Saturday 3 July 2010
8:00 am Saturday morning, temperature -3 deg C. Yes its winter in the nation’s capital, ice is on the ground, the fog is thick and not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. First job, boil jug, second job turn on heater and third job look for that mouse.
For anyone who has worked in a railway yard, the only thing to do in cold weather is to get stuck into work, as this is the best way to get warm. Another trick is do any job that involves the use of the oxy torch. Hence why boiler makers are everyone’s friend in winter. So Shaun Barker and the project manger stripped down the suspect bogie bearing axle box. The first job was to cut off the counter sunk bolts that hold the manganese liners in place. They could not be removed with a spanner as the flats on the nuts had long disappeared and the only way to remove them was to cut them off. The next job was to undo the four long keep bolts that hold the two halves of the axle box together. As usual the last of the four bolts would not budge. So again bring in the oxy torch. The nut was sacrificed but the 18 inch long bolt was saved for re use.
As the sun started to break through the fog the team gradually got going on those bogies. Kyle, Mike and Howard stated with the strip down with the last of the four bogies. As we are now tooled up it only took three hours to complete. No surprises here just more of that crud. As previously reported one of the main driving springs has two broken top leafs and further to this the top retaining plate is missing. Fortunately the retaining key was still in place. Mike Reynell will put his skills to use and make up a replacement one and has also offered to make a few spares.
Mike Ridley continued working through the brake system piping. This also involves the servicing and greasing of the many isolating cocks. The end result being cocks that are easy to operate. Mike anticipates that the distributing valve will be going back in place in the near future.
Andy Heys, Roger Maynard and Howard Moffat continued on with the myriad of tasks around the leading engine unit. Andy is also coming in between workdays to help kick things along. Thanks Andy.
Lunch was again very busy as the 4468 crew come over to enjoy the culinary delights of Peter Reynell. Oscar the dog was also enjoying the left over sausages. It’s very pleasing to see 20+ old mates on site swapping stories and generally enjoying themselves.
The front tank now sports a new coat of grey primmer thanks to the team at mobile fabrications. They have now completed all of the hot work with only the sand blasting and undercoating stage to be completed.
Our next workday is Sunday the 18th of July. Dress is informal but warm cloths are recommended . Brrrrrr!
Alan Gardner
 |
Jul 6, 2010
Jun 25, 2010
Wednesday 26 June 2010
As with any large engineering project the rebuild of 6029 is being tracked against a project Gantt chart. Today’s review of the chart showed a commencement date of 16 June 2007. So its three years to today’s date that we actually started the planning process. Work on the ground didn’t start until October of that year as it took a few months of preparation before we could start getting our hands dirty.
To celebrate this anniversary I thought I would take the opportunity to post an abridged overview in general terms. So after three years what have we found and what is the actual damage to date.
From day one 6029 was complete but looked very tired. It last ran in 1981 and was withdrawn with boiler issues, around the thermic siphon area. The initial assessment included the spare boiler the society sourced 1n the early 1990’s. It was found to be in almost new condition with little or no thinning of all plate work etc. The main problem was the smoke box area that had been modified for use in a saw mill, which has seen a new floor fitted along with the reworking of the steampipes, superheater header and not to mention 50 new elements. The elements looked to be in good condition externally but were found to be full of water. When pressure tested they started springing leaks to the point that they could only be used as a water sprinkler. So the decision was made to go for a complete new set and to date 30 have been fitted. The final twenty will be fitted in the next couple of months while the boiler is on the ground.
At the fire box end the extraction of the life expired ash pan mounting studs continues. At the back head, the foundation ring studs are almost completed and must be screwed in place before the boiler is placed in the frame. The reason being that one of the lateral cradle beams is a L section that would not allow access under the foundation ring of the boiler if it was in place. The sheet metal cladding is best fitted to the boiler while it on the ground. As previously reported it can be likened to wrestling an octopus while standing on your head. This is further complicated when the boiler is placed in the frame and is 10 feet off the ground. Ian Senini has completed all the cladding around the fire box before the anticipated boiler lift, well done Ian. Mike Reynell overhauled all of the boiler fittings and to his credit all have been tested and work well.
The boiler cradle yielded no surprises but as suspected some plate wastage around the cab area was found. This is very typical on all steam locomotive restorations as the mixture of coal dust and the cab hose make for an acidic mix. Fortunately this had not progressed far and the whole area was de rusted and repaired. The same cannot be said for the cab and the team at Eveleigh have welded new sections into the side sheets and all is well. The fire bed drop grate was completely seized and further investigation revealed that the coal dust and water had done its job here. As a consequence of this the decision has been made to replace the manual level system with one that is actuated by air cylinders. Our older firemen(project manager included) will be most grateful of this decision. Not to mention that the crew will have more room to place their feet comfortably on the foot plate without getting tangled up in the shaker levers. The timber cab floor was found to be in poor condition and will be replaced with new.
The cab was transferred to Eveleigh in 2008 with the help of our friends at Goodwin Alco. The rebuild of the cab has been very time consuming but the end result speaks for itself. We have had an offer from the team at the Powerhouse Museum to assist with the re riveting in putting the cab back together. With a look at 3265’s coal tender we anticipate a superb job that will ensure the historic appearance of 6029. We are also very grateful to 3801LTD for allowing us to do this work at the very place where the 6029 was put together all those years ago.
Both the bunker and front tank have required some patchwork to bring them up to standard. During the 1990’s the previous maintenance team had the foresight to have the interior of both tanks sandblasted and coated. The new patches will require the same treatment while there is still more work to be completed on the internal baffles. An interesting observation was that we found the original shipment stencilling on the back side sheet. It reads 'Loco 6029 consigned – Syd Australia'. The amusing part of this story is that it is one of a small number of original parts of 6029. We have now identified parts from almost every member of the class.
The engine units have been a challenge that cannot be described in glowing terms. The amount of coal dust, cylinder oil, brake block dust and road grime found is almost unbelievable. It is estimated that the removed grime would easily fill a small dump truck. The team has vowed to never allow the accumulation of this much crud again. Having said that, it highlights that these locomotives were work horses and did thier job well, but were not pampered with the same love as the high speed express locomotives. The area around all the cylinders was covered in up to one inch of that crud. Our team has been beavering away on this terrible task and the project manger has also shared the pain to try and prevent a mutiny. Anyone who comes out of the area at day’s end usually has a case of black oil spot fever.
Very early in the project all of the axles were ultrasonically tested by a specialist contractor and were all given the green light. Before this took place we were all holding our breath as this could have slowed the project significantly if the results came back with that word, 'fail'. Grease samples from all of the axles boxes were sent away for analysis and all drivers are ok. One of the bogies axle boxes has shown signs of overheating and will be investigated further before it is reassembled.
The four bogies have been one of the most significant challenges and now that we are up to number four, we have become very proficient in their strip down and rebuild. To date we have replace four broken main and three lateral control springs. All had at least one broken leaf and in one instance the retaining collar could not be found. Each bogie has two Nathan four way distributers and Ian Senini is progressively reconditioning them. The bogies are fitted with eighteen flexible high pressure grease hoses, all have been replaced ($$). Many of the steel bushes on the spring equalising beams have been replaced as most were worn over specification.
So after three years and many thousands of hours work we can start to see that light at the end of the tunnel. After we have completed the four bogies we will start and have a serious look at the engine units. The team has already started on the top end of the leading unit but this is only the start. The horn stays were known to fracture in service and the microscope will need to be applied here .As previously reported the valve gear has been removed and found to be in good condition. The connecting and coupling rods are next on the list after the big end bearing extractor has been completed.
Interesting times ahead
Alan Gardner
To celebrate this anniversary I thought I would take the opportunity to post an abridged overview in general terms. So after three years what have we found and what is the actual damage to date.
From day one 6029 was complete but looked very tired. It last ran in 1981 and was withdrawn with boiler issues, around the thermic siphon area. The initial assessment included the spare boiler the society sourced 1n the early 1990’s. It was found to be in almost new condition with little or no thinning of all plate work etc. The main problem was the smoke box area that had been modified for use in a saw mill, which has seen a new floor fitted along with the reworking of the steampipes, superheater header and not to mention 50 new elements. The elements looked to be in good condition externally but were found to be full of water. When pressure tested they started springing leaks to the point that they could only be used as a water sprinkler. So the decision was made to go for a complete new set and to date 30 have been fitted. The final twenty will be fitted in the next couple of months while the boiler is on the ground.
At the fire box end the extraction of the life expired ash pan mounting studs continues. At the back head, the foundation ring studs are almost completed and must be screwed in place before the boiler is placed in the frame. The reason being that one of the lateral cradle beams is a L section that would not allow access under the foundation ring of the boiler if it was in place. The sheet metal cladding is best fitted to the boiler while it on the ground. As previously reported it can be likened to wrestling an octopus while standing on your head. This is further complicated when the boiler is placed in the frame and is 10 feet off the ground. Ian Senini has completed all the cladding around the fire box before the anticipated boiler lift, well done Ian. Mike Reynell overhauled all of the boiler fittings and to his credit all have been tested and work well.
The boiler cradle yielded no surprises but as suspected some plate wastage around the cab area was found. This is very typical on all steam locomotive restorations as the mixture of coal dust and the cab hose make for an acidic mix. Fortunately this had not progressed far and the whole area was de rusted and repaired. The same cannot be said for the cab and the team at Eveleigh have welded new sections into the side sheets and all is well. The fire bed drop grate was completely seized and further investigation revealed that the coal dust and water had done its job here. As a consequence of this the decision has been made to replace the manual level system with one that is actuated by air cylinders. Our older firemen(project manager included) will be most grateful of this decision. Not to mention that the crew will have more room to place their feet comfortably on the foot plate without getting tangled up in the shaker levers. The timber cab floor was found to be in poor condition and will be replaced with new.
The cab was transferred to Eveleigh in 2008 with the help of our friends at Goodwin Alco. The rebuild of the cab has been very time consuming but the end result speaks for itself. We have had an offer from the team at the Powerhouse Museum to assist with the re riveting in putting the cab back together. With a look at 3265’s coal tender we anticipate a superb job that will ensure the historic appearance of 6029. We are also very grateful to 3801LTD for allowing us to do this work at the very place where the 6029 was put together all those years ago.
Both the bunker and front tank have required some patchwork to bring them up to standard. During the 1990’s the previous maintenance team had the foresight to have the interior of both tanks sandblasted and coated. The new patches will require the same treatment while there is still more work to be completed on the internal baffles. An interesting observation was that we found the original shipment stencilling on the back side sheet. It reads 'Loco 6029 consigned – Syd Australia'. The amusing part of this story is that it is one of a small number of original parts of 6029. We have now identified parts from almost every member of the class.
The engine units have been a challenge that cannot be described in glowing terms. The amount of coal dust, cylinder oil, brake block dust and road grime found is almost unbelievable. It is estimated that the removed grime would easily fill a small dump truck. The team has vowed to never allow the accumulation of this much crud again. Having said that, it highlights that these locomotives were work horses and did thier job well, but were not pampered with the same love as the high speed express locomotives. The area around all the cylinders was covered in up to one inch of that crud. Our team has been beavering away on this terrible task and the project manger has also shared the pain to try and prevent a mutiny. Anyone who comes out of the area at day’s end usually has a case of black oil spot fever.
Very early in the project all of the axles were ultrasonically tested by a specialist contractor and were all given the green light. Before this took place we were all holding our breath as this could have slowed the project significantly if the results came back with that word, 'fail'. Grease samples from all of the axles boxes were sent away for analysis and all drivers are ok. One of the bogies axle boxes has shown signs of overheating and will be investigated further before it is reassembled.
The four bogies have been one of the most significant challenges and now that we are up to number four, we have become very proficient in their strip down and rebuild. To date we have replace four broken main and three lateral control springs. All had at least one broken leaf and in one instance the retaining collar could not be found. Each bogie has two Nathan four way distributers and Ian Senini is progressively reconditioning them. The bogies are fitted with eighteen flexible high pressure grease hoses, all have been replaced ($$). Many of the steel bushes on the spring equalising beams have been replaced as most were worn over specification.
So after three years and many thousands of hours work we can start to see that light at the end of the tunnel. After we have completed the four bogies we will start and have a serious look at the engine units. The team has already started on the top end of the leading unit but this is only the start. The horn stays were known to fracture in service and the microscope will need to be applied here .As previously reported the valve gear has been removed and found to be in good condition. The connecting and coupling rods are next on the list after the big end bearing extractor has been completed.
Interesting times ahead
Alan Gardner
Jun 21, 2010
Sunday 20 June 2010
The day started with a visit from Father Christmas (AKA Ian Senini) who asked everyone to gather around his trailer. One by one we were all given a component that Ian had completed at his home workshop. This included two Nathan four way oil distributers, stoker controls and the first of the DV5 mechanical lubricators. Ho ho ho!
The last of the four bogies was removed and as expected it was covered in bucket loads of crud(technical term for cylinder oil and coal dust). It was with great confidence that the guys started the strip down of this last bogie. Following on from the expertise gained from the first three bogies the decision was made to roll the bogie upside down. This allows for easy access to the myriad of split pins and the eventual use of the torque gun. It now takes about four hours to strip a bogie compared to four days when we first started. Although this work has been enjoyable the team is now looking forward to a different challenge that will hopefully not include working on our backs.
The completed draft package was lifted into position, but it took a bit of grunting and groaning before the last bolt was tightened up. The next job in this area will be to fit up the leading coupling. We have also ordered new flexible brake hoses so the front end of 6029 will soon start to look like a finished locomotive.
Work continued on the Westinghouse brake distributing valve and the fitting of two new cup seals to the leading brake cylinders. The old leather seals were still serviceable however the opportunity was take to replace them because they cannot be accessed once the locomotive is completed. In fact the front tank has to be lifted off before access can be obtained!
The steam cleaner is receiving some long overdue repairs with David building a new trolley at his home in Cootamundra. Thanks David
Now that the we are well into the bogies, planning is now focusing on the engine units proper. The next big chunk of work will be the removal of connecting and coupling rods. The big end roller bearings require the manufacture of a pulling tool. This tool screws onto the inner race of the bearing and with the push of a hydraulic ram the inner race is popped off. This will allow the removal of the connecting rod, all be it with the overhead crane. Most of the valve gear has already been removed and assessed to be in good condition, but we anticipate many hours of metal polishing here.
Our next workday is Saturday 3 July.
Alan Gardner
The last of the four bogies was removed and as expected it was covered in bucket loads of crud(technical term for cylinder oil and coal dust). It was with great confidence that the guys started the strip down of this last bogie. Following on from the expertise gained from the first three bogies the decision was made to roll the bogie upside down. This allows for easy access to the myriad of split pins and the eventual use of the torque gun. It now takes about four hours to strip a bogie compared to four days when we first started. Although this work has been enjoyable the team is now looking forward to a different challenge that will hopefully not include working on our backs.
The completed draft package was lifted into position, but it took a bit of grunting and groaning before the last bolt was tightened up. The next job in this area will be to fit up the leading coupling. We have also ordered new flexible brake hoses so the front end of 6029 will soon start to look like a finished locomotive.
Work continued on the Westinghouse brake distributing valve and the fitting of two new cup seals to the leading brake cylinders. The old leather seals were still serviceable however the opportunity was take to replace them because they cannot be accessed once the locomotive is completed. In fact the front tank has to be lifted off before access can be obtained!
The steam cleaner is receiving some long overdue repairs with David building a new trolley at his home in Cootamundra. Thanks David
Now that the we are well into the bogies, planning is now focusing on the engine units proper. The next big chunk of work will be the removal of connecting and coupling rods. The big end roller bearings require the manufacture of a pulling tool. This tool screws onto the inner race of the bearing and with the push of a hydraulic ram the inner race is popped off. This will allow the removal of the connecting rod, all be it with the overhead crane. Most of the valve gear has already been removed and assessed to be in good condition, but we anticipate many hours of metal polishing here.
Our next workday is Saturday 3 July.
Alan Gardner
Jun 15, 2010
Tuesday 15 June
Between workdays.
The enthusiasm of our workforce is something that I am very proud of. One example of this is the willingness of the team to organise extra workdays whenever possible. Last Sunday Paul, Andy and Tony continued on with the rebuild of the leading bogie. The main fame is presently turned upside down allowing access to all of the nooks and crannies that are usually inaccessible. Thanks guys...job well done.
As Monday was a public holiday, the Sydney team continued with the rebuild of the cab at Eveleigh.
Mike Ridley got stuck into areas beneath the cab floor that had corroded due to the accumulation of water and coal dust. The corroded areas had been replaced with new metal a few weeks ago, but needed to have the welds dressed and the whole area cleaned and painted.
Ron Denholm removed old rivets from one of the side panels to allow the frames to be separated from the panels, allowing the corrosion that was presently distorting the panels to be removed and treated. Mike Reynell fitted new material making up the new door frames and Ian Macdonald delivered some new panels to replace some that were beyond repair and took away some old panels, including the roof, to use as templates so that he can manufacture the replacements we require to bring the cab back to life.
Peter Reynell spent a lot of the day drilling holes in new components preparing them for fitting in the near future. He finished making the brackets that will attach the roof to the cab sides....Thanks again guys.
Alan Gardner
The enthusiasm of our workforce is something that I am very proud of. One example of this is the willingness of the team to organise extra workdays whenever possible. Last Sunday Paul, Andy and Tony continued on with the rebuild of the leading bogie. The main fame is presently turned upside down allowing access to all of the nooks and crannies that are usually inaccessible. Thanks guys...job well done.
As Monday was a public holiday, the Sydney team continued with the rebuild of the cab at Eveleigh.
Mike Ridley got stuck into areas beneath the cab floor that had corroded due to the accumulation of water and coal dust. The corroded areas had been replaced with new metal a few weeks ago, but needed to have the welds dressed and the whole area cleaned and painted.
Ron Denholm removed old rivets from one of the side panels to allow the frames to be separated from the panels, allowing the corrosion that was presently distorting the panels to be removed and treated. Mike Reynell fitted new material making up the new door frames and Ian Macdonald delivered some new panels to replace some that were beyond repair and took away some old panels, including the roof, to use as templates so that he can manufacture the replacements we require to bring the cab back to life.
Peter Reynell spent a lot of the day drilling holes in new components preparing them for fitting in the near future. He finished making the brackets that will attach the roof to the cab sides....Thanks again guys.
Alan Gardner
May 31, 2010
Monday 31 May 2010.
The Westinghouse brake system fitted to 6029 is the number 6 type. Originally designed as the next generation, state of the art system, it was first used on the diesel powered Burlington Railroad Zephyr high speed rail motors of the 1930’s. It was adapted to Australian use in the 1940’s as the A6 ET type. A denoting Australian, 6 being the system type and ET denoting engine and tender. Later versions would also have 3 and 4 control pipes that would allow the driver of the leading locomotive to apply and release the independent locomotive brakes when double heading etc. Naturally 6029 does not have a coal tender but for all other purposes she is fitted with a A6ET brake system. Maybe it could be renamed A6EB, the B denoting a bunker, but that would be a little over the top.
During the winter months, many of the small brake components are being overhauled off site. The first of the brake components to be tackled is the air compressor. This vital piece of equipment is probably the most important sub assembly on the locomotive second only to the boiler. For instance if the air compressor fails in traffic the locomotive is effectively un-serviceable until it is fixed. From the outset is was decided to completely overhaul the compressor to the highest possible standard to ensure that as far as possible,it will give reliable service.
Presently the air compressor has been stripped down to the last nut and bolt. All of the cylinder bores were measured and although still within limits it was decided to machine all bores back to completely parallel. Both of the piston rods have been hard chromed with only new piston rings to be ordered. When fitted 6029’s compressor will be almost better than new and we anticipate many years of trouble free operation.
The distributing valve has been stripped for assessment. As suspected it was full of gummed up dirt and grease. The triple valve portions piston ring was seized solid. These rings are very expensive to replace and very easy to break. After soaking the ring and piston in acetone for a few days it eventually freed up. The relay portion is fitted with a neoprene cup seal. This seal was found to be in good condition and will be ok for future use. The usual primer and 2 coats of black enamel have been applied in preparation for assembly and eventual testing.
The duplex air compressor governor, feed vales x 4 and the drivers brake valves will be next on the list. Looks like there will be many more hours work in the shed this winter.
Alan Gardner
During the winter months, many of the small brake components are being overhauled off site. The first of the brake components to be tackled is the air compressor. This vital piece of equipment is probably the most important sub assembly on the locomotive second only to the boiler. For instance if the air compressor fails in traffic the locomotive is effectively un-serviceable until it is fixed. From the outset is was decided to completely overhaul the compressor to the highest possible standard to ensure that as far as possible,it will give reliable service.
Presently the air compressor has been stripped down to the last nut and bolt. All of the cylinder bores were measured and although still within limits it was decided to machine all bores back to completely parallel. Both of the piston rods have been hard chromed with only new piston rings to be ordered. When fitted 6029’s compressor will be almost better than new and we anticipate many years of trouble free operation.
The distributing valve has been stripped for assessment. As suspected it was full of gummed up dirt and grease. The triple valve portions piston ring was seized solid. These rings are very expensive to replace and very easy to break. After soaking the ring and piston in acetone for a few days it eventually freed up. The relay portion is fitted with a neoprene cup seal. This seal was found to be in good condition and will be ok for future use. The usual primer and 2 coats of black enamel have been applied in preparation for assembly and eventual testing.
The duplex air compressor governor, feed vales x 4 and the drivers brake valves will be next on the list. Looks like there will be many more hours work in the shed this winter.
Alan Gardner
May 26, 2010
Monday 24 May 2010
A major milestone completed.
Our resident old mate, Ian Senini advised me this morning that the sheet metal cladding around the fire box area was completed. The email simply said FINISHED.
Ian took on this intricate job late last year and I can report that this task was not easy. Anyone who has worked on sheet metal boiler cladding will tell you that it can be likened to wrestling an octopus while standing on your head. The sheets are bulky, awkward and cumbersome to fit. Ian ended up making most sheets from new and in turn spray painted each sheet in gloss black.
Ian has advised that he is now looking forward to getting back to a heavy metal job. As a consequence of this he now has all four Nathan mechanical lubricators at his home workshop. This will be a great winters job in front of the heater , cant wait to see the end result. See you in Spring time Ian!
Thanks also to Ian's wife Ailsa; two more sets of hands are sometimes needed.
Alan Gardner
Our resident old mate, Ian Senini advised me this morning that the sheet metal cladding around the fire box area was completed. The email simply said FINISHED.
Ian took on this intricate job late last year and I can report that this task was not easy. Anyone who has worked on sheet metal boiler cladding will tell you that it can be likened to wrestling an octopus while standing on your head. The sheets are bulky, awkward and cumbersome to fit. Ian ended up making most sheets from new and in turn spray painted each sheet in gloss black.
Ian has advised that he is now looking forward to getting back to a heavy metal job. As a consequence of this he now has all four Nathan mechanical lubricators at his home workshop. This will be a great winters job in front of the heater , cant wait to see the end result. See you in Spring time Ian!
Thanks also to Ian's wife Ailsa; two more sets of hands are sometimes needed.
Alan Gardner
May 19, 2010
Sunday 16 May 2010
The cladding of the firebox area continued with Ian fitting the last of the sheets that cover the flexible stay caps. Now that most of the sheets are in place, Paul was able to fit the steam isolating valves that feed steam to the power reverser and the turbo generator. The pipes that run on top of the cladding sheets were taken out of storage and assessed for condition and repair. All future boiler work will now focus at the smoke box end. This will start with the fitting of the last 20 super heater elements that arrived a few weeks ago.
A parallel task to the bogie rebuilds is the leading unit draft package and the cleaning of the leading engine frame. This work was completed and all of the associated assemblies will fitted at our next workday. This will facilitate the final fitting of the two completed bogies(when finished) to the leading engine unit. David and Tony continued with the clean down and assessment of the leading bogie. Thanks to Paul, Howard and Milton, as they were able to transfer most of the grime from the leading engine unit onto themselves. Our new volunteer Andy, was introduced to the electric wire brush and by day’s end had more parts ready for painting.
Specialist contactors are now on site repairing the front tank and addressing the associated rust issues. When they have completed the hot work, the tank will be sand blasted and prime coated, ready for lifting back onto the engine unit when the time comes.
Our next workday is Saturday 5 June.
Alan Gardner
May 11, 2010
Tuesday 11 May 2010.
A big thank you to everyone who has contributed donations to the project recently. As a result of this great effort the front tank is now receiving some attention. The old repair patches are being cut out and renewed with new steel sections. Some internal baffle plates will also be replaced. When the hot work is completed the whole tank will be sand blasted and prime coated by a specialist contractor. Our onsite spray painter, Peter Reynell, will soon apply some serious top coats of basic black. It has been a few years since Peter first painted 6029 but he assures us that he has not lost his skill in this area. Maybe a bit slower though.
This Sunday the 16th of May is our next workday and the leading bogie and leading engine unit will the top priority tasks. If we realise a good turn up of volunteers for the next few workdays we will soon be fitting both bogies and the front tank to the leading engine unit. WOW!
Ian has almost completed the cladding around the firebox area and he will soon be looking for a new Job. Ian has offered to put his skills to work on the mechanical lubricators, well done Ian. Bruce is also working away at home on the power reverser and Mike & Co are progressing well with the Cab at Eveleigh. He advises that the assembly stage is about to start.
So as you can see we are progressing on several fronts so please make the effort to come along and help get 6029 steaming. Again, if we get good numbers we should see the leading engine unit back together in the next couple of months.
Please note our project supporters are now listed on this page. Particular thanks to Goodwin Alco. Also thanks to Mike for keeping the blog page up to date and our project mascot, Oscar the Border Collie.
Alan Gardner
This Sunday the 16th of May is our next workday and the leading bogie and leading engine unit will the top priority tasks. If we realise a good turn up of volunteers for the next few workdays we will soon be fitting both bogies and the front tank to the leading engine unit. WOW!
Ian has almost completed the cladding around the firebox area and he will soon be looking for a new Job. Ian has offered to put his skills to work on the mechanical lubricators, well done Ian. Bruce is also working away at home on the power reverser and Mike & Co are progressing well with the Cab at Eveleigh. He advises that the assembly stage is about to start.
So as you can see we are progressing on several fronts so please make the effort to come along and help get 6029 steaming. Again, if we get good numbers we should see the leading engine unit back together in the next couple of months.
Please note our project supporters are now listed on this page. Particular thanks to Goodwin Alco. Also thanks to Mike for keeping the blog page up to date and our project mascot, Oscar the Border Collie.
Alan Gardner
May 4, 2010
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
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