How Things Worked

Here is any interesting site that details how some rail equipment works. It is US based but some of the technology was used in Australia. In NSW for example we used the belt driven electrical power and steam heating. Our cars have the belt drive system. It was called the Stones system as that is the manufacturer of much of the gear.

It is based on the drawings of a retired New Haven employee who spent his career working on rolling stock. He is recording what he remembers so it won't be lost.

Stacks to Do

We received a message this morning that some timber that had been donated to us has been cut and is ready. Fortunately the timber yard are going to deliver it (no charge). But we need to stack it properly so it can dry. We have been given some scrap ply that will be cut into strips and placed between the timber.

All of this is to happen next Sunday so everyone who can please be there. If you want more info please give Alan a call.

The First

After a few false starts we finally had a workday yesterday. I received a report from my onsite correspondent as I was unable to attend. Anyone else who was there and wishes to add details please do so.

Work continued on the window sill. Paul and Alan got stuck into it. It justs needs a final sand and paint now. Stephen cleaned up the carriage. As work had mainly been on the outside lately the inside became a dumping ground so it needed attention.

Alan had to leave early so it was decided to to call it a day.

Back to Work

We are hopeful we can finally get back to work this Sunday. The forecast is good at this stage, fine and 28. A confirmation will be posted later in the week.

At the Quarry

If you are at a loss for what to do with the workdays being cancelled we have the answer. The Australian Railway Historical Society has just released a new book on the Quarry Railways around Sydney. It is part of the Sydney's Forgotten Railway series that has been so popular. It covers our local Yarramundi line as well as 5 others. Go to the TRAK site to download an price list and order form. For more info email us, see the profile page for contact details.

Summer Days

Its that time of year again. The hot lazy days of Summer. Unfortunately it is not good weather for carriage restoration. We have cancelled all workdays so far this year, one for lack of volunteers and the rest due to extreme weather.

Last Sunday was the first one with suitable weather but due to a number of things most of our regulars were unavailable.

Our plans for next Sunday, 21st, are on hold at the moment as the forecast is for 41 degrees C. Not suitable weather for working on the side of wooden carriages. If there is a change to the forecast as the day gets closer we will review the cancellation.