That's The End of That

Well for this year anyway. We had our last workday for 2006 yesterday and it was just some of the usual crowd who showed up. We were hoping our carriage guru would be available but he didn't call. The weather was good for working although it felt a little warmer than forecast.

We arrived to find Mario had the truck parked across the driveway so that was a good excuse to have a chinwag. When we finally got to the worksite it was time for a good cuppa. When the important bits were taken care of we finally got to the carriage. The filler we had applied on the last workday was well set so we cleaned it up and sanded it off. As we expected it needed a bit of topping off so that was done and then we went to lunch.

Paul had provided a huge tray of sandwiches along with a cheese plate and followed by fresh fruit salad and accompanied by suitable refreshment (non alcoholic of course, the safety officer couldn't bring anything else to a worksite). We could get used to this. I should mention there were some beetroot sandwiches, sorry but that is an inside joke and for those who don't get it just be thankful that I'm not going to explain it! We could get used to this. Nora and Mario joined us and we saw out the final workday in style.

When Alan suggested that it might be good to let the filler cure till the next workday the idea was met with hearty agreement. All that was left was to clean up the worksite and the lunch area and we could call it a day.

Thanks Paul for looking after us and for those of you who didn't make it you miss a fine meal.

(There were no photos today as although I took a couple they were the same as previous occasions, just Alan working and everyone else hiding. I should have taken a shot of the lunch but was more interested in consuming than recording).

Filming Trains

At the last meeting we played a tape of the Glenreagh Mountain Railway. I have just found this blog of a filmmaker who has made a documentary on the volunteers there.

Last for the Year

After last week's workday was cancelled, due to the extreme weather forecast, a new forecast was released that reduced the temperture but the first one turned out to be accurate. Some of the committee members met to work a special project I can't talk about yet so the day wasn't wasted.

Next Sunday will be the last workday for the year. The forecast is good apart from the chance of an early shower but that usually means it won't get this far inland. So hope to see all carriage group members and anyone else who can make it.

The End is Near

Working on the window sills is almost finished. We continued on the last section yesterday. Despite our first impression that it was in good condition it turned out to be the worst area with a couple of very bad spots.

Alan and Kevin removed the windows etc as Paul and I continued cleaning and sanding the sills. We were pleased when Stephen arrived as he has picked up lunches on the way.

After lunch as the temperature climbed into the 30s, a start was made on preparing the ends of the car. The doors and end walls were sanded. The window bars were removed. Being under cover the ends are in good condition and we may just sand them back a bit and give them and coat of paint.

Alan tested the self drilling screws for the sides and they work well. Putting the sides on won't be a difficult job but will be a big one.

Alan is pictured applying filler while Kevin watches and Paul reclines comfortably inside asking when this train is due to depart. As usual click on the picture for a larger image.

This will be the last workday for a couple of weeks. Next weekend is the Penrith exhibition and the following Sunday is the TRAK Christmas event. See the calender on the left for details.

A Leaderless Rabble

Well it could have been. Alan wasn't able to be there so that left Kevin, Paul and I. Fortunately we were able to keep each other working and we finished the section of window sill we started at the last workday a month ago.

We arrived to find that there wasn't any problem despite some wild weather of the last couple of weeks. All the tarps were fine and only the corners of the plastic we used to cover the current work area had lifted.

After sanding the area we filled last time Kevin painted the sill. After lunch we started to prepare the next and last section. We haven't removed the windows yet but that is the next step. Apart from a small area where a plug has rotted the last bit of sill appears to be in good condition.

So that is our task for next Sunday. Remove the windows and finish that part of the sill. Anyone who can help please come along.

A Bit Wet

Due to the wet weather today we canceled the workday. It is impossible to sand and paint wet timber. Weather permitting we will have a workday next Sunday. Since we canceled it the rain has stopped, of course, but the timber will still be too wet to work on.

Alan has purchased the screws need to fit the sides. That will be our next job as soon as the window sills are done. It will happen sooner with more help so anyone who can please give us a hand.

Rail Video

A reminder to all our workers there will be no workday this weeekend as it is the Kurrajong Scarecrow Festival and we will be there. The next workday will be next Sunday 5th November, check the calendar on the left for other dates.

In the mean time have a look at Derailed for a great video.

Another Carriage?

TRAK has been offered the donation of an additional American Suburban (aka end platform) carriage. We made an offer for this car a few years ago but were unsuccessful. The owners wish to dispose of it and are now offering to donate it to TRAK.

The only problem is our site is full. We need somewhere to store it if we are not going to miss out on it. Our prez David is currently following up some leads but without success so far. If you know of anywhere in the local area where we may be able to store it please let us know.

This is a generous offer TRAK would like to take advantage of so please contact us if you can help.

Still on the Sill

Work continued on the window sill yesterday. We have progressed to the 1st Class end of the car. Half the windows in that section were removed and repairs to the sill were carried out. We were disappointed to find it was in worse condition than we had expected. There were several areas that had been previously repaired with plugs or filler. Many of these had to be redone. A first coat of filler was applied, it will be sanded and a second application made next workday. It was left to set as the weather had turned cool and with light showers.

There was a comment that from the photos people will think only Alan does any work. There is not totally true, everyone else gets out of shot quickly. In this shot Alan is sanding the sill as Kevin moves not quite quickly enough to be out of the photo. Paul and yours truly were also there. (Click on the picture for a larger image).

Quote of the day - "that screw was holding by a thread" - Kevin as he removed a very rusted screw holding on the windows.

There will be an exciting announcement in the next couple of days so call back again soon.

There won't be a workday for a couple of weeks. Next weekend is the Air Show and traffic will be a mess around the area (if you're coming to the show use the train). The following Sunday will be Scarecrow Festival at Kurrajong, drop by if you can. We will be back here on 5th November. As always check the calender on this page.

Sacred Institution

Nothing to do with carriages but plenty to do with our workdays, especialy as they are usually held on Sundays.

See this site

Enjoy

547 in Position

Today saw 547 buffered up to 343. It was on the track but not pushed back. Now we will be able to adjust the tarps so hopefully 1349 will be covered.

Alan continued with the window sill. The 2nd class end is done and work has started on the 1st class sill. The area where we have removed the windows is now covered by plastic.

There was little damage from the wind storm last week. Some branches had blown down but didn't hit anything. Some loose timbers on 343 moved but no damage.

Alan has repaired the generator again. It will be needed soon when we put the sides on.

Don't know what Stephen is looking at. When he stands there pensively we start worrying what he is going to dream up next! As usual Alan is working quietly in the background.

Click on the picture to see a larger version.

Carriage Moved

We arrived at the Carriage Site to find 547 had been moved onto the new track. Unfortunately we didn't know it was happening and so we were unable to record the move. It still needs to be rolled slightly into position but that will happen in the near future. There was plenty of room on the track. It was good to see our cars all together.

We worked through the day yesterday although the wind was strong and made sanding and using filler difficult. There was some rubbish blowing around and when I did the lunch run I had to stop twice to clear branches so I could get through. Nothing stops the lunches making it to our workers! The local takeaway should be a sponsor of TRAK!

The window sill on the 2nd class end was almost finished. It will need some more sanding and an application of undercoat. It was in good condition with only a few small areas that needed attention.

Steve returned the windows he had been working on and took some more pieces to prepare at home. As he lives over an hour away this is how he can be the most productive with the time he can allocate to TRAK. His 38 Buick can be seen in the photo looking right at home amongst our historic carriages. He is inside working while Paul and Alan are working on the window sill and Kevin lurks in the doorway. For a larger view just click on the picture.

We hope to start working on the sides very soon but first we will finish the window sill. The sides will be a big job and we are planning something special for the workday we do them. Keep tuned for the latest information. Another couple of workdays should see the longer 1st class window sill done.

As next weekend is a long weekend we will have a workday on Monday instead of Sunday. All members are invited to come along and give a hand.

This weekend

As mentioned last time there will be a workday on Sunday. Weather is supposed to be warm so don't forget plenty of water.

Next weekend will be a long weekend. We can have the workday on which ever day people prefer so let us know what day you want to be there.

The TRAK Calendar has been updated too. Click on the link to the left for the latest details.

Workday Report

Work proceeded on the window sill of 547 yesterday. After the preparatory work on the last work day we cleaned up and sanded the area to be repaired. Some filler was applied to even out the surface. We concentrated on the centre section as that was the worst area and was the section we initially thought may need to be replaced. However we found it was quite solid with only some surface damage.

After the filler had set it was sanded back and a second coat applied to cover the areas we had missed the first time. Again it was left to set and then it was painted with undercoat. That's what Alan is doing in the photo as Paul hold the ropes from the tarp clear. The photographer risked life and limb hanging out of the carriage window to capture this shot!

Next week we will remove the remainder of the windows and finish the rest of the sill. It is in reasonable condition and very little if any filler will be needed. the end posts and then sides will be the next job when the sills are finished.

After the Storm

Last night's storm dumped nearly 100mm on Richmond and surrounding areas. The Carriage Site didn't escape. I visited this afternoon and there was a considerable amount of water lying around. Fortunately there was none under our cars, around our sleepers. When we laid the track we cleared the area nearby to allow water to escape and it still works.

Inside 1539 is a different matter though. The other cars were dry but the faulty tarp on 1539 allows water to just flow in. I don't think any of the floor was dry. The tarp our guys put on the windows of 547 worked though as the side of the car were wet but not a drop inside. The water had flowed across the end platforms but they were drying off.

So what will we do about 1539? Well when 547 is moved, which will be any day now, we will re-distribute the tarps so that 1539 can be covered. If there is not enough to cover it completely we will need to invest in a new tarp.

Weather permitting, and if enough volunteers show up, this will happen on our next workday on the 17th.

Ready to Move

Well 547 is ready for its big move which may happen during the week. One of the local papers has expressed an interest in seeing how carriages are moved and Mario wants to use 547 for the demonstration. Two goals achieved in one move. Members watch this site or look for an email. As soon as I know the details I will be in touch with Carriage Groups members. I know few will be available during the week but anyone who is can be part of it.

We spent today making sure 547 was ready to move. Anything inside which could fall was removed or laid flat. The generator was removed from underneath. Several ropes that hold the tarp on had been tied to the bogies. They were re-tied to the body.

Kevin and Alan started repairs on the damaged window sill. Originally we thought it would need replacing but closer inspection revealed it could be repaired. A little filler and it will be good as new. The photo shows Alan (on ladder), Kevin (nearest camera) and Paul covering up the windows we had removed to access the sill. Work will continue at the next work day.

The Silky Oak logs that had been donated were moved to our area too. We have been offered some more as well.

As it is Father's Day next Sunday and the following one is the Blacktown Model Show, the next workday will be 17th September. Anyone who can help please let us know.

Preparing for the Big Move

Things have been pretty quiet at the Carriage Site recently and now with the weather starting to warm up and most of our promotional events behind us it is time to refocus and get things moving again. This will be good time for new volunteers to get involved. Anyone who can help please let us know.

This Sunday we are having a workday with the main job being preparing 547 for the move. I visited the site today and gave 547 a quick check. We will need to secure a number of items inside it including ladders, windows and a mirror. We better not forget the generator is under it too!

If we have time Alan would like to get a start on removing the only piece of damaged sill from 547. We can then proceed to repairing the end posts and attaching the cladding to the sides. Once this is done only the roof will need attention before we can get stuck into the interior.

The timber we have been donated need to be moved and stacked too. We have some more Silky Oak coming too.

Big Move Postponed

The planned big move has been postponed until 27th as Mario is not available this Sunday. The following weekend is the Broadmeadow Exhibition so it can't happen then. We will confirm if the move will happen on that Sunday.

If you are available this Sunday and want a regular workday let us know. No doubt it will be discussed at the meeting tomorrow night.

Track Complete

A marathon effort by our crew today saw the track for CBA 547 completed. The track has been moved into its final position and is ready for 547 to be moved.

Next weekend will see the long awaited move happen.

We hope to be able to redistribute the tarps too so that 1549 is covered again by a tarp that doesn't leak.

Any members who are available please come down and give a hand.

New Feature added

In our continual search to make this blog more useful for our members (and because I thought it was cool) a TRAK calendar has been added to the site. I have added events into 2007. If you notice any errors, I swear I put them there to see if anyone uses it, please report them in the comments. So far I have only added events TRAK is part of. If you would like any other event listed just let me know.

It is pretty straightforward to use but here are some things to get you started. Just click on the link and a page will open showing the calendar for the current month. You have the option of viewing as "Agenda" which shows a list of events. The arrows at the top left allow you to scroll through months. Click on an event to see more details, I have not added details for workdays, only other events.

That's it, have fun and let me know if you find it useful.

For those that appreciate the weird and wonderful, Blogger provides a spellcheck facility (that I usually forget to use) but it doesn't recognise the word "blog"!

What's on this week

There will be a workday this Sunday. Ben and Alan are planning to finish the track and also to move the timber they collected a couple of weeks ago. Alan has obtained the bolts needed and is looking into options for drilling the sleepers. They will need help so if you can please come along and give them a hand.

After the Exhibition (Life returns to Normal)

Things have been very hectic over the last few weeks, hence this is the first post for a fortnight. There hasn't been much to post as almost all our efforts have been directed at the exhibition. Fortunately I can report it was a success from many points. Quite a few hundred people visited over the two days, we proved we could pull together a complex plan and organise a wide range of groups to display their interests, everyone involved seemed to enjoy themselves. Financially it was more successful than we expected, we would have been happy to break even. Of course there was lots to learn and we will do many things different next year.

The carriage group was integral to the event as we did much of the behind the scenes work over the four days. Marking out the hall, putting up signs and clearing the garbage were just a few of the tasks we were responsible for. Well done to everyone who helped.

Now it is time to get back to normal. There won't be a work day this weekend as the forecast is not good. Actually the forecast is great, rain that is so badly needed but it makes laying track difficult. I don't think we would have many volunteers if we had scheduled a workday as many of us need a break. Hopefully next weekend will be back to normal.

No workday doesn't mean the committee has been idle as Stephen and Alan have been looking into various ways of drilling the holes for the spikes in the sleepers. Using a normal drill is not an option as they burn out on the hardwood of the old sleepers. Stay tuned for the ideas they come up with. Does anyone know where we can borrow a fettler's augur?

We have picked up the Silky Oak timber donated to us too. Thanks to Ben and Alan for fetching it a couple of weeks ago.

Timber Donated

Well things have been quiet at the site lately due to a number of issues. We have had a few promotions events, few of our volunteers have been available and the weather was a problem on a couple of days. One of the reasons few members were available is the upcoming exhibition. Everything is almost ready and the Carriage Group will play an important part. We are setting up the TRAK stand, marking out the hall, putting up signs, delivering gear to the site as well as generally helping out.

Today however Alan and Ben are collecting some Silky Oak logs that will be sawn into useful timber. Thanks to our members who donated it and to the guy for traveling over there to pick it up.

Track Grows

The first section of new track was laid at the site on Monday. Stephen and Alan had previously laid some sleepers. These were moved into the correct position by Stephan, Jim and Paul. Mario then used the crane to put a couple of rails in place. The fire-damaged bogie was moved off the end of the existing track.

Next workday the holes for dogspikes will be drilled and the rails secured. Some new bolts will need to be purchased to bolt the fishplates to the rail.

The other job completed on Monday was retying the tarp on 683. A rope had broken with the strong winds recently and it was repaired. We have run out of spare rope so that's another item for the shopping list.

The new OnTrak newsletter is out on the TRAK site so check it out.

A Little History of 547

Our carriage guru Wayne Dempsey contacted us recently and gave us a little of history of our carriage. 547 was part of set 12A, the set still existed the first time TRAK tried to buy it. We made an offer on the complete set of three cars before it was split up.

12A had been in service at Campbelltown and was stored at Flemington for a short time. When set 25 was withdrawn it was decided to transfer the toilets to 12A. The original centre partition was retained and the toilets added. This explains the unusual offset toilets and the difference between the two dividing walls. We had noted this.

Wayne also noted that the seats are different. We have original Hale and Kilburn seats and some marked NSWGR Clyde and some with no markings. The Hale and Kilburn seats could date back to the original shipment from as early as 1890. The railways copied them and cast their own at the foundry at Clyde.

Thanks to Wayne for some interesting info.

Laying Track

The weather was on our side this weekend. Although there was heavy rail towards the coast it held off in the west of Sydney until this morning. Our workday proceeded as normal.

I wasn't there so I am reporting what I was told. I was busy with the newsletter so look for it during the week.

Those present got stuck into the first stage of extending our siding to allow 547 to join the rest of the fleet. Several sleepers were laid and are ready for rail. Stephan and Alan discussed the length of the track and rail to be used with Nora.

They also managed to get some more sanding done. Stephen has purchased an orbital sander and reports it works well, better than the belt sander in some areas and as it is lighter can be used for a bit longer. Sanding over your head is hard work and you need to take frequent breaks or rotate with others.

We are planning a workday next weekend and as it is a long weekend there is a choice of workday. Let us know which you prefer. However the weather forecasts are for showers every day but we will check as it gets closer. As usual an email will go out early in the morning if it is cancelled.

The Carriage Move is On

I know we talked about it before but the move of CBA547 to the same area as the rest of our cars is on. The van that was in the way has been moved and now we need to lay track. The Carriage Group Sub Committee and our resident engineer are organising track laying days over the next couple of workdays so if you can help please be there.

Preparing for the Exhibition

It is now just six weeks until the exhibition and there is plenty to do. The Carriage Group has agreed to assist with preparations as well as during the event. In return for the assistance provided the Carriage Group will share in the profits made. Any funds that are available for Carriage Restoration will be very handy. We need to pay for paint for 547 as that will commence once the side claddings are installed.

We have already cleaned, repaired and started painting the bookcase. It needs a coat of final colour to be complete. We will also clean and repaint the a-frame display stands. They are being used this weekend at the Mt Victoria Train Festival but after that will not be required again until the exhibition. Paint will need to be purchased for both stands.

On the weekend of the event, which actually starts on the Friday with setting up, the Carriage Group will be responsible for putting up signs around the area, marking out the hall and assembling the Trak display stand. Over the weekend we will assist the Promotions Committee in any way needed. After the event on Sunday evening there will be packing up, collecting the signs and cleaning up. If the hall is not left as we find it there will be cleaning charges that will reduce our returns.

This is the most important event of the new financial year for Trak and a succesful weekend will mean a good return for the Carriage Group. If you can help please do.

A Busy Day

Once again we turned up to work on 547 but first there were a few other jobs that needed our attention. I have previously said how dangerous the steps were getting so that was our number 1 priority. I removed the top step and cleaned the area of rusty nails etc. before Stephen and Alan arrived. As soon as Stephen started he prepared the replacement step using the former Victorian van steps. Meanwhile Alan and I were busy elsewhere.

Mario needs to move one of the trams opposite our cars and our scaffold was in the way. Actually only one corner was, so Alan and I dismantled part of the scaffolding and then secured the remainder. When the step was ready Stephen gave us a hand and then we all returned to the steps to assemble them. In all two steps were replaced and it is now a lot safer.

In the photo Alan is supervising Stephen as he measures the spot for the second step we replaced. The old step can be seen leaning against 361 (or should that still be W462 as it is in use as a works vehicle?).

After lunch it was time to get to 547. David has lent some rotary wire strippers and we tried them out on a piece of scrap using a cordless drill. It wasn't turning fast enough to make an impact so we will try again next time with a power drill.

Alan has fixed the generator as best he can and it works for a while and then fouls the plug and stalls. With a clean plug it runs again for a while. We tried a rotary tool with a sanding attachment and it cut through the paint quickly. Some sanding and stripping continued using the belt sander on the ceiling as well as the gas burner and hand sanding. A far bit was done by the end of the day.

There won't be a workday next week as we will be at Mt Victoria Steam Train Festival. The next workday will be 4th June.

More on 547

Last time I gave an update for 547 I mentioned we had sanded some of the recently stripped area. This shows a panel that has been sanded and surrounding areas that haven't. Getting into the details is difficult but we will try a rotary tool with a sanding attachment. Work here will progress much faster if we have a few more hands on deck.

Alan is working on the generator as I write this (or that what he said he was going to do when a spoke to him a while ago) so hopefully it will be back on deck on Sunday.

Silky Oak Part 2 and More

In a previous post I mentioned we had been given some Silky Oak timber. When this was initially announced to members we were offered some more. One of our members is removing a couple of Silky Oak and offered them to us for timber. I think they have suffered in the drought and many have died. Alan is following up and we have approached Hawkesbury Woodcraft to cut them for us. We will need a truck or similar to move them so please let us know if there is one available.

There will be a workday on Sunday unless it is raining heavily. An email will be sent early in the morning so if you are in doubt check for a message before leaving home.

New Links

You may have noticed that a couple of icons have been added to the site recently. The wheelbarrow is from AustralianBlogs which as the name suggests is a site that links to Australian Blogs. It has keyword search capabilities and is worth checking out. New sites are added each day. I choose the wheelbarrow icon from all those availalbe as it looks like something that would be at home on our restoration site. It is a little old battered but still pretty useful, much like most of us! Our carriage Site will be added there after it has been announced to the membership in the June OnTrak.

The other link is to FireFox the best browser no matter what operating system you use. Nothing to do with carriages but important when you are checking on the site. Not only is Firefox safer but also more useful, check out the extensions available.

The TRAK site has had some changes too so follow the link to it. There are some updated links on the links page and an exhibition page has been added with a list of exhibitors which will be updated regularly.

What will we do on Sunday?

Although we had no workday this weekend there definitely will be one next Sunday, probably. We have some jobs planned. As well as continuing with the paint removal in 547 we have some maintenance to do and there is some exhibition stuff outstanding.

David Ranger has lent us some rotary wire brushes that Stephen intends to test on some old timber. If it works without damaging the surface it may prove a faster way to remove the old paint.

Alan has been working on the generator and hopefully it will be running properly by then.

If you have been at the site lately you would have noticed how the steps we all use to access the BL (the most important carriage as it is where we keep the coffee) have become a little wonky, actually the top step has rotted away and is now quite dangerous. We have been donated some steps off a Victorian guards van and we will use a piece of these to fix the steps. Thank you to our benefactor who wishes to remain anonymous.

I will cover more on the exhibition in another post but one of the jobs we have to do is prepare the bookcase. It has been cleaned, repaired and sanded. Then Paul applied undercoat. It needs to be painted if we remember to buy paint before Sunday.

If Kevin is feeling better he will be working on 683. There is plenty to do but it is coming along well.

As you can see there is plenty to do so if you are available please be there and give us a hand.

A couple of other bits of news are that there is no news so far on our Silky Oak. Also the planned move of 547 has been delayed for while as Mario is very busy and will be for sometime to come.

Progress on 683

Here's an older photo of Kevin (behind) and Paul (in front) working on 683. Alan is just visible on the platform too. This is quite an old scene as it was just after we took the second railing off. Since then the whole end back to the door has been removed. Kevin took much of the steelwork home for repair and painting and is returning it as he finishes each piece.

I will post some more up to date photos of 683 soon.

Gas, Sandpaper and Undercoat.

Another workday is past and once again we accomplished a bit. The exhibition is now only a couple of months away. I will do a post on what the Carriage Group is doing for and at the exhibition. The first thing today was to do some repairs to the book case stand to prepare it for the exhibition.

Previously some damaged areas had been filled. Each time we use the stand it sustains some damage in transport. I sanded and checked the stand and then Paul sprayed some undercoat on the repaired areas. We will get some paint for the next workday and the stand will be ready. Paul suggested we use a darker colour so it doesn't show the marks so easierly.

During this activity the discussion turned to a replacement. The stand is great once it is at an event however it is bulky and always seems to get damaged. If we could make something that folds down and was more durable it would make life much easier. Several ideas were thrown around and Stephen sketched out the combination of the best. We will show Alan and see what it will cost and what is involved in making it. Hopefully it will be ready for the exhibition.

After lunch we sanded the area in 547 that had been stripped. Stephen had tried to strip some more with the gas torch but the gas ran out. He was working on the last panel of the first side too. The area we sanded came up very well. The little remaining paint and even any scorch marks came off and the surfaces are ready for paint.

Progress has been good considering the small number of people working on it. The walls will be ready for paint very soon.

Workday with a Difference

This week's workday was a bit different as we didn't get much in the way of actual work done. Some unkind people may say that is not all that different to most workdays. Sometimes it is useful to stand back and see what you are doing and decide on the future direction.

Stephen and Jim spent much of the day comparing paint samples to various parts of 547. When David arrived he had a few more suggestions. By the end of the day Stephen had a list of the various colours needed to paint 547 inside and out.

David had escaped from the pressure of being the father of the bride during the last week before the wedding and visited the site for a little while. His main purpose (excuse?) was to deliver our new fire extinguisher. Using the gas torch to remove paint in 547 made many of us a little uneasy. Open flame and century old timber do not make a safe combination. Stephen has been very careful though and we have had nothing worse than slight scorching so far but now we are prepared. David provided a detailed training session which consisted of pull the pin and point the rubbery thing at the fire.

Paul arrived later in the day, he was still recovering from a big night out in town. The heritage buses were giving rides around the city so that naturally was where Paul had been. Going on the time he answered my email he is keeping the same hours as our treasurer. As Safety Officer he was very pleased to hear the extinguisher was delivered.

Our generator has given us a bit of trouble lately. Alan had serviced it a while ago but it still ran rough and smoked so much you would think it had an Alco motor not a Briggs and Stratton. That's a diesel- fan joke, apologies to anyone else. Mario had told us there was a filter behind a cover plate which gets clogged. Everyone gave Alan a hand to load the generator into his ute so he could take it home and check it out.

At that stage those left on site decided to partake of a coffee and call it a day.

A Little Silky Oak and Other News

Late last year we were offered a quantity of Silky Oak. Silky Oak is the type of timber used inside some of our carriages for things like seats and dividers. A large tree was to be cut down and our friends at Hawkesbury Woodcraft offered it to us. They will cut it and help us store it correctly so it can age. I was speaking to John Jones (President of Hawkesbury Woodcraft) and he informed me they were to cut it one weekend recently. I haven't heard anymore yet but it should be ready soon. We will need transport and some extra hands to stack it when it is ready.

The other job coming up soon is the relocation of 547 to our area. The van at the end of our row is to be moved and then we will lay a little more track and 547 will be moved in its place. Rails and sleepers are on site. Mario has been busy but he keeps reminding us it is high on his agenda.


The picture is not in one of our carriages but provided for your inspiration. It is inside the operational End Platform cars at ARHS ACT. Thanks to John Christie for the photo.

A little more help and our carriages, especially 547, can look this good soon.

The next workday is this Sunday and if you are available please drop out for a while.

Changes to the Workday Calendar

Here it is Wednesday afternoon and there is no response to the suggestion of a workday this Saturday so I guess there will be no workday this weekend.

The next workday will be Sun 30th.

There are a couple of changes to the Calendar published in the last OnTrak. The workday on 14th May is cancelled as it is Mother's Day. Also some of the dates in June are wrong they should be for each Sunday not mid week. I must have gotten lost somewhere on the calendar as I was typing them out.

Please update your diary.

Easter Workday

Today work continued on 547. Stephen and Ben stripped the paint from a few more panels and sanded some of the panels already stripped. They found it went much quicker working as a team. As can be seen from the previous photos it is necessary to have proper masks as the fumes are quite strong. This also allows them to do a good impression of Darth Vader. One side of the Economy saloon is almost finished.

Jim removed the last panel from under the windows on the end of the cars. Previously these had been timber panels with five covers strips however at some time they had been covered with masonite and only the side strips. We will be returning it to the former setup.

If more people were available to help we will be able to get this car looking much better very soon. The next big job is recladding the sides. The cladding is on hand. Alan is repairing the end posts and then we will start on the sides.

Progress on 547

This picture was taken a couple of workdays ago. It shows the latest and so far most successful method of removing the paint on the mouldings of 547. Stephen is using a lpg torch and scraper. The paint bubbles when the heat is applied and with a little practice there is little or no scorching of the timber.

After sanding the finish is ready for paint. As can be seen the timber was originally lacquered and later (many) coats of paint were added. We will repaint it when all the old paint is removed.

Originally we were just going to clean up the existing paint and touch it up where necessary. However closer inspection revealed that it was in poorer condition than first thought. Also the mouldings were so full of paint their shape was being lost.

The ceiling above Stephen has been sanded with a belt sander which works well but is hard work. No one can hold the sander above their head for too long without a break and it creates an awful lot of dust.

Stephen at Work in CBA 547

Stephen is using the heatgun to remove multiple layers of paint in 547. This is a rare photo because just after it was taken the heatgun and generator blew up. He now uses a gas torch to remove the paint.

Since this was taken in December much progress has been made. See the latest issue of the Carriage Report for more photos.

Workdays over Easter

There will be a workday on Saturday. It is planned to continue work in 547. This will be stripping paint and sanding back. Also there is some trimming to do although the mowing was finished last weekend.

Any volunteers who are available please let us know (just post a comment) or turn up on the day.

The Carriage Site

Welcome to the TRAK Carriage Site. We plan to use this site to let members see what we are doing as well as letting volunteers know what is happening. This is the volunteers' site so please feel free to add comments and suggestions.

Future posts will detail what we have done on each workday . Also what we have planned for coming workdays. We recommend you bookmark this site and check regularly for the latest news. Future additions may include a feed so you will know when the site has been updated.