The new door post on K610 has now been successfully test fitted, meaning that the timber work on this portion of the framing is nearly complete. Work on the roof is continuing well, and most of the original canvas has now been removed.
Carriage A193 (Built 1886) has had the floor in the 2nd Class saloon refurbished. The floor was omitted from the original restoration and had always detracted from the interior appearance, as it consisted of bare grey floorboards with numerous gaps trapping dirt and grime. After the seats had been removed, the nails were punched and the numerous gaps were filled with a tinted filler. A hired floor sander was used to reveal the floors inner beauty and it was finished with a non-slip polyurethane.
Sanding the floor of Carriage A193.
The boiler survey of A67 has commenced. No problems are anticipated and it is hoped to have it back in service early in the new year. The survey is normally done in winter but because of the number of charters and other commitments, it was left to run the full term of its boiler ticket. The locomotive was a popular attraction at the Josephine's Birthday promotion held at the Dunedin Railway Station / Settlers Museum and at the recent Thomas the Tank engine weekend.
Another popular attraction during the Thomas weekend was TR 81. The Drewery diesel performed faultlessly, making 25 return trips over our line during the weekend. Many of the younger visitors commented on its cheeky face and striking colour scheme.
The track has also received some attention, with 2 rails and several sleepers being replaced recently. The MTM 401 Plasser tamper has migrated to the workshop for some remedial work.