Our Asset Manager Ben and volunteer Andy made the most of the sun and completed a washout on 6029 in the morning as preperation for the trip out west continued. The 60 class will also be undergoing a boiler inspection before heading west so a myriad of small tasks are being undertaken by Ben and assisted by our volunteers. See the website for details on where you can see the fruits of their labour out west.
Attention after lunch shifted to 1210 as work continued on preparing its boiler for lifting. New volunteer Daniel Griffiths and Dave Sutton were busy underneath uncoupling the tender from the loco and cutting airlines on the ashpan before moving on to undoing the retaining nuts for the cab roof. At the front of the engine, Andy Heys and Malcolm finished removing bolts securing the smokebox to the frame. They must have got them all as they managed to get a jack under the smokebox and lift it 5 or so cm off the frame. The crane to lift the whole lot out will be booked in coming weeks and then a full survey of the boiler will be undertaken.
3016 was due to run the following day on a special Mothers Day service to Bungendore and was quietly raising steam in the shed following replacement of a blown superheater element and some smaller housekeeping tasks. Newly minted fireman Jack speant the late afternoon giving her a good wash.
Uncaptured by the camera, the strip down of the MCE is in full swing with most of the outer panelling removed and windows stripped out. Our Engineering Manager Alan has confirmed that what lies beneath is in good condition despite years of exposure to the Canberra weather. Volunteers have also already made a start on the inside of the carriage preparing the internal ceilings for repainting. Work was also going further down the shed on AL 1040 which is now sporting some wonderful etched windows and even has some fresh paint appearing on the outside, a hint to what colour it may eventually appear in.
Garry R was noted in the TDS car refreshing some of the interior paint.
John C was also hard at it continueing to seal the roof on CPH 27. A slow task requiring much patience but it would certainly have paid off for the following day when it was running museum trips in the rain.
Operations manager Les was busy with paperwork for new volunteer Daniel and returning life member Michael Potter. As is standard with all our crews, Michael was to undergo a periodical check ride the following day on the Bungendore train. Les also mounted a shunt in the afternoon to get the train together for the following day.
As you can see, theres much activity at the museum at the moment with a solid team spirit and effort moving things forward. If youd like to be part of the team, the Society is holding a open day for new volunteers this coming weekend (Saturday 14th May). Its a great opportunity to come down and talk about how to become involved and learn about the Society and its operations. Full details are available on our facebook page under Canberra Railway Museum.
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