Blown Away

August in Sydney is known for its winds and this year it got off to an early start. Strong winds hit the local area on Friday 1st August. Some local areas lost electricity.

Our carriage site didn't escape the storm. The damaged tarp on 1539 fared the worst. The little that was left has been totally shredded. Kevin organised a cleanup day yesterday and removed the remnants that were blowing around the yard.

This makes obtaining a replacement even more important. Kevin is following it up and would be pleased to hear from anyone who can help.

Update

There haven't been any posts here for a while not because nothing has been happening but because I haven't been able to visit the site recently. That said things have been quiet over the last few weeks due to the continued wet weather and to a couple of promotions events we have attended.

However despite these interruptions work has been slowly progressing on CBA547. The recent activity is still on the exterior and end platforms. Both end platforms are now almost complete. The decks have been refurbished with new timbers. The headstocks have been repaired and repainted. The gangway plates have been repaired, painted and reinstalled. Now work is continuing on the railings.

One of the first things we did when 547 arrived was identify the railings that needed repair. These were removed and Kevin took them home to repair. They were returned looking like new in a coat of black paint. Since then they have been stored in one of the other cars. In the mean time the end platforms and headstocks have been repaired. This entailed removing every nut and bolt and refurbishing or replacing them, many were corroded beyond any hope of repair. They were then reinstalled and the whole lot repainted. Ultimately the repaired railings were able to be reinstalled.

There are still a few jobs to do to finish off. A couple of nuts and bolts are still to be replaced. Also the railings that weren't removed will need to be cleaned and repainted.

In between these jobs it has been necessary to do the usual maintenance things such as retying the tarps, cutting the grass and keeping rubbish under control.

That was the stage of progress after yesterday's workday. We also took the HM&HS banners out of storage so they could be taken back to the suppliers to have this year's dates applied. We needed to reattach the plastic that is covering the window areas while the windows are out of 547. It had blown loose in the wind. The wind really picked up overnight so I wonder if it is still attached! There are a couple of photos in the 547 album.

New Year Update

Things have been quiet at the site so far this year. With the weather being either wet or hot it has been difficult to arrange a workday. Kevin was there today and informs me the grass needs mowing. After the wet start to the year this is not a surprise.

He has done some work on the Sydney end of CBA547. There is still some work to be done to complete the deck of the end platform and Kevin has taken a board home to cut it to size. The headstock has received some attention with the metalwork partly removed and some preparation for painting done.

It is hoped to have a workday next weekend, weather permitting. The main job will be the grass but when that is done any extra time will be spent on 547.

Christmas Party

Yesterday was the Christmas Party. Nearly twenty people enjoyed the relaxing day at the restoration site. Although it appeared a casual affair a great deal of planning went into the day.

Justin and Kevin arrived early and set up a large tarp to provide shade. This was important as the day was forecast to be over 30 and fine. Paul arrived soon after to start preparing the lunch. As it was a warm day it was decide to have a cold smorgasbord and Paul, with assistance from Jeanette, arranged a selection of cold meats, salads and fresh bread rolls. This was followed by fresh fruit salad. It was set up and covered with plenty of ice until the guests arrived. A large container of cool drink proved popular during the day.

Jim arrived a little later with the other tables and after Kevin and he set them up it was time for a coffee. Getting Paul to have a break proved difficult though. There was a few small jobs to do making sure the carriages on display were accessible. Also a couple of last minute cleaning jobs were found. However it was all under control before the guests arrived.

We were pleased to see some members who can't attend many events. It was good to catch up. Jeanette made sure everyone had some nibblies and a cool drink until it was time to start the main course.

The meal was well received with everyone going back for more. A bit of clever thinking saw the cover with the ice moved to a spare tyre forming a small pool that the fruit salad bowl was floated on and kept cool.

Some mince tarts and Christmas cake was served with coffee.

Of course each year someone has to make a spectacular arrival and Mario wins the award this year after being towed into the yard, his truck had broken down on the other side of Sydney early in the morning.

There were still several people sitting around talking well into the afternoon. An enjoyable day was had by all who attended.

A big thank you must go to those members of the carriage group who made the day a success. Kevin for setting up the tarp and Paul for the catering deserve a special mention.

The photo shows Paul and Kevin having a well earned rest. There are several other photos in our photo gallery in the Carriage Site Activities album.

Ready to Party

This Sunday we finished getting the site ready for the Christmas event. There was some tidying up and the toilet area was cleaned. Paul as arranged some of our Heritage items for display in 361.

Justin and Kevin did some work on 547 but were not able to finish the end deck. One platform is done so it will be possible to have a look inside 547 just not exit at the other end.

Members who intend being there but haven't let Jeanette know please do so asap.

Preparing for Christmas

Actually for the Christmas event which is in a fortnight. The main plan for yesterday's activity was to tidy up the carriages. With the continued work going on there is little thought given to keeping the place tidy. Also we had to reduce the chance of injury to visitors walking through the cars.

Justin and Kevin arrived early and did some work on the ends of 547. We plan to have the end platform decks renewed before the event and one is finished. Hopefully the other one will be done next weekend.

The past week has seen some wild weather with wind and plenty of rain. We found the tarp on 547 had moved a bit so that took the highest priority. We managed to pull it back into position and tie it down properly.

Justin then concentrated on 547 and Kevin and Jim on 361. Several containers of rubbish were removed and they both look a lot better.

With the main aim of the day achieved we had an early day.

Photos of the exterior work on the toilet and the new deck on 547 are in the photo gallery.

The Door Saga Continues

There was a workday yesterday and in many ways it was a repeat of the last couple of days. Work is continuing on 547 and on the toilet area of 361.

Kevin spent the day working on the end platform of 547. He removed some of the timber that needs replacing and undercoated the metalwork.

Paul finished undercoating the interior if the toilet cubicle. It will get a colour coat over the next couple of workdays.

Jim removed some more of the lacquer on the exterior of the cubicle. It is hoped to have the cubicle finished well before the Christmas Party.

There will be another work day next Sunday.

Door and More

OK writing about a toilet door doesn't sound exciting but that is where most of the work happened yesterday. Work continued on the toilet section of 361.

Paul installed the latch etc. and it is all working properly. Paul reckons it needs a bit of an adjustment and he will look at again next time. He also commenced undercoating the interior.

Kevin prepared the trim moulding that goes along the panel above the door. Fortunately we have a fair bit of materials after the toilet in 343 was removed.

Jim and Paul stripped a lot of the lacquer off the outside of the compartment. It had many layers but is coming off quite well with plenty of stripper and a bit of effort. After sanding it looks good.

Paul prepared another cold collation for lunch which went down very well.

After lunch Kevin did some work on the end platforms of 547 and Paul and Jim continued of the exterior of the toilet.

More on the Door

There was a short workday last Sunday. Kevin and Paul did some work and planning on the end platforms of 547. There is still a bit to be done cleaning and painting the supports. Some repairs have been done and when this work is complete the new deck can be installed.

Paul started installing the latch on the new toilet door in 361. We already have the paint to finish the interior so that will be the next job. The exterior has been partially prepared. Some of the old lacquer has been stripped and sanded but there is still some to do.

Some of the committee members joined the workers for lunch, Paul had prepared a cold collation which was well received. After lunch everyone called it a day.

There will be a workday next Sunday as the weather is forecast to be fine and cool. Any help will be appreciated.

Finally a Door

One of the projects that has ben outstanding for a while is the toilet cubicle in 361. It was started some time ago when the chemical toilet was purchased. The inside of the cubicle was repaired and much of the outside was stripped of lacquer. However one of the things missing was a door. We had one but it needed some work to fit. It was finally done yesterday. Justin and Paul fitted hinges in the correct place and made a few other changes to make it fit. The latch and striker plate are to go on and it is done.

Work also continued on the side of 547. The screw holes were filled and a start was made on sanding and preparing for paint. They will need some further attention but a good start was made.

Some more deck timbers were prepared and oiled ready to go on when the rest of the end platform is repaired.

There are no photos today as I couldn't be there. But I hope to get a few photos next Monday. Yes the workday next week is on Monday as it is a long weekend. You can still come and give us a hand without missing the Grand Final!

Cover Strips

Work continued on the sides and ends yesterday. It was the first workday for a couple of weeks due to the recent damp weather. Fortunately it was a beautiful day, sunny and warm without being too hot, a good day for a workday.

Justin arrived early and started on the sides. He had prepared cover strips to fill the area over the joins between the sheets of cladding. He fitted these during the day after filling the gaps between the sheets with silicon first.

Work was well underway when Jim arrived. There was some planning to be done and Jim caught up with Mario first and then started on that. See the next post for some more details and an exciting announcement. Justin and Jim looked at the toilet area of 361 which is well advanced but there is still work to do.

Paul arrived a little later than usual after brushing shoulders with the dignitaries at the opening of the new bridge in Windsor. He joined Jim and a job list was created.

Paul and Jim then removed the decking from the second end platform of 547. There is some evidence of prior work here and the timbers supporting the deck are in better condition than the other end but not perfect.

Paul had prepared a cold collation for lunch so that was enjoyed next. After lunch Paul and Justin continued with the side while Jim did some preparatory work on cleaning up the end platform.

On the End

The workday yesterday was spent working on the end platform. We arrived to find the area saturated. There was a lot of water lying around after the rain we had experienced all week. Fortunately the area below the end platform and the interior of the car was dry. A quick check around found all the tarps were in place but a couple of ropes were loose.

Kevin, Paul and Jim started on preparing the steelwork that is under the platform for paint. When it was ready Kevin applied some rust inhibiting paint. There is some corrosion in this area but nothing to worry about. With the paint it should be okay for many years to come.

Kevin also did some work on timber for the top steps. These seem to suffer the most as they are out in the open and get the most traffic. Only one of the four on 547 are reuseable the others will be replaced.

The next workday is planned for a fortnight's time.

There are a couple more photos on the gallery, several more older ones have been added over the last couple of weeks too.

Loading Up

When the exhibition was on we borrowed some equipment from another group. This has been stored at the Carriage Site until they needed it back. As they are holding their exhibition this weekend it was needed. So today we loaded up the gear so Paul can return it.

Kevin, Paul and Jim arrived almost in unison and once cars had been turned around and positioned properly the trailer was hooked up to Paul's ute. We then got into loading and had it done in about half an hour. There was a bit to load, all the crowd control stands we used.

When it was done and tied down we enjoyed a well deserved cuppa in the morning sun. Kevin wanted to finish attaching the gangway plate he had been working on last Sunday and had brought the screws he was missing. So he did that before we all left for the day.

Below Deck

Yesterday was another day spent working on the end and side of 547. We are making steady progress at the moment.

Kevin and Paul arrived early and started working straight away. When Jim arrived a little later Kevin had the railings installed and was painting the headstock and railings. He had repaired another of the uprights and made some additional bolts. Paul had continued on undercoating the sides.

The deck on that end is in reasonable condition but several of the boards were loose. It had been decided to screw it in place. Before that is done we decided to lift it and check the supporting timbers. Kevin and Jim got started on removing the deck. It came off easily but underneath was worse than we expected which explains why the deck was loose. The photo shows the rotten timbers that will need to be repaired, it also shows some of the work already done on the headstock etc. The timbers nearest the steps just bolt into place and we started on removing them. Several of the bolts will need replacing too.

By this time Paul had the BBQ going and we had a steak lunch.

After lunch the last of the timbers and bolts were removed. The timber will be repaired and the steelwork will be cleaned and painted.

The end posts will need repairing, they have rotted at the bottom. This is not unusual and all of our cars have been repaired in this area before, probably more than once during their lifetime. Kevin had a look and worked out how to do it. After cleaning up the site we called it a day.

Next workday we will continue with the repairs to the end platform. We will clean up the deck timbers and remove all the nails from them. We also need to work out how much needs to be done to the end wall panels. They are the original cedar panels and appear to be in good condition but need a little filler around the edges. We will make a template of the pieces needed for the end posts too.

Work Continues

There was another successful workday yesterday. I had other plans so there are no photos this week.

Justin and Paul continued on the sides. The cover strips were applied and a start was made on undercoating the new panels. The steel cover strips were measured and Justin will get them cut during the week.

Meanwhile Kevin finished painting the headstock and surrounding area. He has refitted the steelwork which includes the hand rails etc. It is starting to look good.

A start was made on the exterior of the end platforms. Undercoat was applied to one end. Some filler may be required before new cover strips are applied. The existing timber, which is cedar, is in good condition although a little rough around the edges. The cover strips should hide that though. The area around the door arch will need stripping and repainting as it is bubbling. There are probably many coats of paint under it like much of the interior.

The end platform decks will need replacing at one end and refitting at the other. We will obtain the necessary materials for the next workday.

Steve arrived after lunch and helped Paul adjust the tarps and a few other jobs.

Finishing the Sides

The task at hand today was installing the cover strip over the joins on the side. Last workday the amount of material needed was calculated and ordered. We also purchased some more tools. Unfortunately the countersinks for metal hadn't arrived but that didn't delay any work today.

Ron and Jeanette had collected the pine cover strips and delivered them this morning. Justin and Alan installed the strip under the window sill and the end strip on the sides. These are made of treated pine. The vertical strips on the sides will be steel. We have them too.

Meanwhile Kevin was working on the end. The restoration of the headstock is almost complete. He has reinstalled the steps and most of the fittings. The rails will be installed next time.

Keeping our tarps in place is an important task as they protect the carriages. Jim replaced a couple of ropes and fixed another broken one today. We walk the full length of the carriages on both sides each workday and check all ropes.

There are more photos in the photo gallery. You can click on images here to see a larger version too.

Under Inspection

Yesterday started cold but sunny, this was one day we would have liked to be working on the sunny side of the carriage. Alan and Justin arrived early and got stuck into finishing the side. While all panels had been attached most only had a few screws. Alan had obtained longer screws which gave a better grip in the poorer timber. They proceeded to add extra screws to each panel, replacing some but not all of the shorter ones in the process.

Kevin arrived to find the end of the car was still damp. Timber dries slowly on these cold mornings particularly when the sun doesn't touch it. He dried where he could so he could continue with the undercoating and painting the headstock. He was able to attach the buffer and cover later in the day.

When Jim arrived he prepared the table area for lunch after giving everyone the news we were expecting guests. Paul arrived later loaded with sufficient food for everyone.

When Justin and Alan finished adding screws and after a cuppa, Alan and Jim applied a little undercoat to all areas where bare timber had been exposed. By this time Paul had the BBQ alight and was preparing lunch.

We have fortunate to have a former carriage works expert available to us to advise and assist us. Wayne visits us occasionally and is always welcome. Today he brought his former boss Bill and a couple more of his mates. They had a good look around and then joined us for lunch. Over lunch we discussed our plans as well as getting some good feedback.

When the food was gone Bill and Wayne continued their look around passing on valuable information as they went. The van was opened for inspection and to pack away a few things from the exhibition. We discovered a broken rope on 683 so Alan and Jim replaced it.

After our guests departed we finished cleaning up the site and headed off home. An interesting and fruitful day.

As always click on the pictures for a larger view and then are other images in the gallery. Over 120 photos are there now, click on the link on the top left.

Starting to Look Good

Yesterday represented a major step forward in our restoration of 547. For the first time we started to put things back together. Attaching the side cladding means we are now returning the carriage to its complete condition.

Justin and Alan arrived early and started to measure out the sides and plan their attack. After marking the correct position the first sheet was put in place. By this time, Kevin, Paul and Jim had arrived and David got there just in time to see the panel go on. Justin had the honour of driving the first screw.

By the time Paul had lunch ready, another great BBQ, three panels were in place. By then we had realised there was a small problem. Although the frame at the top and bottom had solid timber the area in between is of varying quality. Often a screw would go straight in to the timber and not bite, longer screws were required in this area. We were using the size recommended by the timber manufacturers and they worked fine on good framework but not on the poorer parts.

David and Jim left early but by the end of the day all panels were in place, the side was completely covered. We will obtain some more suitable screws to complete the job, in the mean time enough screws were used to make the sides secure.

We need to attach cover strips and other trim later. The sheets arrived with undercoat already applied, we will touch it up in places where it was cut and around the screw holes etc. It is covered with plastic at the moment.

While all this was going on Kevin continued on with the end of 547 in between assisting on the sides, some of the headstock was undercoated but one side was still wet from the recent rain.

The only downside to the day was the discovery that 1539 is leaking badly. The tarp has been a problem on this carriage before. We patched it last time but this time the tarp has ripped around the vent. Nora has suggested using old tyres to support the tarp over the vent and a new tarp is being sourced.

Well done to everyone who helped on the day. There are some more photos in the gallery. It was a great event to finally be putting the car back together.

The End of 547

No we aren't finished it but we have been working on one end. The metalwork has been cleaned and painted, timber work repaired and undercoated. Work is progressing to plan at the moment.

The aim for today was to continue the headstock work we started last time and to plan the fitting of the side cladding. Kevin with help from the rest of us continued on with the headstock. Justin and Alan worked out how the cladding will be attached while Paul and Jim did some paperwork for the Hobby Show.

We had another great BBQ lunch thanks to Paul. These lunches will be a regular thing now, $5 all you can eat is a good deal. One neighbour of the four legged variety joined us and although a little shy seemed to enjoy the sausages.

Some pictures have been added to the photo gallery of today.

Next week the workday will be on the Monday which is a Public Holiday. We intend to fit the sides so anyone who can help please be there. Lunch will be available as usual but if you can let us know you are coming it will help with catering.

May Workday

It might appear early to have completed the workdays for the month but there will only be one this month due to other events. We hope to have one or two in June but even they may be difficult to fit in. Keep an eye on the calendar at the left for the latest information.

Paul and Kevin arrived early and a start was made on cleaning the heritage items. After Jim arrived they stopped for a morning tea. There was no time wasted though as we made plans for the display of some of our heritage items while taking our break. Kevin and Jim then moved onto car 547 leaving Paul cleaning and refinishing.

Our plan for the day was to clean and paint the metal items on each end of 547. The end platform has metal railings and uprights plus there are numerous pieces bolted to and through the headstock. The headstock is the large piece of timber that hold the buffers and couplers on each end. Actually they pass through and bolt to the frame but you get the idea. Rusted pieces were to be removed and where necessary repaired and painted before being replaced. There was no need to remove the couplers or buffers but they would be repainted. Some damaged railings had already been done and were ready to go back on, thanks Kevin. It was planned to clean up and repaint the headstock at the same time. Some nuts and bolts are being replaced as required.

We removed much rust and there was one panel we decided to remove completely. It covers the couplers and is part of the walkway between carriages. The bolts through the headstock were heavily rusted as they are vertical and the water just runs down them. It took some time and much applied muscle power to remove them. By that time it was nearly lunch time so by universal agreement we took a break.

The barbecue was lit and we enjoyed a well deserved repast of hamburgers with bacon and salad. We have the lunch almost down to a fine art now as we were better prepared than last week. There was an overabundance of BBQ tools this time. We need to work out a system for covering the costs of these lunches but as lunch for 3 or 4 is little more than we were each spending on takeaway it shouldn't be difficult.

Nora asked us for help loading a tram body and that took over after lunch. We managed to remove several parts for the Tramway Museum. Steve arrived while we were busy there. He was returning several items he had been working on at home. After finally getting the tram on the truck we decided it was too late to start back on 547 so called it a day.