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.

Friday, 4 March 2016

Friday February 26 2016 Today Cranes Combined lifted the Tanks, Bunker, Boiler, Pony trucks, and put the frame on stands to allow the driving wheels which are siezed in the horn guides to be worked on. For safety the wheels have been chained to the frames. Now work can begin needle gunning the frame, replacing corroded angle irons, running boards and other components. Interestingly the boiler weighed 3.5 tonnes, the frame, cylinder and wheels weighed approximately 5.5 tonnes. Work days are of a Saturday, there is plenty to do for those who are interested .
February 14th 2016 On this day Cross Heads, Pistons and Rings were removed, In the rear cylinder casting that holds the piston rod packing there is a split gun metal piston rod guide that had to be removed so that the tapered end of the piston and rod can be pulled through. This was achieved by splitting a piece of automotive exhaust pipe, taping it to the piston rod and pushing it down the bore to force the gun metal guides out. The piston and rod was then easily removed. The piston rings were wider than expected than what is shown in the drawing, One ring broke during removal, on inspection a small defect was observed in the break. The Regulator Valve, mounted high in the steam dome was as expected difficult to remove but persistence prevailed.
February 6th 2016 Some components have been de-rusted in a Molasses bath, treated and painted, for 1880's vintage they look pretty good. On inspection both cylinder bores are in good condition being parallel the full length. A cross head jacking screw was turned up at the Don River workshop and was used to split both cross heads from the piston rods. These are now ready for overhaul.
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