The calculations for lifting and packing work for our "Main Line" are now complete. This was created by recording the current level and position of nearly 200 different points on the affected section and the adjacent track, and using computer software to design the new gradient. This produced precise results for the volume of ballast required, the new rail height and the distance the track has to be jacked to reach the correct position. Care had to be taken to ensure a smooth transition between the proposed work and the track that isn't going to be renovated this financial year. A number of old sleepers have been dug out and replaced.
Work is continuing on the annual boiler survey on the Kerr Stuart, with no problems found to date. Routine winter maintenance is also being undertaken on TR 81, with quite a bit of time being spent troubleshooting intermittent electrical faults.
Our W wagon is no longer occupying the pit following the completion of the reassembly of the brake gear and the derusting and painting of the bulk of the underframe. Work is continuing on sprucing up one of the outer sole bars. The severely rotted boards that used to divert rain runoff from the doorways, that were removed from the roof some time ago, have been replaced. The roof has been topcoated in white to match the rest of the wagon. Final fitting work on the rebuilt door has been undertaken. The edge of the doors on these wagons is moderately complex, with 3 steps and 2 seals acting to reduce the likelihood of warm air entering the cool interior of the wagon and harming the meat or butter inside. The interior lining has been installed and the old timber mouldings have been refitted or replaced as required. Minor steelwork components for the exterior of the wagon have also been refurbished.
Recently a drum of diesel (about 200L) was donated by the St Hildas Collegiate School Boarding House following the retirement of their diesel boiler. We're particularly appreciative of this donation and for the work two of our members put in to uplift it.
Restoration work on carriage A210 passed a milestone recently, with the last of the overhead machine sanding being completed in the second class compartment. Using a sander above your head is never much fun, and the old paint at this end of the carriage is particularly hard to heat gun and sand. There is still a quantity of hand sanding to be done, but this is a lighter more pleasant task. The first class compartment is slightly scruffier but the paint is more co-operative and easier to remove.