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.

Monday, 7 November 2016

Saturday 5th November 2016.
Another attempt was made to remove the rear wheels and axle from the horn guides. We had welded 125 mm x 125 mm x 19 mm angles with gussets to the frame above the adjustable wedges so that we could push the wedges down thereby releasing the axle boxes in the horn guides letting the wheels come free. Unfortunately the Porta Power seal badly leaked meaning little pressure could be exerted on the wedges.

 A plea, is there a Dubs 1415 follower who could lend us a Porta Power with a 125 -130 mm long piston over a weekend we would be extremely grateful. I am sure a footplate ride once the loco is restored can be arranged in return for your generosity.
You can get hold of me through the contact details.

The drain cock rod and levers have been test fitted so as to locate the taper pin holes for drilling. I have ordered a No 6 taper reamer and will have to buy taper pins from Champion Products when next in Melbourne. This Company is the only one I have found where I can buy taper pins.
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