well as other things I can’t remember.

Our trusty Avis Isuzu performed flawlessly. We made Ballarat by about 4pm. We found Glenn at home on his RDO. The elements had been neatly stacked in five packs of four. Each pack consisted of four elements the same size. Here is where a little excitement started. The longest elements were 4.5m, and the truck was 4.2m. We had a vague plan to remove the doors and let the last foot hang in the breeze. This plan proved to be not needed. John has an uncanny spatial awareness about him, and was convinced we could make it work without removing doors. This was done by restacking the packs. Each new pack had one of each sized element. This meant we were able to get the first three packs in the truck diagonally, and the remaining five elements were placed on the tray under the frames that Glenn had made. The photos paint a better picture.

After an hour or so, the truck was loaded, and we were very relieved not to have had to remove the doors.

Glenn took us down to the Steamrail yard and showed us around. They have a number of D3’s there, and two R Class locos. Class leader R700 is under restoration. It didn’t look much, as most of it is elsewhere. Sound familiar? I had known that the R Class locos were gauge convertible. I had no idea how you would do this, but now I have. They have packers in the frame that you remove. This makes it narrower. All you need is new axles, new bogies? And a lot of plumbing redone, and you’re away. I imagine this is a pretty serious job, and could take a while. I think the clock is on R766, but I wouldn’t hold your breath.

After a stroll around the yard, in which time we saw three (3) passenger trains arrive at nearby Ballarat Station, we said our farewells to Glenn and headed out for dinner.

Saturday saw us on the road soon after 5.30 am and back at Kingston before 4pm. There the friendly folk, and their forklift, helped unload the truck, and the job was done.

Bring on the hot steam!

Friday 30 April and Saturday 1 May.

As Canberra is realising perfect autumn weather, the opportunity was taken to continue with cleaning of the bogies and the leading engine unit. As we were working for two days, Roger and Jacquie Maynard came down from Sydney to help out. As Barry is also helping with the rebuild of 4468 he took the opportunity to dedicate Friday to 6029. At day’s end the leading engine unit pilot beam and cylinders started looking like new. Still plenty of grime under the cylinders but progress is steady.

Saturday was business as usual, with the continued effort on the bogies. At long last the life expired centre pivot liner was removed with the help of an oxy gouging tip. This is quite a large bush at 19 ¼ inches in diameter and it is too big for our small machine shop. Quotes are being obtained from local contractors. The leading engine unit front bogie strip down was also completed. The two outer bogies are about 12 inches longer than the inner bogie. A quick check with the tape measure confirmed that this would allow clearance of the steam cylinders. This bogie was literally covered in congealed cylinder oil, but fortunately no coal dust as per the inner bogies. This has conserved the metal under the oil so we anticipate no major issues with the reassembly. Naturally, after the steam cleaner has done its job, all the components will be inspected and reassembled.

As we are well into the bogie rebuilds the opportunity has been taken to clean up around the leading unit cylinders. Everyone who has taken on this job (project manager included) has emerged from under the engine units with black spots all over themselves. Tony and Roger took a turn at this insidious dirty task and it is pleasing to report that this area is now looking great in grey undercoat. Our next workday should complete the final top coats of black paint. The team also had time to start cleaning up around the brake cylinders and we are now ready to reassemble both cylinders.

Ian continued with the cladding of the fire box and notes with some confidence that he has only three sheets to go! Great job Ian.

Now for the big news. The last of the superheater elements were delivered from the specialist contractor in Victoria. If anyone wants to learn how to fit elements please don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks to Kyle and John for offering to go down to Victoria for a nice short drive.

Our next workday is Sunday 16 May, all are welcome.

Alan Gardner

6029 in 1981

Here is a YouTube video from 1981 by Graeme Reid. Some of his description is below.

reidgck — April 20, 2010 — In June 1981 the Canberra branch of the Australian Railway Historical Society, operated a tour with Garratt 6209 from Canberra, Australia's national capital
(ACT), to Sydney, and then to Parkes in the central west of the state of New South Wales, and back via a circular route via Cootamundra and Goulburn.

This video was taken in the time when home video filming was new. Anyhow, after all this time, I attained some softwear and figured out how to use it, enabling the editing and the transforming of the action, to appropriate files for posting on the net which didn't even exist in those days. Soundtracks to scenes are all the original.

After the introduction shot, the first action scene was taken high in the Blue Mountains just before Lithgow at the restored Zig Zag Railway location. The scenes after that, were taken west of Bathurst beginning with a shot before sunrise in which the Garratt, the headlight of which is piercing the dawning light, demonstrates its whistle in a shrill mode, and gives a sample of its power and bark while approaching a level crossing. There are various other scenes in this 10 minute video. Much had to be edited out because of time limits. Some such scenes were the crossing of interstate freight trains, one scene is with a 46 class electric and a 45 class diesel electric up front which passed at the Zig Zag site, and the Indian Pacific passenger train from Perth, and others.

See the rest of his comments here and part 2 of the video here

Wednesday 21 April 2010. A personal perspective.

Recently I was asked some pertinent questions with regard to the rapid progress of the project. In particular how can we get things done so quickly and why can we do it where others have failed. All good questions and in some respect they not easily answered. I guess that from the outset we have to question why we do it and what do we get out of volunteering on such a project. For instance if you are looking to make big dollars in your work life then forget about steam preservation. If you are looking for awards, praise and public recognition then forget about steam preservation. If you don’t like long hard hours and dirty work then forget about steam preservation.

So in the first instance we have to ask why? Well as someone once said, because we can. For me it’s the sight, smell and power of a steam locomotive that does it. Personally, to see a static locomotive in a museum is not enough, as the locomotive wasn’t built to stand still, it was built to go. As important as it is to conserve an artefact, for me, to preserve it as originally designed, is much more important. So that’s why I do it, nothing more and nothing less. Having said that, there is something else that can’t be defined in words, rather it’s a personal satisfaction. I just love steam locomotives and yes, the bigger the better.

It’s now three years since we started the project and I hope my drive and enthusiasm for 6029 has rubbed off onto others. From the outset I knew that we could not achieve our goals without building a strong team. It is with some satisfaction that we recently realised that over seventy different people have physically worked on the project. Yes some have come and gone but most have stayed. I believe that this is directly attributed to the teams can do attitude and the rapid overall progress. I am not going to say that its always been a bed of roses and that we have never been criticized. Words like... you will never do it... you won’t get it done in that time and... you can’t do it for that much have been offered. In my mind that’s just a reflection on the person making the comment. What they are saying is "I can’t do it so how can you." Well again its simple, because I can.

From the projects perspective we have now turned the corner. The first of the four bogies is completed with the second well on the way. The replacement boiler is certified ready to be lifted onto the boiler cradle. As can be seen by the recent photos our attention is now turning to the engine units proper. Many parallel, off site tasks are taking place. The cab at Eveleigh is almost ready for re assembly and we have accepted an offer to help out with the riveting. The power reverser, cylinder drains, boiler cladding, cab floor and Nathan lubrication systems are all being rebuilt thanks to our network of volunteers. So yes it’s all happening.

The big question now being asked is when will it be finished. Well as Jack Corrick of US rail preservation once said. The speed at which the project progresses is directly proportionate to how much you have to spend. But having said that, it can’t be done with just money, we need willing hands and we need them now. It all gets down to help, both financially and physically. If you have donated money in past, thanks, but I would ask you to consider digging deep again, and you haven’t donated before please consider it now. Having said that, helping out on our workdays is just as important. We have many tasks that just require willing hands and yes it dirty hard work. If you aren’t the strong type then painting can be just as satisfying.

Exciting times indeed and why, well its because we can.


Alan Gardner

One Mans Shed

It must be said that several of the people involved in the restoration of 6029 are contributing more than could ever have been expected. Ian is one of those people, dedicating a huge amount of time and effort to restore the boiler cladding and some boiler fittings to better than new condition. You will have seen the results of his panel beating in other posts.

Something you will not have seen, is the amount of work he puts in at home, repairing and re-manufacturing parts required for the project. Take a look at the photos and you will see that his workshop is being put to very good use, and I think the we can all agree that his help is most welcome...

Thanks Ian, from everyone involved in the project!

Sunday 18th of April 2010

As there was no steam services this weekend Paul Nowland and Dave Malcolm dedicated Saturday to 6029. Paul fitted the replacement manganese liners on the inner hind bogie and then continued with wire brushing the myriad of small bogie components. Dave helped out with some weld repairs to the lateral control spring links for the leading inner bogie. Paul spent Saturday night on site in one of our luxurious TAM sleeping cars. Fortunately for Paul the weather was quite mild.

Sunday morning started with Paul setting up the power leads and air compressor lines in preparation of the day’s work. It was pleasing to see a good workforce turn up so the opportunity was taken to give the work site a good clean up . Kyle and John (the bogie boys) fitted the last of the brake components to the inner leading bogie. It is now safe to say that this bogie is now finished, well done guys only three to go.

Ian and Paul fitted the boiler cladding sheets to the fireman’s side of the fire box. The end product was a joy to behold as it was to Ian’s usual high standard. The boiler cladding sheets are being fitted before the boiler is lifted onto the cradle. This will allow the easy fitting of the injector starting vales and feed lines.

Marc, Peter, Josh and Howard worked on and around the leading engine unit. As usual bucket loads of grime and baked on cylinder oil gave way to the cast steel engine bead. The two leading sand boxes were removed and as suspected they were full of congealed 30 year old locomotive sand. As this problem was anticipated both were dried out on a pre prepared wood fire. One hour later the sand was easily drained and blown clear with compressed air. The removal of the sand boxes facilitated access to the two brake cylinders and both piston were stripped out for assessment. The cup seals were found to be in good condition and were cleaned down with the steam cleaner. The draft package for the leading engine unit was steam cleaned and will soon be painted in preparation for its final fit.



The above mentioned describes a series of parallel tasks that form part of the critical path plan. The work around the leading engine unit must take place before the two bogies are finally lifted into position. All being well the leading tank will then be lifted for its final fit. However to realise this major milestone we need your help now. No skills required just willing hands. To move things along we will be holding a two day work session. This will be the 30th of April and Saturday the 1st of May. All welcome.

So it’s all hands on deck as we are starting to put 6029 back together and we need your help now!

Alan Gardner

Saturday 3 April 2010

4:30 am, yes the joys of operating steam locomotives, early starts and cold mornings. Some of the team started the day by helping with the light up of locomotives 1210 and 3016. We could only imagine how it will be when 6029 is being prepared for operation. After both engines whistled out it was time for a cup of tea and a well earned break.

Malcolm had the privilege of manning the steam cleaner and as usual bucket loads of oil and grime revealed actual metal that is the leading engine unit. Between blasts of the steam cleaner, Mike started the strip down of the leading coupling. As usual all the bolts weren’t going to let go easily but with the aid of the oxy torch they eventually let go. With a few grunts and pulls the coupling fell to the ground. The draft package behind the coupling was next and yes more frozen bolts. The keep plate dropped and with a few taps of the sledge hammer, the whole assembly let go. The draft gear takes all of the buffing forces of the train and it is always inspected during maintenance to ensure that it is in good condition. Having said that a few hours with the steam cleaner will be required before this inspection can take place. After the draft package was removed, Malcolm moved in with, yes, the steam cleaner. One more run over with the electric wire brushes and at long last some metal primer was applied to the engine frame and cylinder area.

As usual the bogie work continued with the fitting of the flexible hoses and Nathan four way distributing valves. This system delivers oil to the bogie horn guides and axle box slides. David continued with the clean down of the equalising beams for the second bogie. These beams have two sets of hardened bushes fitted and all are in poor condition. Mike is organising the manufacture of a replacement set.

The last job for the day was to clean up around the site and re organise the more components in preparation for the next work day!

Our next workday is Sunday the 18th of April.

Alan Gardner

Sunday 22 March 2010

Before we started work today, Paul presented three pressure gauges he has completed at home. One steam drifting and two brake, all looking magnificent. This is typical of the many tasks that are taking place behind the scenes and one reason why the project is progressing so well. One pleasing fact is that almost every day a sub project is being carried and in turn is being stored ready for fitting as required.

The bogie work continued with the fitting of the Nathan four way oil distributers to the inner leading bogie. These sub assemblies were rebuilt by Ian at his home workshop and are a testament to his skills. Kyle, Stuart and Paul fitted most of the completed components required to complete this bogie. The bogie team’s advice is that the second one will be completed in much less time as they now have a firm grip on how to rebuild 60 class bogies.

Ian continued with the fitting of the boiler cladding crinoline bands in preparation for the installation of the fireman’s side cladding sheets to the fire box area. It was noted that some spiders have taken up residence in the installed cladding however the first fire should sort this out. After lunch Gavin assisted Ian with the installation of the sheet metal cladding for the main stream pipe that runs down the fireman’s side of the boiler cradle.

Howard continued with the de-greasing and steam cleaning of the leading engine unit. The years of grime and cylinder oil are gradually allowing access to actual metal. All of this work has facilitated a preliminary inspection of the draft package behind the leading coupler. The coupling and draft package will be removed at the next workday.

Alan Gardner

More progress

Paul has been doing some work at home on the Garratt's pressure gauges and sent these before and after pictures of the gauges. Great stuff Paul, just 11 to go!

Saturday 6 March 2010

As we are restoring 6029 outdoors we always make a note as to what we can expect with the weather for the upcoming workday. Showers with the possibility of rain and at 9am things were quite wet. Lucky for us the showers had cleared by lunch time and ironically we were feeling the effects of the sun by day’s end. As most of the loco ops guys were in Sydney with our operating locomotive 3016, the BBQ was held down on the 6029 work site. The 4468 diesel guys came over for lunch and as usual we solved all of the world’s problems before we went back to work.



The first bogie is now almost complete with only a few minor tasks left to do. These being the fitting of the pedestal keep plates and the manufacture of a new centre pivot bowl. The lateral control springs had to be fitted before lowering the frame into position. They were assembled with the aid of the ten ton hydraulic portable power pack. It took a few goes and we were all happy when the last pin was fitted. The reassembly went very smoothly, however the bolts holding the inner manganese liners had to be modified as they were rubbing against the suspension equalising beams. The bogie work site is starting to look like a traditional bogie repair shop and visitors can now compare a completed bogie with the striped down version.

Ian is continuing to fit the boiler cladding sheets and as a result of his efforts the drivers side is now complete. He is now concentrating on the fireman side. Now that drivers side cladding is fitted the injector feed pipes and starting valve were trial fitted and as expected some adjustments are required. Paul removed the old insulating rope to facilitate the annealing of these pipes. One advantage of copper feed pipe is that they can be adjusted for alignment after annealing. Unfortunately steam engineering of the 1950’s didn’t allow for true replication with manufacturing. As a result of this each boiler is slightly different dimensionally and most pipes have to be adjusted for fit. Ian has also experienced this issue with the cladding sheet metal and several trail fits and adjustments are required before final fitting.

Our next workday day is Sunday 21 March 2010.