It has been some time since the last post, this time has been spent trying to unsieze the main driving wheel axle box's in the horn guides. Over three quarters of century of being in the open caused the axle boxs to be frozen by rust and seemingly unmovable. Spraying with diesel (cheaper than propriety products) eventually saw a little penetrate. The taper wedge adjusting bolts were slackened off. Last weekend saw the the right hand wedge move and this weekend the left hand wedge bolt finally moved with the assistance of a a flat punch and a 7 kilogram hammer. The easing of the wedges increases the gap between the horn guide and the axle box faces which allowed the wheels to be lowered to the track.
The next steps to be taken will be to dismantle the axle boxes from the axles and by the looks of it these may need gentle persuasion?
The trailing driving wheels axle boxes and horn guides are in worse condition so the team are not expecting their release to be easy.
The front and rear pony trucks have the same problem with the axle boxes seized in the guides, since removal they have been soaked at every opportunity in diesel in an effort to un-seize them, as yet no luck so a change of tack has been facilitated using Plasticine to build walls at the ends of the axle boxes and fill the wells between these with White Vinegar. It is hoped that this will de-rust between the horn guide faces and the axle box guide faces and allow the axle boxs to be removed.
Today the reconditioned firebox door was fitted to the boiler to enable the best position of the operating lever to be established.
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 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.
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.