Blog Ethos

A blog to provide up to date information on the restoration of Dubs and Co. steam locomotive, builders no. 1415. An initiative to pass on the skills and knowledge necessary to restore a steam locomotive.

Builders Photo

Builders Photo
Builders photo depicting sister engine #1414

History

HISTORY

Steam locomotive carrying Dubs and Company's serial no. 1415, was one of two purchased new by the Queensland Government Railways for use on the Bundaberg - Mt. Perry railway. They were shipped from the United Kingdom in the ship "Scottish Admiral" and were first used in February 1881. They carried Dubs and Company's nos. 1414 and 1415 and were given running numbers on the Bundaberg Railway of 1 and 2 respectively.

In the 1889-90 renumbering of Queensland Railways rolling stock, both locomotives received the classification of 4D9 and No. 2 was renumbered 131. In August 1894, it was sold to the Colonial Sugar Refining Co. for use at their Childers Sugar Mill. The Childers Sugar Mill closed down about 1915, and the locomotive was sold in 1917 to the Macquarie Harbour Board for use in the construction of the Macquarie Harbour breakwater Strahan Tasmania.

The latter sold it to Mr. R.J. Howard a saw miller of Zeehan on the 23rd May, 1941 and he, in 1942, sold it to a Mr. J. Hood. It was to have gone to the Butler Gorge hydro-electric station construction, but this did not take place. It was later sent to Hobart, where it lay idle, in the Railway Yard, for many years.

Project Overview

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The key aim of this project is to restore Dubs No.1415 back to its as built condition, so that it sits proudly in the Don River Railway collection. It will help future proof steam operations at the Don River Railway, by providing a more cost effective locomotive to run, maintain and keep in regular service.

By having this project at the Launceston workshop it is hoped that new and existing members, young and old will get involved in this exciting restoration project. The project is a tool to educate members on what it takes to inspect and restore a steam locomotive. Of particular importance is the passing on of knowledge and skills before they are lost to time.

Help

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO RESTORE DUBS NO. 1415 BACK TO AS BUILT CONDITION.

The restoration of a vintage steam locomotive is no easy task and can cost considerable money, we need to raise money to pay for materials and services to get this loco back in pristine condition. If you can afford to donate some money towards the project we will be very grateful and for all donations over $2, we can provide you with an official receipt to claim the donation on your Australian tax return where applicable.

If you can donate time to the project, why not become a member. no skills required!

If you feel that you or your company can contribute to this project in anyway, please feel free to contact the project coordinator by the contact details on the right side of this blog.

Sunday, 10 January 2016

A busy period was spent between Boxing Day 2015 and 4th of January 2016 getting Dubs 1415 ready to dismantle it into components by crane. Many parts were welded together by rust but others were surprisingly removed with ease. The brake spreaders were seized solid, the only decision being was to oxy cut through the spreaders to release them.
The left and right valve chest covers have been removed and replaced.The right side valve seat face is shiny, the left valve face has surface rust caused by the missing front valve spindle gland. A new gland will require the services of a pattern maker so that a new gland can be cast as will patterns for new little and big end bearings.
The left and right rear cylinder drain cock holes were plugged and several litres of diesel poured into the valve chests which then run into the cylinders.

The following have been removed
Smoke box steam pipes.
Brass steam dome cap.
Left and Right forward eccentric rods.
Three brake hangers, the other is seized on the pin.
Four brake block mountings.
Two Pony truck pivot pins and caps.
Two Pony truck main pivots.
Rear Pony truck horn stays.
The hand brake assembly.
Eight horn stay bolts.
The rear brake beam.
All bolts that secure the smoke box to the frame.
Left and right expansion brackets.
Welded on plate over the regulator gland hole.
Weigh bar shaft oil cups
Front ash pan damper.
One rear pony truck spring.
Fire hole door.
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