The colder weather is finally with us, causing paint and filler to dry very slowly indoors, and much of the outdoor work has had to be curtailed.

However a special operating weekend that coincided with the Lions vs Otago rugby match proved very popular. The weather was fine and the train was hauled by steam locomotive A67. Even the morning trains were well patronised, and at times during the afternoon the guard struggled to punch all of the tickets before the end of the line was reached. Extra services operated to cope with the demand and it was cold and almost dark when the final service terminated. Some crew training was also done over the weekend and 3 members gained their steam drivers tickets.

The final large section of rusty framing on cattle wagon T175 has been cleaned back and primed with a special coating. It will be top coated once the days get warmer and drier. The final batch of long wooden cladding for the body has been sanded, filled, primed and undercoated. It is taking up a vast amount of room in the workshop so top coating it and either fitting it to the wagon or storing it is becoming a priority. Surprisingly, some of the old timber that couldn't be re-used has gone to Central Otago to be made into high class rustic furniture. It is nice to see the old split hardwood finding a new career and the money received for it was very welcome. The final unrefurbished door has been removed from its hinges as it had become a hazard. It will be refurbished once some other minor workshop jobs are completed.

Box Wagon K543 has received the final piece of replacement interior lining in the north end. Sanding is largely complete and a special sealer has been applied to kill any borer and rot spores, and allow subsequent coats of paint to adhere to the extensively repaired surfaces.

Fundraising for the Kerr Stuart steam locomotive restoration is gaining momentum with $4,000.00 received, the latest donation being from the Bendigo Sports and Charitable Foundation. Further fund raising activities are at an advanced stage. The boiler now has its final coat of heat proof silver paint and attention has turned to the locomotives frame and horn guides.

The Kerr Stuarts boiler prior to its final coat of heat proof paint.

The station has had its new flashings fitted and most of the exterior paintwork completed. Attention is now turning to the interior with work on the ceiling being high on the list. The station project is the beneficiary of some ornate door framing timbers, similar to the damaged originals. They were salvaged from a building that is being demolished in North Dunedin. Timber has also been salvaged for K610; a proposed temporary implement shed, and future carriage projects.

We had a minor break-in during June. Fortunately, losses were minimal and the culprets were aprehended. While reparation is unlikely, readers may be heartened to know that because of the nature and frequency of their offending, they were remanded in custody until their hearing.

There has been a reshuffle in the railways management team following long-signalled retirements. While we are still free to draw on the old ideas and skills, it also expands the opportunities for innovation and new approaches under the incoming chairman, making it an exciting time to be involved at Ocean Beach.

With those thoughts in mind, readers who are not members are invited to make contact to discuss the vast array of opportunities we have available. Remember, you don’t need any particular railway skill or knowledge to participate.