Whilst seeming unchanged from the last update, the restoration of insulated box wagon W840 continues to make useful progress. On the far side of the wagon, the second "after market" vent has been removed and extensive cladding repairs made. The framing seems in excellent condition on this vehicle. A number of bolts have been tightened, a handrail removed for straightening and a moderate amount of filling and sanding undertaken. This continues to be a spare time project but nonetheless should make exciting progress over the summer months.

Work has also continued on Carriage A210. The painstaking process of removing the thick paint from the Clerestory has been completed and most of the old roof-beams have been removed and new ones installed. The heat gun and sander have now turned their attention to the walls, which is still tiresome work but at least the chances of getting hot paint down your neck are reduced.

The wheels of F111 have returned to the workshop and are now stored under the locomotive although not yet attached. Work on grinding the valve faces is proceeding rapidly so it may not be long until the locomotive descends from it's sleeper crib.

Following vandalism, broken cladding on the ticket box has been repaired. Two separate offers to purchase this well appointed and elegant but redundant building have fallen through. Therefore, readers who are in need of a sleepout, garden shed or junk store are invited to make contact regarding purchasing this building; truly a once in a lifetime chance to own a piece of Ocean Beach history.

DS203 has returned to service following engine repairs and minor brake servicing. A large number of defective fishplate bolts have been replaced on the track near the workshop. The tamper continues to have many hours spent on it, with numerous components recently painted. Good progress has been made in curbing the spring growth and some spectacular lawn mowing efforts have been of great assistance.

Recently a very successful charter was held for Tranzit Coachlines. This operator is particularly easy to deal with and a fast payer. The Kerr Stuart and the Diesels all played a role in this most enjoyable event. Many thanks are due to the crew who managed to free themselves from weekday commitments to operate this service.

The society has been involved in assisting two other operators with their heritage vehicle needs. The first was the supply of Cattle Wagon T175 to the Middlemarch community Board / TGR for their Middlemarch Festival. A considerable amount of minor maintenance was undertaken prior to its trip over the main line and through the gorge. The journey and its operation as part of the festival passed without incident. A heritage cattle wagon returning to the main line was probably an event not anticipated by many enthusiasts and it may be a while before the next cattle wagon sets foot on the network. The cattle wagon was used between Middlemarch and Pukerangi and hauled behind Ferrymead's Dg and Mainline Steam's Ab with a couple of Middlemarch based wagons and 3 rather peculiarly coloured carriages bringing up the rear. The event was 1960's themed, although our wagon spent a significant portion of the 1960's as an ore deposit, with the balance of its 1960's activities being spent on Inter-island services. A very successful book stall was held in Middlemarch, special credit is due to everyone who was involved in selling a spectacular amount of stock.

The annual boiler survey and brake checks on A67 were fastracked so that Oamaru Steam and Rail could have a heritage locomotive for the Victorian Fete and other heritage events.

Our Digital Film Archive project is now making excellent progress. We are attempting to preserve the images of members 8mm film before the ravages of time cause the quality to fail. The collection process has been piecemeal and has progressed as time and money allows. To date, films taken by 6 different people have been transferred and cover a range of railway related topics, with even some reels normally residing in the UK having recently arrived.