Eveleigh work days

More milestones

2009-10-08T22:00:00.006+11:00

With Eveleigh back on the map as a heritage centre scenes like this with multiple heritage locos from multiple operators "on shed" will hopefully be the norm for many years to come.

Eveleigh Alco hood units paused briefly side by side before the Eveleigh workdays team fitted the 4 8 3 3 with spring packs and diaphrams which will again allow it to be coupled with link fitted heritage rollingstock.

15 years in the planning, the buffers were moved into position.....

...and bolted up ready for the fitting of the plates.

Once in position a needle gunning to remove the many layers of old damaged paint was performed.

Although now again servicable a lick of primer and the top paint coats will pretty up these fittings and support heritage operations for a long time.

Another milestone was the final refit of the "Redfern end" carrier plates to L516.....

..to reinstate the drawgear.

With the path clear the overhauled bogie was pushed under the car....

...and the king and queen castings again mated.

After many hours of work the proud team gather for a group photo and to reflect on their efforts.
Only 1 end to go!

Spring activity

2009-09-19T22:56:00.011+10:00

The day began with steam loco 3265 being towed out front to be prepared by PHM staff for the official launch.

Work under L516 is continuing with the fit up of a battery box. Measurements were taken to ensure correct clearances are achieved.

The battery box frame was assembled under the car however a few problems were encountered.

The battery box we are using was originally from a different carriage and it appears that Richie Brothers used a slightly different mounting arangement.

At the other end Scott, Dave and Patrick were preparing to assemble the belt driven generator.
The brackets are cleaned before mounting.

The support bracket is assembled under the car.

The generator is hung ready to be connected up to the wiring.

Graham continues priming and painting fittings for battery boxes.

Another bracket is painted black.

The guards area in the HKB is also progressing. This week we assembled a surround for the hand brake wheel. The original was missing and a new one was sourced.

The hand brake wheel will be mounted soon.

Meanwhile Steve continued scraping back and sanding the ceiling boards ready for painting. This is a long and tedious job.

The vacuum cleaner comes out at the end of the day to keep the work area clean.

Window jewelry is prepared to go onto new windows being installed in the FS cars.

Who spotted the shiny ring?

Jess and Dave continued replacing old windows throughout the day.

As each window is replace all the window runners and trim is reassembled.

Another one goes in.

And another batch is prepared to be replaced.

Another battery box

2009-09-14T19:26:00.007+10:00

L516 is missing its battery boxes. This car had two 12 cell boxes on each side when built. In recent weeks we have been collecting parts to be able to assemble battery boxes under this car. As we collect each individual part it is needle gunned and cleaned before being primed and painted black.

Graham follows on with a coat of metal primer.

Gloss black paint in applied to all parts prior to assembly.

The frame is assembled to check all sizes and clearances. It will now be dismantled and be reassembled under the carriage.

To be continued next work day

New windows in old carriages

2009-09-14T18:52:00.000+10:00

Several carriages are having their windows replaced at present. The original windows are now more than 30 years old and the timber frames are life expired.

New windows were manufactured by Bob Bennett from Pinnacle Cabinets & Joinery at Molong. The replacement windows incorporate the important inclusion of safety glass.

Felt runners and window latches are recovered from the original frames and reassembled on the new windows prior to refitting the in the carriage.

Two more windows are replaced. Another job well done!

Another big day

2009-08-22T21:25:00.000+10:00

There was much activity at Eveleigh today.

The drawgear carrier plates for L516 were prepared for installation.

After heating in the forge they were shaped to the correct profile.

A correct shape carrier plate ready almost to install.

New battery box lids were manufactured for loco 4464.

Follow the restoration of 4464 here.

The battery box frame for L516 was needle gunned and primed ready to reinstall.

All metal surfaces are painted with primer.

A battery box frame almost ready to assemble.

Another step closer

2009-08-16T21:01:00.003+10:00

The side steps on L516 are being replaced with original steps.
During conversion from TAM502 to L516 in 1978, the side steps were replaced with much larger steps to assist the breakdown gang crews to enter and exit the car from ground level. We have now removed these steps and replaced them with the original type.

Measurements were taken to ensure the correct size steps were applied.

Another job completed.

HKB battery box – Part 2

2009-08-16T20:32:00.007+10:00

The steel frame that supports the missing battery box we are replacing has been carefully reassembled under the van.

This box is diagonally opposite the existing 8 cell box.

The metal frame was painted black prior to the wooden box being bolted in.

A 4 cell wooden battery box was then fitted into the frame and suitable packing timbers manufactured to ensure a good fit. The box was bolted into the frame and now awaits fitting batteries and wiring.

516 Underfame

2009-07-28T20:23:00.005+10:00

In recent weeks the team has been working on the underframe of L516. Old paint and grime are removed using a needle gun.

After each section is thoroughly cleaned the painters follow with a coat of metal primer.

Once the primer has dried a coat of gloss black is applied to the under frame.

More on the inside

2009-07-28T20:00:00.004+10:00

Work continues sanding back the ceiling and walls in the vestibule area of the HKB.

Rotten timber panels above both side doors have been removed and replaced with new wood that was machined to size.

Once the ceiling and walls are sanded back they will be painted in primer.

On the inside

2009-07-14T17:03:00.002+10:00

The guard’s vestibule area has been cleared out and is being prepared for painting.

The ceiling is being stripped back and will be primed prior to being painted in the original colour.

The hand brake mechanism will be serviced and reassembled prior to painting.

Interior markings will be reproduced after the interior has been painted.

Battery boxes

2009-07-14T16:50:00.002+10:00

Whilst inspecting the underframe of the HKB it was noticed that one 4 cell battery box was missing. The team made a list of missing items including the box, support brackets and carrier frame. We have been able to obtain the missing parts and these are now being prepared for installation.

Support brackets and carrier frames are cleaned and primed ready to be reassembled

The brackets will be painted black prior to final assembly.

All NSWGR loco hauled stock used 24 volt DC lighting. Twelve 2 volt battery cells were placed in battery boxes under the carbody and these were charged by a belt driven dynamo.

The large 8 cell box is still under the HKB and this photo shows four battery cells in each half of the box. These 8 batteries are connected in series (8 x 2 = 16V). The new box will have 4 additional cells (4 x 2 = 8V) which will once connected in series give a total 24 volt working voltage.

Black steps

2009-07-14T16:35:00.006+10:00

Work on the HKB continues with all steps now replaced, primed and painted black.

Steve applies the final coat of glass black paint to the steps.

Another task is completed.

A massive attack

2009-07-06T21:01:00.007+10:00

Another cold day greeted the Eveleigh work team but the massive effort from the 20 oldmates that attended ensured that a blistering pace was set and the work list was burnt through in no time.
The HKB had the last of its door windows put back in place with new rubber section

which will keep the drafts out for years to come.

Down stairs the torch team put the top coat on the frame

with a shiny black coat resulting.

Step production continued with more slats

measured, jigged

and screwed in place.

After the BBQ some still had room for a quick tea party and sweetie, good one cupcake!

Deep in discussion others planned strategy.

516's sills received more attention

whilst the bogie brigade did some last minute scrapeing

ready for the painters and primer.

Locos were also targeted by the various teams with the garratt boys attacking the windows

before really getting stuck into the cab sides.

After lots of sparks

the cab now looks like an IKEA product but we're assured that the boys know how to put it back together.

It certainly makes it easier to sweep the cab out!

Inside The 5 9 1 7 Neville continued with his boiler quest

whilst The 4 4 6 4 also received some close inspection from the Lithgow oldmates.

At long last the missing compressor components and doors have arrived for reassembly.

A few toenails were checked during the day as well. The fun just never seems to end......

One step at a time

2009-06-14T18:42:00.010+10:00

Despite the extreme cold weather, work continues at Eveleigh. This week a full set of new wooden steps have been manufactured for HKB813.
All the original wooden steps were rotten and in need of replacement.

The new steps were cut and machined to shape using the woodwork machinery on site. All of the new timber was then primed prior to being fitted back on the carriage.

New step treads have been machined to shape, predrilled and primed ready for fitting to the new steps.

All the step brackets were needle gunned, primed and painted gloss black prior to the new steps being fitted.

A guard’s doorway step fitted without treads applied.

Another step is fitted with the treads screwed into place.

This vehicle is almost ready for painting.

Takin' care of business

2009-06-01T00:00:00.014+10:00

The heritage restoration business is a fun but serious business and one that requires commitment and constant effort to achieve compliance and worthwhile results. The Eveleigh work days team takes its work very seriously and also makes every effort to help others to achieve their goals when they can.
At present the Large erecting shop is the temporary home of visiting locos and carriages from the LVR and works continue to take care of what needs to be done.
This work day saw a few visitors and oldmates combine to continue the repair works on 5917.

The works on the 59 have something for everyone to do from cleaning off the road grime....

... to replacing boiler stays.

After the old stays are cut the "prod" is required to fish out the debris.

These old stays are still in solid condition but are being replaced as part of the maintenance plan and also support detailed inspection works to confirm boiler condition.

The new stays have been manufactered on site at Eveleigh and once screwed into the firebox are "knocked down" to lock them in place.

Using the riveting gun is hard work but these boys have been around many boilers in their time and certainly know the ropes.

While the attraction of big walve steam locos back in the shed has got a few people busy the majority of the team continues on carriages.
Richard has been busy finishing off the wiring runs in L516....

...and is now at the stage where the first terminations are underway with the reinstallation of the corridoor switches.

The HKB body work is teasingly close to completion and this week Bob finished off the guards "crossover doors" with the fitting of the cover trims.....

...the weathproffing of the joints.....

...and a final fill and sand of a few rough patches.

Chris continued on his step replacement with his nuts and bolts approach to the nuts and bolts....

.....and the final painting of primer to the step brackets.

Enjoying a day off from garratt duties Ron the cabin boy defected to Team HKB and finished the body sanding....

...and applied the last of the tinted undercoat.

After lunch Ron also spent some time tidying up gutter strips on the LVR cars with a lick of gloss black.

Until the supply of new windows arrives the rebuilding continues.

Some frames cannot be salvaged but the brasses, some felts and jewellery can.

Slotted head brass screws are also in short supply so those that can be are saved and reused.

Today a look through the square window sees a bear in there.....

...and a Steve as well!

Once rebuilt the windows are given a silky smooth coat of Indian red gloss enamel on the outside and a fresh coat of varnish on the inside.

Another of the defectors, Graham from the Oberon group helps clean the windows up ready to be reinstalled....

..by trimming and scraping the excess paint off the glass.

Then the brasses are cleaned up.....

...and refitted to the side frames.

The brass strips get screwed in place with a felt spacer and guide the free movement of the windows in the carriage window openings.

One more shipment of screws has been received from our UK envoy....

... so they've been used with new felt to provide the tension required to make a free but firm window fit.

With all the refitting done the window sides are given a quick wax....

....and another overhauled window is reinstated. Only a hundred or so more to go......

Steaming along well.

2009-05-23T23:37:00.011+10:00

The sun rose on our latest Eveleigh work day and the Large erecting shop was again a hive of steam, heritage and volunteer activity. With 5 steam locos (plus a garratt cab and BoB remnants) in residence on this day it was hard to believe that not long ago there were plans to bury the past and build a high rise building here!

Visiting RailCorp heritage loco 3642 in steam outside on the apron was not only performing a heritage train operation to Newcastle but it also carried a special headboard as a tribute to steam legend and oldmate Ian Thornton. Well done lads!

With the pig departed the steam action continued inside the large with the Canberra boys busy hotting up 6029's cab roof.....

...and knocking down the bolt heads to convert the cab temporarily to an open top model.

The cab roof hatches allow vital cool air into the hot cab for crews and as they have deteriorated badly during the years of storage they will be remanufactured prior to the cab being reunited with the boiler unit.

Keep up the progress boys and dont forget how it goes back together!

2 other steam locos were also receiving attention with 3237 getting the wash out treatment....

..and 5917 receiving a few new stays. Thanks to Robs excellent machining skills theres no problem supplying the requirements just like has been done at Eveleigh for 120 years.

As usual the P Reynell testimonial lunchtime BBQ & salad bar proved a big hit with the hungry workers and struggled to cope with the demand. Next time we might have to use 2 feeds?

Carriages of course received the majority of attention during the day with the visiting LVR FS cars getting some specialist works completed by the Eveleigh work days volunteers.
Windows are a constant work task and these cars are no exception.

To ensure ongoing safe operations the windows are being inspected and where required removed for adjustment or overhaul.

The cover strips and side runners are removed and all components including the screws carefully placed so none are lost.

Once out the windows are stripped down and repaired as required or replaced as necessary.

Over time many items wear and need replacement including often overlooked details like door felts.

These items may look decorative but they help keep the drafts out, reduce the doors rattling whilst on the move and protect wayward fingers that could get trapped between closing doors.

The felts have a rubber insert and are nailed in place.

Work donwstairs on the HKB accelerated at a great rate thanks to the focussed efforts of a small team. Chris decided to tackle the replacing of the remaining step boards and treads and was soon grinding.....

... and banging.....

...to get the old steps off.

Chris is now sourcing new timber and has started shaping the new steps ready for fitting.

With a clear run at the underframe the dynamic duo of Graham and Ron continued to needle gun the frame and soon had it looking like new.

Graham is one of the stalwart workers on the Oberon Heritage Tourist railway and his efforts to assist at Eveleigh is a greatly appreciated example of inter group support. Ron of course is one of our inspirational oldmates from waaaay back.

Bob followed the boys applying a good coat of primer to the frames....

..and the result speaks for itself.
Thanks all, see you next fortnight.

Its all coming together.

2009-04-14T20:10:00.006+10:00

Another day has dawned at Eveleigh and the significance and usefullness of the Eveleigh heritage precinct is realised again.

Inside the shed the boys made an early start to get 516's bogies stripped back with needle guns.

Not only does the bogie get stripped back to bare metal ready for painting but the bogie can be thoroughly inspected and any defects more easily seen.

To expedite the exacting job of machining yoke bushes, expert help has been brought in.

Rob (not a dentist so we can show his face) made easy work turning up the 2 bushes to the exact size....

.... and then pressed them into the yoke.

Next came the reassembly of the spring pack and welding of pins....

...and the "Redfern end" yoke is ready for reinstallation.

The auto pin (also expertly machined) is trial fitted to complete the job.

After an extended absense on the road, our chief eleco Richard has returned to complete the 516 rewiring task.

Having previously run the main wires, Richard has now commenced terminating and testing the circuits.

Elsewhere in 516, other internal activity is now underway.

Bob has picked out a suitable backboard for the saloon end of the car.....

...and with it mounted on the centre compartment (ex attendants compartment)wall, he and Steve commenced assembling a first class seat module.

With the first squab and back in position, Bogie boy Benson was called in to perform a load test.

Not being able to help themselves, the boys were soon passing up a luggage rack selected from stock....

...and had it screwed and mounted in no time.

Work also continued on the final preparation of historic HKB 836 which is now even closer to completion.

With preparations for the Mateland SteamFest in full swing all efforts were turned to reinstalling the generator after lunch.
The first task was to remount the insulation and cabinet panels.....

...and make sure the gen would fit back under cleanly.

Our hand model demonstrates a recent hatch mod, complete with one of his mums kitchen drawer handles.

After some groaning and gentle pursuasion the gen is back in place....

...and the filters replaced to finally complete the works.

With a thorough inspection and full service this job definitely has a happy ending in time for the big trip north.

Catch up time

2009-03-31T22:47:00.011+11:00

Its been a while between drinks (particularly in the ABN) and despite a range of distractions and other projects in many areas, good progress continues thanks to the efforts of the Eveleigh work day team.
Since our last look inside the shed the HKB has gone pink. The use of tinted undercoats is a long standing railway tradition used to help provide a good final coat so with the final stages of the HKB's body overhaul getting close, the first coloured coat has been applied.

Theres still a few niggly dents and scratches to tidy up so some putty freckles have reappeared.

Inside the boys continue their works to make the doors run smooth like they never have before......

....while Steve having finished his external patches is now replacing some damaged internal timbers.

Project 516 has also been the recipient of some rekindled works with missing sill replacement underway.

The new sill has the recesses cut out with multiple saw cuts and then the "fingers" snapped out.

A clean up of the edges and an overall sand follows,

....and the sill is then test fitted in place.

Work on the compartments has also recommenced with the bedding stripped for stuffing and new trim. This involves the removal of many securing tacks....

...to remove the precious green vinyl cover....

.....and reveal the inner lining.

The compartment floors are also receiving new masonite base sheets......

...prior to their covering with new lino.

Thanks to many individual efforts over many weeks the ceilings can now receive their coat of gloss "Manilla" enamel.....

...and the light fittings and vents reinstalled.

The windows have also had their polished tracks and catches reinstated......

....and the sills finished off with a hard setting coat of brilliant Bristol enamel.

Preparation of the ABN for its next outing has also seen Shamus continue with the overhaul of the generator....

...and even Mr S Tinger sacrificed one of his last days of freedom to help adjust the clapper switches.

Lunch time saw a gathering of oldmates and lit candles to celebrate the 45th anniversary of our oldmate Bob who announced to all that he couldnt believe that his 29 years of railway restoration activities had passed so quickly. Congratulations oldmate, lets hope you get to enjoy many more at Eveleigh.

Down the back of the shed the father & son reinforced articulated team started trial fitting of the gutter strips....

...and spectacle plate section to the cab.

Not being shy types, the boys soon had the new rolled cab boiler angle being fitted.....

...cut.....

...drilled....

.... and bolted in place.

Canberra escapee Mike has also now become a team fixture and continued the clean up works to get all the components ready for final placement.

Prior to "gluing" the new metal in place a survey of the cab was performed and some ingenious but simple methods used to get the cab squarely in place.

The missing lower door and step plate were reunited briefly to check all was well....

...and then a new section of frame angle welded in.

After a quick grind.....

...and a lick of primer its on to the next job(s).

In the News.....

2009-02-14T17:28:00.002+11:00

The recent article below is from the St George and Sutherland Shire Leader and highlights the efforts of our father and 2 son volunteer team at the Eveleigh work days.
The "Rowlings" who share a passion for rail heritage restoration have an unblemished attendance record at our Eveleigh workdays and have become leaders in our work team with Dad Steve passing on his meticulos wood working skills to sons Todd & Brett.
A great example of the passing on of traditional skills to future generations and how we can help secure our heritage for the future.

Oldmates West - The Cowra Road trip

2009-02-10T00:13:00.005+11:00

For a change in scenery and to help out our oldmates at the Lachlan Valley railway, the Eveleigh oldmates headed west to Cowra for a weekend of boiler, carriage repair and social activities. Despite the temperature hovering in the low 40's day and night, much progress was made and we suspect a good time was had by all.

Here we see part of the boiler brigade who worked with the LVR team to remove and fit boiler tubes to The 5 9 1 7 steam locomotive......

...whilst over in the carriage shed father and son Steve & Todd carried out repairs to internal car fittings.

Another team worked on sealing the carriage roofs ready for another year of operations.

All in all a satisfying weekend away and a great example of oldmates working together.

Hot progress.

2009-02-01T01:03:00.012+11:00

The traditional end of year "shut down" period may be a hot time to work but its the time where routine maintenance tasks and other works can be completed with minimal disruption to services.
This year our crewvan, ABN 2194 is the target of works to ensure see that it continues to give sterling service for our oldmates during those long days out on the road. A good crew van certainly makes a difference!

The 240V generator has been removed to check water leaks and basicly receive a tone up. Whilst out the boys ponder the task ahead and consider improvements that can be implemented.

With the water pump off a check is made to ensure all looks good before reassembly.

The roof of the ABN also received some attention with minor roof repairs and a fresh coat of silver applied.Some old and new hands made light work of the task first "blackjacking" the joints....

...and soon had the silver coat applied....

....and ready for another years work.

Further over the HKB progress continued......

....with Steve sanding and finishing the trim to ensure a first class finish.

The protective metal corner strips were rusted and beyond salvaging.......

so new plates were ordered (thanks Ian), primed....

...drilled and countersunk......

...and then fitted into place. Brendon has been nominated for Apprentice of the year and his work clearly shows why.

A final external primer coat sees another job well done.

The treads on the door steps have also begun to be replaced.

Next on the list were door repairs. Bob was curious as to why the guards door was bulging......

....so the internal lining was removed.....

...and the 30 year secret revealed. A combination of newspapers, timesheets and departmental envelopes dating back to 1979 were found in the bottom having rattled in after being used to try and wedge the loose door window shut.

To finish the job a new door catch was also installed.

In the luggage area Todd and Brendon decided they'd get into the door act as well and having adjusted the big door runners which had dropped, these doors now run so freely no guard would recognise them.

The welcome lunch break was this week prepared by Bob on the BBQ......

...and Steve on the Bweadwolls. A welcome break from the heat of activity.

After lunch the 516 team continued the door theme sanding the new vestibule doors...

...and applying a sealing primer coat.

A few feet away the final movements saw the last bogie spring back in position.....

....keenly watched by other team members.

Previously the buffers were removed from 516 but to provide marshalling flexibility and a smoother ride are being reinstated.

Finished dooring, the team position the new buffer....

...and with a coordinated push and spring fit place them in position.

Underneath Bob fits the retaining nuts....

...and then sweats out the lunchtime drink while tightening them up.

Down the back of the shed the garratt cab is looking good.

Ron returned to finish his cab cleaning and priming works....

...and now the painting is done the fitting of replacement parts can be commenced.

Thanks again to our oldmate Ian, the metal parts have been manufactered exactly to order. The new cab barrel angle is ready for marking out and drilling......

.... and will be fitted along with the new spectacle plate section.

The lower sections of the cab walls have some significant wasteage so new sections have been folded to be "glued" in as well as new gutter sections.

Back to business.

2009-01-18T23:50:00.012+11:00

Heritage restoration has started at the Large for another year with the old team, plus some new faces, getting back to work on January 17.

The bogie team is tantilisingly close to having the first bogie ready to go back under L516....

...with the springs being in place and the bolster trial fitted.

The white spots tell the story of the many pins and bushes changed.....

...but theres still a few tidy up jobs to do.

The collection of pins are lined up for comparison of sizing and as trophies of the job.

To get a "showroom" finish on the HKB, half the team spent the day bogging....

and sanding the many small gaps and gouges.

The final strips were also packed with malthoid to even out and seal behind the strips...

and the last handrails screwed back in place.

Part of the crew also returned to the 516 body project and finished off the works on the recanvased canopy. A mix of Navy dressing was prepared...

and with the aluminium cover strip and ventilator mounted....

..the whole canopy was given another water proof coat.

For the first time in a long time lights could be seen illuminating the interior of L516.

A closer inspection found Steve & Bob closing the car ends by rehanging doors.

The interior of the car ends have suffered from modifications and the original doors were not in place.

The doors repaired during late last year were finally hung....

...with new hinges being screwed in place.

Its good to finally have the car back to lock up stage.

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T14:41:00.001+11:00

On the last work day for 2008 we replaced the missing window in the sliding door. After several attempts the glass was fitted to the rubber using the correct tools. Another job done.

Ending the year on a positive note, the van is now fully painted in white primer. Additional fittings will be added and final painting will be done during 2009.

Continuing the tradition.

2008-12-21T09:17:00.011+11:00

Restoration works at Eveleigh continue to proceed at a great pace using many volunteer "new hands" and some new materials, but still using traditional methods and machinery.
Thanks to the establishment of its own timber working machinery, (which was rescued from scrapping at another railway workshop many years ago by 3801 Ltd) the Large Erecting Shop facility is still a working example of how the railways conducted most of their overhaul and repair business ïn house".
This capability allows the Eveleigh workdays team to produce the essential (and often expensive to purchase) timber mouldings, strips and components for the restoration of its own and other restoration projects. Many of the items required to restore these heritage vehicles simply cant be bought but we can make them!
All you need is the timber to start with....

After checking for nails and any other foreign objects the timber is first passed through the planner to provide a consistent side to work off.

Then the thicknesser is used to reduce the timber to the required size.

Beautifully finished timber ready for cutting timber flows out the other end.

Cutting timber of this size and length requires a serious saw.

Brute force is also required to pull and safely push the timber through to cut it down.

To tidy up and bevel the edges the good old hand plane gets a run....

...and then a quick hand sand removes any remaining "dags".

The end result is another bundle of quality machined timber prepared inhouse and under the time it would take to drive to Bunnings - even if you could buy the right material!

To prepare the strip for fitting the young hands apply their painting skills.

The panels and ends of the HKB are made up of several timber panels so cover strips were used to help weather proof the joins.
The strips machined and painted earlier in the day are measured, cut and fixed in position.

Because the strips are made of hardwood, the nail holes are pre drilled to prevent splitting and then the nail heads punched and puttied to provide a smooth finish.

Another panel is finished!

The strips adjacent to the mail doors are metal to provide additional strength to the door framing. These have been removed, cleaned, painted and refitted.

The main door strips are bolted in place through the body to the internal metal angle framing.

Metal plates were also applied adjacent to the bottom door frame corners to minimise body damage from platform trolleys. Water ingress has resulted in these rusting from the inside so they have been removed and replaced.

Some of the corner roof moulding have also become cracked or damaged so new pieces are hand crafted and screwed in place.

With the metal work off the main body panels were found to be in excellent condition and only required a quick clean up with the sander.

The body has also received an initial spot prime to seal the screw heads and minor cracks and then the whole side rolled with a thick coat of primer ready for final sanding and painting.

The 516 bogie team continued on replacing those hard to get at final pins.

The positions required to repair these bogies could certainly not be called ergonomic!

After consultation on the rating requirements for shear forces the centre casting has been bolted up using high tensile bolts.

The brake cylinder has also received the attention of the fitters.

After removal the piston was striped and cleaned....
...ready for a new "leather" seal to be fitted.

A new triple vale (CAR - Charges, Applies and Releases the brakes) has also be fitted to make sure the car not only runs well but also stops!

With our steam friend The 5 9 1 7 still in the shed many hands were occupied with its preparation for its final run of 2008 the next day.

The 4 5 0 1, still grubby from its steam assistant duties earlier in the week, was used to position the 59 for coaling outside the magnificaent facade of the Large Erecting Shop.

Nick the coalman has been a great supporter of Eveleigh steam operations over many years and again came to the party with the delivery of another load of "black rocks". These ones came from Werris Creek.

The end of another successful Eveleigh work day sees much progress, the fire burning and steam slowly being raised.

Steamy days

2008-12-07T21:41:00.009+11:00

The Eveleigh work days just get bigger and bigger with more work, more oldmates and more feeds happening in the shed.
With the arrival of summer and new visitors, the days are now much longer and steamier than experienced for a long time so 3 meals to keep the troops going are the order of the day.

The apprentice cook started the day with a good helping of various animals dished up ABN style and provided much needed energy to get the oldmates on the job.

First task was to finish the 516 spring ordeal.....

....and with some jacking and banging another job was completed.

Over on the HKB Steve continued his repair works routing an exact edge to butt the patch.

This van seems to have suffered many hits and bangs over the years and thanks to sound repairs like this she's now well prepared for many more runs in the future.

With the sides tidied the cover strips are now going on.

The door handrails sit on top of the strips so the holes are drilled.....

...and the long screws waxed and screwed in to firmly hold them in place.

Last the strips are trimmed off flush with the bottom of the car sides....

....and everything given a good coat of primer.

After lunch the group gathered to help support our oldmate Keg with his "Movember" fundraising effort. During "Movember" Keg joined the ranks of those growing Mo's to raise funds for research of various mens illnesses. Our Eveleigh oldmates donned fake Mo's to support Kegs effort and through their donations additional funds were raised.

Some of the resulting looks wernt that convincing.....

....and some looked downright suspect....

...but everyone had a giggle, albeit briefly for some that had trouble sticking the distance.

The steamy side of the day saw much attention turned to preparing 5917 for her run the next day.

During the week a run of new fire bricks had been started with a new mould constructed to finally make the right bricks available.

Out on the wood heap Chris started breaking up the light up material....

......and after many trips a steady fire was burning nicely and steam raised slowly.

Everyone wanted the engine to look its best so out came the cleaners.
First the tender was washed of grime to show the excellent paint finish applied at Cowra....

...and then the boys did the same on the bolier.

With steam being raised attention turned to more tidy up jobs.

Having been steam cleaned the driving wheels received a fresh coat of black...

...and the rods polished to show off their length.

The bro's and Jess put in a big effort all round....

...and the results speak for themselves.

After a quick inspection underneath everything was ready for a day out on the road.

2 years may have passed since the 3 8 0 1 left the building but steam, skills and oldmates are still alive and strong at Eveleigh, just the way its been for 120 years.