The pace of restoration on the MTM 401 tamper has quickened dramatically following the repair of a damaged tamping head. Many and varied components, ranging from steering rods to belt guards to radiator badges have been cleaned, painted where necessary and reinstalled. The labyrinth of hydraulic hoses were untangled and connected to the appropriate device, the system bled of air and many components have been test-run. Numerous new seals have been fitted although a few leaks are continuing to keep life interesting for everyone involved. By the time you read this, the machine may have emerged from the workshop for the first time in many years and be cautiously tamping sleepers, something many members have never seen. We are grateful for the Percy Foundation's support of this project.
The wheels from F111 have been sent to Farra Engineering to have the tyre profile corrected, following careful and well planned lifting of the locomotive and equally skillful maneuvering of the hand crane to retrieve them. The locomotives frame has been cleaned back and repainted. The valve-gear is currently receiving attention.
With the majority of projects in the workshop being of a mechanical nature, the Rolling Stock team are undertaking minor repair work on W840, being the only wooden vehicle within range for night-time work. This white insulated 4 wheeler was built in 1940. While the roof is generally in good condition, the edge boards are quite rotten and split. Sufficient new timber was donated several years ago for replacement edge boards to be made, so the opportunity is being taken to make and fit them. To date, the replacement timber has been thicknessed, the outside edge radiused and the inner edge has had the tongue or groove machined into it as appropriate.
A funding application has been prepared and lodged, to pursue money to complete the transfer of members 8mm films to DVD. The process was started some years ago and some excellent material has been preserved in digital format. It will be great to complete the transfer and commence editing it into a format where it can be more widely viewed.