Cattle Wagon T175 looks very different to what it did when the last report was prepared. The floor bearers and associated spacer blocks have been installed, as have the floor boards that were manufactured and painted over a number of months last year 68 bolts being consumed in the process. The centre partition and associated framing has been erected, this is made up of 21 different large pieces of timber, 6 special brackets and 102 bolts. A special thanks is due to Noel Stanaway for donating a large number of bolts to the project. The longitudinal boards that will be fitted to the top of the wagon have been sanded and painted, along with the special spacer blocks that allow the boards to be secured to the angle-iron framing. The brake cylinder and associated equipment has been stripped and de-rusted and a number of components have been repainted. Further work on the bogies has been undertaken. Work on refurbishing the angle-iron “roof” framing has also been completed, not a very enjoyable task as some of the rust and old paint was hard to dislodge and all the work had to be done from a ladder. They're not the easiest things to paint as often you're looking directly into the sun, making thin spots hard to see. The final main door has been hung and a second drop-door has been assembled.

The left-hand vibrator unit from our MTM-401 tamper has been sent away for refurbishment. The bearings were found to be in very poor condition and have been replaced and new seals fitted. Funding is being sought for refurbishing further components on this machine.

The Trolley Shed is receiving a fresh coat of paint, Ian is making surprisingly good progress given the often challenging weather conditions and remoteness of the building from any services. Only the roof remains in need of his attention now.

Diesel Locomotive DS 203 is receiving remedial work to resolve a slight leak on one of the cylinder liner seals. The problems was foreseen a number of years ago so replacement parts are already on hand. To date, the fuel lines and exhaust manifolds have been removed, as has the rocker cover from the offending cylinder. The Gardner agents will complete the work for us with members helping as required.

The Kerr Stuart is also receiving minor repair, the ash-pan has been removed and a small number of leaking tubes have been expanded. This follows an unsuccessful attempt to expand them while working through the firebox door.

Our motor trolleys have been invited to two functions over Easter, being the Dunedin Station / Settlers Museum shuttle and the “Go Otago” celebrations.

A donation from the Alexander McMillan Trust has recently been received to allow us to purchase the Kp and Mc wagons that are currently owned by a member.

The railway recently hosted the Woodturners Guild who enjoyed the experience and were suitably impressed with what they found when they explored our buildings. On the same day, our two newsletter editors married, the wedding photos being done in part on our train.

One of our members has been asked to give evidence at a court hearing after the arrest of someone implicated in a break-in at the railway was arrested. This follows the successful resolution of other offences against our organisation, and efforts to protect our organisations property and reputation through legal channels will continue.