Canterbury Railway Society Inc

News

Heritage Train Progress Report

26/5/01

LOCOMOTIVE D 140

Stays are being removed from the boiler. Some scale which missed the acid treatment will be cleaned out by chipping or high pressure water. The main work now required on the boiler is to replace the stays and tubes. It is expected this work will take about two months to complete. The tubeplates have been ultrasonically crack tested.

The new water tanks are now almost structurally complete. As they have been built square, rounded end pieces may be added to make them aesthetically correct. One of the tanks was lifted onto the loco for checking and removed later to have more work done.

The cab/bunker floor and running boards (used to mount the water tanks) are being made. All air reservoirs have been fitted. The coal bunker at the rear of the cab has been fitted. When the pistons are fitted soon the underframe will be complete and awaiting the boiler, cab and tanks.

20 FOOT VAN F 79

The floor has been sanded and coated with polyurethane. The axleboxes have been removed, serviced and replaced in a similar fashion to F 78. A roof vent has also been fitted. This van is now the most complete of the two and should be ready for use soon.

FOUR WHEEL CARRIAGE D 26

The D car has re-entered the workshop to have its overhaul completed. Exterior bodywork is presently being stripped for painting. The flooring is also being done. It is expected that it could take about 12 months to complete this carriage.

20 FOOT VAN F 78

This van is expected to be moved out of the workshop into secure storage soon. Recently the van was jacked up and the wheels removed so that the axleboxes could be serviced. A roof vent was fitted recently. Some minor work is required to complete such as fitting brackets.

WOODEN HIGHSIDER LB 4803

Work on this wagon consists of: replacement of one headstock, replacement of boards, work on couplings. One end of the wagon is now finished with replacement of headstock, boards and posts. At this stage some posts and boards are to be fitted to the other end of the wagon. The couplings have been refitted with repairs done to the coffin support cradle. Metalwork and wood are being scraped and sanded down ready for painting.

Underframe of D 140 with coal bunker at far end. May 2001.	D 140 boiler under repair. Holes left by removed stays can be seen on side and rear of firebox. May 2001.