The last of the four bogies was the main focus of the days work. The team fitted the flexible lube lines in time for Ian to deliver the next two sets of Nathan four way lubricators. The completed bogie was then transferred behind the trailing engine unit in preparation for its installation. We had to pinch ourselves...yes we were there, all done. All four bogies are ready to grace the network metals again, well done team. The opportunity was taken to complete some long overdue housekeeping around the space occupied by the bogies for the past year.
Andy and Tony started the clean up around the hind engine unit and cylinders in preparation of the installation of the forth bogie. As predicted bucket loads of baked on cylinder oil and road grime are prevalent and we expect quite a few hours of toil here. The next couple of workdays should see this task completed with only the bogie to roll under.
As the bogie work is all but completed the boiler cradle leading pivot was the next job on the list. Graeme and Shaun fitted both halves of the very large bronze pivot castings. The reconditioned tension spring nuts were screwed down to the pre-set clearance. While we were working on the leading pivot, Marc and Paul removed the live steam ball joint that is situated just above the pivot casting. The two lube lines that supply oil from the mechanical lubricators were found to be completely broken off. The cavity that the ball joint sits in was completely block solid with congealed oil and again lots of crud was cleared away. Needless to say, the lube lines will be repaired to the usual standard and maybe the oil will again be delivered to where it is required.
The good news is that we are now almost ready to start the reassembly of the engine proper. The first job will be to lower the boiler cradle into position followed by the boiler soon after. Having said that, we now need to raise the funds to facilitate the crane hire. We are asking for everyone to chip in and in fact, $3,000 will see the mighty 60 class starting to look like the real deal again.
Our next workday is Sunday the 20th of February and if we get a good turn out of volunteers we will be almost ready for the big reassembly.
Alan Gardner
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Feb 7, 2011
Jan 18, 2011
16-17 January 2011.
Our first workdays of 2011 got off to a good start as for once it wasn’t raining in Canberra. Large puddles of water were still prevalent but at least the forecast was for a fine and sunny weekend.
The object of the weekend was to install the third bogie(hind inner) under the hind unit. Andy and Tony continued to clean up the hind unit bogie pivot and sub assembles to facilitate the final fit of the bogie in question. No surprises here except for more coal fines in the frame casing cavities. This area directly below the coal screw conveyer and bunker so we guessed that there may have been some overflow when 6029 was being filled up for its runs. The final fit out of the bogie consumed significantly more time than we estimated as the project manger couldn’t work out the difference between left and right. As a result of this three attempts were made to fit the pedestal keep plates, third time lucky hey!
Paul stripped down the hind unit draft package(the big spring that absorbs the in train buffing forces) on the hind unit and as usual more road grime was present. The bottom retaining plate holding the draft package in place was cleaned down and crack tested with no issues identified. However the ¾" nuts were almost non existent from the effects of rust...Replacement nuts and bolts have now been ordered.
At 16:00 hrs on Sunday the inner hind bogie was lowered into position will little bother or fuss although the hot and tired crew were ready for a well earned drink and pat on the back.
Alan Gardner
While this was happening in Canberra, the cab was again receiving attention at Eveleigh, with more new panels being fitted. In one of the best turnouts we have had for a long time, Mike, Mike, Ron and Malcolm were onsite for the day. Lots of hands made light work, allowing the new roof panels to be trial fitted and they are a surprisingly good fit. The roof is made in three sections and are yet to be trimmed and welded together, but there is most certainly light at the end of the tunnel.
By the end of the day, all the panels that make up the sides of the cab had been refitted and we had even managed rehang a door with new hinges...It wont be long now and we can rivet it all back together.
The object of the weekend was to install the third bogie(hind inner) under the hind unit. Andy and Tony continued to clean up the hind unit bogie pivot and sub assembles to facilitate the final fit of the bogie in question. No surprises here except for more coal fines in the frame casing cavities. This area directly below the coal screw conveyer and bunker so we guessed that there may have been some overflow when 6029 was being filled up for its runs. The final fit out of the bogie consumed significantly more time than we estimated as the project manger couldn’t work out the difference between left and right. As a result of this three attempts were made to fit the pedestal keep plates, third time lucky hey!
Paul stripped down the hind unit draft package(the big spring that absorbs the in train buffing forces) on the hind unit and as usual more road grime was present. The bottom retaining plate holding the draft package in place was cleaned down and crack tested with no issues identified. However the ¾" nuts were almost non existent from the effects of rust...Replacement nuts and bolts have now been ordered.
At 16:00 hrs on Sunday the inner hind bogie was lowered into position will little bother or fuss although the hot and tired crew were ready for a well earned drink and pat on the back.
Alan Gardner
While this was happening in Canberra, the cab was again receiving attention at Eveleigh, with more new panels being fitted. In one of the best turnouts we have had for a long time, Mike, Mike, Ron and Malcolm were onsite for the day. Lots of hands made light work, allowing the new roof panels to be trial fitted and they are a surprisingly good fit. The roof is made in three sections and are yet to be trimmed and welded together, but there is most certainly light at the end of the tunnel.
By the end of the day, all the panels that make up the sides of the cab had been refitted and we had even managed rehang a door with new hinges...It wont be long now and we can rivet it all back together.
Jan 11, 2011
What happens when an armament fitter gets interested in steam?
Ian Senini has outdone himself with his latest project.... Take a look at the wonderful job he has done on the mechanical lubricators for the Garratt!
He has transformed the old, neglected lubricators into what I suggest is easily better than new condition.
Have a look at the before pictures, and compare them with the after... You will see what I mean! And then look at how complex they are... Every output is an individually metered, self contained pump, and Ian has rebuilt every one...
Well done Ian!
He has transformed the old, neglected lubricators into what I suggest is easily better than new condition.
Have a look at the before pictures, and compare them with the after... You will see what I mean! And then look at how complex they are... Every output is an individually metered, self contained pump, and Ian has rebuilt every one...
Well done Ian!
Dec 29, 2010
What is the best way to find something you have misplaced?
At the last work day, it was found that spacer that is part of the lateral control assembly could not be found... Now I ask you... What is the most reliable way to find it?
Make a new one! And that is exactly what has been done. Al had a new one made a day or so after the last workday, so we can be sure that the original will be staring at us the moment we finish the assembly of that last bogie... Murphy's law pretty much guarantees it!
Make a new one! And that is exactly what has been done. Al had a new one made a day or so after the last workday, so we can be sure that the original will be staring at us the moment we finish the assembly of that last bogie... Murphy's law pretty much guarantees it!
Dec 22, 2010
Sunday 19 December 2010
Following on from the efforts of the team at Eveleigh on Saturday the guys at Canberra started bright an early for the last workday of 2010.
The leading engine unit was once again lifted to allow the leading inner bogie to be rolled out clear. Four new ¼-½ inch BSP nipples were fitted to replace the worn out brass type. A trial fit of the flexible hoses confirmed all was well with the grease lubrication system to this bogie.
New replacement packing plates for the centre pivot bowl had been ordered in the past week and were on site ready for fitting. It was decided to replace the old 3/8 liner with the same as we may have vary the packing when the locomotive is being weighed. After the packing was in place, the composite low friction liner and locking ring was installed with an easy tap in fit. With a final check of all clearances the bogie was rolled into place and the engine unit was lowered into place with all being well. The flexible grease pipes were installed and fresh grease pumped through. The four inch diameter king pin was lowered into place, the locking plate and split pin fitted and finally we could say job done. Now onto the hind unit! Thanks to Paul Nowland, Graeme Kidgell, Shaun Barker and Marc Miller.
Pater Reynell washed down some of more gummed up components of the hind unit. This is in preparation for the removal of the hind unit draft package. The draft package is directly behind the headstock and is attached to the shank of the coupling. In essence the draft package absorbs most of the in-train buffing forces and from past experience we expect hours of fun here. When Peter has finish with the external clean up of the hind unit, the draft packaged will be dropped out for full inspection.
The day came to a sudden end at 13:30 hours as the rain set in for the rest of the day. Yes the joys of working out doors.
Alan Gardner
The leading engine unit was once again lifted to allow the leading inner bogie to be rolled out clear. Four new ¼-½ inch BSP nipples were fitted to replace the worn out brass type. A trial fit of the flexible hoses confirmed all was well with the grease lubrication system to this bogie.
New replacement packing plates for the centre pivot bowl had been ordered in the past week and were on site ready for fitting. It was decided to replace the old 3/8 liner with the same as we may have vary the packing when the locomotive is being weighed. After the packing was in place, the composite low friction liner and locking ring was installed with an easy tap in fit. With a final check of all clearances the bogie was rolled into place and the engine unit was lowered into place with all being well. The flexible grease pipes were installed and fresh grease pumped through. The four inch diameter king pin was lowered into place, the locking plate and split pin fitted and finally we could say job done. Now onto the hind unit! Thanks to Paul Nowland, Graeme Kidgell, Shaun Barker and Marc Miller.
Pater Reynell washed down some of more gummed up components of the hind unit. This is in preparation for the removal of the hind unit draft package. The draft package is directly behind the headstock and is attached to the shank of the coupling. In essence the draft package absorbs most of the in-train buffing forces and from past experience we expect hours of fun here. When Peter has finish with the external clean up of the hind unit, the draft packaged will be dropped out for full inspection.
The day came to a sudden end at 13:30 hours as the rain set in for the rest of the day. Yes the joys of working out doors.
Alan Gardner
Dec 19, 2010
Saturday 18th December, Cab Progress
The last workday for 2010 at Eveleigh saw a lot of progress, yes, a lot! Just the two Mikes(Reynell and Ridley) got stuck in to it and the pictures show what can be done when a plan starts to come together.
First order of the day was to build a frame to support the entire cab and to hold everything square. You can see from the pictures that the frame is more than a few sticks of timber. The frame will remain attached to the cab until it is reunited with the boiler cradle.Once square and rigid, the work became much easier as it was much easier to create the required reference points and to reattach each component.
Some more parts were collected from our old mates at R&L Wall in Lidcombe on Friday and today saw them all fitted without too much problem. The new rear quarter panels still require a bit of bending, and a few pieces welded in, but overall, everything went together very well and it was well worth the effort of replacing the badly damaged panels.
You may also notice that the spectacle plates have been replaced. The old ones had suffered badly in places, as had most of the cab. Full points must go to Ian and Chris from R&L Wall, as they not only made the new ones, but also did an amazing job of saving all the fittings from the old panels without damaging any..... Thanks Chris!
There will be little adjustment required to the panel above the fireman's window as well, a problem that was only revealed as the surrounding panels were reattached. No problem however, as the generous application of heat and a swift whack from a large hammer should see the problem corrected at the next workday.
The next workday should see all the panels in their final positions and the cab ready to be riveted as required.... Now wont that be nice!
Mike Reynell
First order of the day was to build a frame to support the entire cab and to hold everything square. You can see from the pictures that the frame is more than a few sticks of timber. The frame will remain attached to the cab until it is reunited with the boiler cradle.Once square and rigid, the work became much easier as it was much easier to create the required reference points and to reattach each component.
Some more parts were collected from our old mates at R&L Wall in Lidcombe on Friday and today saw them all fitted without too much problem. The new rear quarter panels still require a bit of bending, and a few pieces welded in, but overall, everything went together very well and it was well worth the effort of replacing the badly damaged panels.
You may also notice that the spectacle plates have been replaced. The old ones had suffered badly in places, as had most of the cab. Full points must go to Ian and Chris from R&L Wall, as they not only made the new ones, but also did an amazing job of saving all the fittings from the old panels without damaging any..... Thanks Chris!
There will be little adjustment required to the panel above the fireman's window as well, a problem that was only revealed as the surrounding panels were reattached. No problem however, as the generous application of heat and a swift whack from a large hammer should see the problem corrected at the next workday.
The next workday should see all the panels in their final positions and the cab ready to be riveted as required.... Now wont that be nice!
Mike Reynell
Dec 8, 2010
Saturday 4 December 2010
The leading engine unit is now staring to look like a complete locomotive. Andy Hays and Howard Moffatt spent a few hours going over the last bits of the grey primer. The trailing end of the leading unit was given a final coat of black in preparation for the fitting of the leading inner bogie. This bogie has been finished for some time now, but could not be fitted as a new centre pivot bush was being manufactured. The new bush was completed by a contractor early on in the week. The female pivot on the bogie was full of water due to Canberra wet spring and as a result of this some surface rust had to be cleaned off before the bush could fitted. Lachlan took out the water and cleaned out the surface rust. The bush was fitted with a good size for size fit and some long tack welds were also applied to ensued that the bush will remain properly fitted. The leading engine unit was lifted and the bogie rolled into place with no issues. There is nothing more pleasing when a plan comes together like clockwork.
Andrew Bridger and Graeme Kidgell continued with the strip down and assessment of the hind unit valve gear and motion. It all looks to be in good condition but the years of grime will see endless hours of polishing.
From an overview perspective the fitting of the last two bogies to the hind unit will be the top priority but before this can take place, many components that the bogies stop access to will have to be addressed. Items such as the coupling and draft gear will have to now be dropped out. Hey haven’t we done this before, oh yes....its a Garratt. Twice the loco and twice the fun!
Alan Gardner
Andrew Bridger and Graeme Kidgell continued with the strip down and assessment of the hind unit valve gear and motion. It all looks to be in good condition but the years of grime will see endless hours of polishing.
From an overview perspective the fitting of the last two bogies to the hind unit will be the top priority but before this can take place, many components that the bogies stop access to will have to be addressed. Items such as the coupling and draft gear will have to now be dropped out. Hey haven’t we done this before, oh yes....its a Garratt. Twice the loco and twice the fun!
Alan Gardner
Dec 6, 2010
Saturday 4th December
The Sydney Chapter...
While most went to Canberra to work at Garratt Central, the two Mikes (Reynell and Ridley) spent a very productive day at Eveleigh, fitting some of the long awaited replacement panels to what was left of the Cab.
The first thing to be done was the fitting of the panel above the window. This panel had so much damage from corrosion that some parts were totally gone, a product of years in the weather and the corrosive nature of soot that has collected between the joins in the metal. Once the panels above the windows were fitted, the rest of the replacement window frame was prepared and carefully fitted, before being welded in.
With the window frames reconstructed, the cab sides were again stood up and positioned so that the rest of the cab can be reconstructed and temporarily bolted together, before our friends from the powerhouse museum come in and rivet the whole thing back together properly, a milestone many of us will be glad to see come and go. That milestone is still a month or two away however, as we are still waiting on a few of the panels, and with only one workday before Christmas,time is going to get the better of us.
Mike
While most went to Canberra to work at Garratt Central, the two Mikes (Reynell and Ridley) spent a very productive day at Eveleigh, fitting some of the long awaited replacement panels to what was left of the Cab.
The first thing to be done was the fitting of the panel above the window. This panel had so much damage from corrosion that some parts were totally gone, a product of years in the weather and the corrosive nature of soot that has collected between the joins in the metal. Once the panels above the windows were fitted, the rest of the replacement window frame was prepared and carefully fitted, before being welded in.
With the window frames reconstructed, the cab sides were again stood up and positioned so that the rest of the cab can be reconstructed and temporarily bolted together, before our friends from the powerhouse museum come in and rivet the whole thing back together properly, a milestone many of us will be glad to see come and go. That milestone is still a month or two away however, as we are still waiting on a few of the panels, and with only one workday before Christmas,time is going to get the better of us.
Mike
Nov 23, 2010
Sunday 21 November 2010
With the majority of the bogie overhaul work completed, some of the team has now moved onto the connecting and coupling rods. Some high tensile pull rods have now replaced the mild steel ones that failed last workday, and have proven up to the task of helping the strip down.
As a result of this all of the coupling, connecting rods and valve gear has now been stripped off the leading engine unit. There are now many hours of cleaning and crack testing for the crew to undertake. The magnetic particle crack detector will help speed up this process, but only after the years of 60 class road grime is cleaned off. Every pin and bush will be measured, recorded and assessed for fit and limit of wear. A painstaking task, but when completed we will have an accurate record of the motion, and a picture of what work is ahead of us for the first half of next year. As this type of work cannot take place out doors, the stripped motion is now off site and out of the weather.
Unfortunately, our resident photographer Howard Moffatt could not attend our last workday so we only have a few pictures to show and will just have to wait until the next workday to see where we are at.
Alan Gardner
As a result of this all of the coupling, connecting rods and valve gear has now been stripped off the leading engine unit. There are now many hours of cleaning and crack testing for the crew to undertake. The magnetic particle crack detector will help speed up this process, but only after the years of 60 class road grime is cleaned off. Every pin and bush will be measured, recorded and assessed for fit and limit of wear. A painstaking task, but when completed we will have an accurate record of the motion, and a picture of what work is ahead of us for the first half of next year. As this type of work cannot take place out doors, the stripped motion is now off site and out of the weather.
Unfortunately, our resident photographer Howard Moffatt could not attend our last workday so we only have a few pictures to show and will just have to wait until the next workday to see where we are at.
Alan Gardner
Nov 9, 2010
Saturday 6 November 2010
The early morning light revealed to all that the leading outer bogie was almost ready for final installation. All it needed was the fitting of two Nathan four way oil distributors. The two outer bogies are about 6 inches longer than the inner bogies and this means that much of the associated bracketry is subtly different. Our first attempt to reassemble this bogie resulted in a tactical retreat when we found that the available overhauled assemblies of oil distributers were of the short type from the inner bogies. Thanks to Ian for overhauling a long set set in record time. Once the correct ones were fitted and the bogie turned over to the correct orientation (right side up), all of the bolts and split pins were double checked for tightness and proper fit. Well worth the effort as three split pins were missing. A final few dollops of black paint and we were good to go for the final fit.
The leading engine unit was lifted clear of the temporary wooden blocks and the bogie was pushed into position. A few grunts and groans later and yes she was in place. The flexible oil lines were connected up and the air operated grease gun delivered a few pumps of grease to each point on the bogie. There are only about 228 grease points on the entire locomotive… There are plenty of things to remember when preparing the locomotive for service.
After the bogie was back in place, the guard irons were bolted up with all new bolts fitted. While we were at it, we had a good look at the leading steps. It comes as no surprise that the fireman’s side step had a twist that looked unsightly. The decision was made to remove it and send it out to be straightened. A 200 ton press soon sorted out these issues and a fresh coat of paint will be applied before it is re fitted.
After lunch (thanks to this week’s chief cook Lindz) the strip down of the right hand leading coupling rods commenced with vigour. The crew has never done this type of work before and soon learnt about the fine detail points regarding disassembly. The main driving bearing is the same type roller as fitted to the big end. The extra-long strong back rods (3/4 all thread from Bunnings) could only hold to about 20 tons of pressure and being mild steel, snapped like carrots. It was worth the try, but four high tensile rods will be ordered before the next workday.
Back over at the cylinders, David Clark continued with the drilling out and tapping of the ½ inch BSW holes and yes each one is almost glass hard. David is slowly getting through this hard task but he advises that he spends more time sharpening drills that drilling holes.
Ian Senini dropped in to show the first of the overhauled Nathan mechanical lubricators. To say that the end product is magnificent is truly an understatement. It will almost be a crime to fit them to the finished locomotive as they look better than new. A separate report will be posted shortly featuring the overhaul of the mechanical lubricators.
Our next workday is Sunday the 21st of November. Work will continue with the coupling rod strip down. All motion and valve gear enthusiasts are welcome.
Alan Gardner
The leading engine unit was lifted clear of the temporary wooden blocks and the bogie was pushed into position. A few grunts and groans later and yes she was in place. The flexible oil lines were connected up and the air operated grease gun delivered a few pumps of grease to each point on the bogie. There are only about 228 grease points on the entire locomotive… There are plenty of things to remember when preparing the locomotive for service.
After the bogie was back in place, the guard irons were bolted up with all new bolts fitted. While we were at it, we had a good look at the leading steps. It comes as no surprise that the fireman’s side step had a twist that looked unsightly. The decision was made to remove it and send it out to be straightened. A 200 ton press soon sorted out these issues and a fresh coat of paint will be applied before it is re fitted.
After lunch (thanks to this week’s chief cook Lindz) the strip down of the right hand leading coupling rods commenced with vigour. The crew has never done this type of work before and soon learnt about the fine detail points regarding disassembly. The main driving bearing is the same type roller as fitted to the big end. The extra-long strong back rods (3/4 all thread from Bunnings) could only hold to about 20 tons of pressure and being mild steel, snapped like carrots. It was worth the try, but four high tensile rods will be ordered before the next workday.
Back over at the cylinders, David Clark continued with the drilling out and tapping of the ½ inch BSW holes and yes each one is almost glass hard. David is slowly getting through this hard task but he advises that he spends more time sharpening drills that drilling holes.
Ian Senini dropped in to show the first of the overhauled Nathan mechanical lubricators. To say that the end product is magnificent is truly an understatement. It will almost be a crime to fit them to the finished locomotive as they look better than new. A separate report will be posted shortly featuring the overhaul of the mechanical lubricators.
Our next workday is Sunday the 21st of November. Work will continue with the coupling rod strip down. All motion and valve gear enthusiasts are welcome.
Alan Gardner
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