News Jan - May 09
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News Jan - May 09
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30/05/09 The Friday evening crew has been under the pump the last few weeks with preparations for Fotte Day being of the highest priority. Works being carried out on getting Ng123 and BT1 ready for the big day. These jobs included the finishing touches to the overhaul of BT1 and preparing of Ng123 and BT1 for steam tests and finalising of the certification of the boilers. On Saturday 23rd May, after much hard work BT1 and Ng123 were both test run with journeys being made over the length of the railway with both engines being found to be in good working order.
After a week of blustery wet weather - Sunday 24th May Friends of Thomas the Tank Engine Day dawned with fine clear skies. The steam crews came on shed at 6am and commenced preparation of the steam loco's for traffic and a 9am start. Steadily the various crews trickled into the depot to prepare the diesels and make sure the passenger stock was ready for the big day - and what a day it would be.
After the necessary preliminary organising, the event got off to a brisk start and increased its peak about 10'ish and maintained peak momentum till just about closing time. We were able to display just about all of our motive power along with most of our rollingstock with Betty Thompson and Rosalie on the Mussel Pool line, NG 123 & Whyndham on the Bushland Loop to Zamia. Ashley and Planet No 1 between WVJ on the Bushland Loop. Both steam trains were well patronised but the little blue train was the family favourite and was running to capacity all day with some having to try more than once to "catch the train". All the trains talking to each other, along with the added input of the Station Master and Sir Topham Hatt (The Fat Controller) really impressed. It is estimated that thousands of people mainly comprising of families, attended the event and we must thank all those people for supporting the railway on such a memorable day. This day and the results will take some topping but with the usual careful planning we look forward to doing just this, so as to ensure an ongoing healthy future in our ongoing quest to provide affordable family entertainment to the public.
A big thank you goes out to all members of the BBR who helped out with massive preparations before the event (sometimes months ahead) and presentation especially on the day. WVJ Station facilities were revamped, along with Mussel Pool station also, to allow maximum crowd handling in a trouble free manner. This helped to ensure the railway continued to operate all train services and maintain a high standard of customer service to our passengers as well as keeping all aspects of the railway on track - no matter how small or large your contribution. Mainly positive feedback from customers, indicated appreciation for the collective efforts put forward. Our thanks also to our cooperative contractors, as well as all of the other Park groups who also assisted in making the day a success. To the management and staff of Whiteman Park also - thanks for your efforts.
09/05/09
In recent weeks the Friday evening crew has been very busy, getting the steam locomotives ready for the fast approaching Friends of Thomas day. Ng123 was steam tested on Sunday 3/05/09 to determine where any fitting may be leaky with good result, it having only a couple of items to be looked at. Junior Member James reported "The day started with members coming to steam up NG123 at 6 am! they then were building up pressure and testing the boiler for any problems. For the whole day NG123 was being tested and tried, we even got the locomotive to move up and down the yard. The locomotive seemed to be fine, and will continue its testing on friday night." Reassembly of the Perry has also come along well with it being steam tested for the first time on Friday 8/05/09 enabling a couple of minor leaks to be determined. Further tests to be continued to bring the locomotive into service. All the regular crew have been working at these projects with enthusiasm, for which Locomotive Manager Derek is very grateful. Thanks everyone
28/04/09 Friday of this week we concentrated on Ng 123, Perry BT1 and the Planet diesel with 15 members in attendance. An impromptu gathering on the following Sunday saw a few more things completed. We had a small group turn up as well as a guest boilermaker who not only managed to make up a new superheater element but also helped refit the smokebox furniture and the dome
Thanks to our specialist welder Mick who came along to help out, we have been able to replace the troublesome superheater tube. After failing the initial pressure test (two pin pricks) it has been fixed, retested and installed. The Dome Seal - has been heat treated and was installed with dome refitted. The Smoke Box furniture has been installed. Water Valves are being worked on by Jamie during the next week for installation. Water Gauges in cab have to be re-glassed and installed. Man Hole Cover remains to be attached. Finishing off of miscellaneous items. Filling the boiler with water- filling the tender with coal and water, We are confident that these items will be completed on Friday night and the plan is to test steam Ng123 on Sunday at this stage.
The Perry had the firebars put in, gauge glasses installed, more pipework refitted and some more touch up paint work done. The Perry's work list has been considerably reduced with items left to do as follows : fitting injector feed pipes packing cylinders and steam chest, fitting blowdown valve, attaching water valve handles, fitting washout plugs, attaching pin on reverser, fitting gauge glasses, fitting ejector muffler, fitting seats. We are hoping that we can have the Perry ready to steam on Sunday as well but this depends on getting a couple of things done -. The blowdown studs still to be fitted and then the valve itself fitted, the gauge glasses fitted, some pipework connected then a few small tidy up jobs and commissioning to complete her overhaul. TIME or lack of it is a bit of a concern as to the things to be done before our deadline, dictated by Fotte Day. As many hands as possible will be required so we can get the steamers ready for this day. The Planet had a broken spring leaf which was removed by Brian, a new one was found and reinstalled later by Simon enabling this loco to return to service GEMCO Is currently out of service at the moment due to a final drive problem. Things are in hand to get this loco back on track as soon as possible
19/04/09 Friday Night report by R. Barron "Betty Thompson " Rebuilding is continuing. We had quite a productive nights' work allowing us to get closer to firing the 'green machine up'. She is looking good. Most of the items left on the list are in hand and looking good to beat the schedule cut off time May 24. Greg - 'The Metal Fabricator'- [Sorry Greg] (a welder only does this, this and this) is progressing well since having been knocked off his motor bike. He is determined to get out of the wheel chair as soon as possible. Work on metal water tank - Progressing. The Perry Good progress last night. Attachment of balance pipe - running board checker plates - attach tool box - touch up painting begun. Left to do - fit fire bars - fit gauge fittings - attach associated pipe work in cab - attach new glass windows to cab - full pit inspection - steam test and set Safety Vales with inspector present. NG 123 Passed the mandatory steam inspectors test as required. Fitting of remaining superheating tubes - minus one. Plans in hand to get this replaced (will have to be manufactured to spec's) at this time if at all possible. Insertion of boiler inspection plugs. Still to do: replacing of fire box furniture - replacing dome and man hole cover - refitting water valves - full pit inspection - steam test and check safety valves with steam inspector present. Thanks to the team that was able to assist on the night. Same time, same station, next week for more exciting action.
Good Friday report by D. Ruston We had an excellent day on Good Friday with a 9am start (instead of the usual evening) and a good number of the crew in attendance. The main focus of work lately is on the steam locomotives with the Perry and NG 123 advancing steadily. The Perry backboards and gauges were mounted, cab ceiling has been fitted, all flange faces cleaned, all the steps attached, most of the gaskets were cut out, the mechanical lubricator and the fusible plug fitted among other things. Things left to do on the Perry are fit the fire bars, fit the gauge glass fittings, attach associated pipe work in the cab, attach water tank balance pipe, attach running board checker plates and tool box, attach windows and paint her naked parts. Then a full inspection (over pit) to ensure all split pins & keeps are in place, steam test and set safety valves. The NG123 main steam supply pipe to the drivers side cylinder has been refitted with new spacer olives, 5 of the 15 superheater elements where also fitted with the other 10 likely to be fitted this Friday.
Things remaining to be done on Ng123 - fitting the 10 superheater elements, replacing the smokebox furniture, putting the dome back on, putting the manhole cover on, fitting the water valves, full inspection (over pit) to ensure all split pins & keeps are in place, steam test and check safety valves. So we are very close to (hopefully) having two steam engines for Thomas Day. But there is still a way to go. Ross was out for the day to work on the water tank project which is progressing nicely. Some work was done towards another bogie assembly Thanks to all who came along on Good Friday to help out and a big thank you to Leeanne for her wonderful BBQ lunch which she organised for those in attendance.
6/04/09 Friday Night report by R. Barron "Betty Thompson " Maintenance is continuing. The cab roof has had its timber panel ceiling reinstalled.. The side tanks have been attached. We are now looking forward to getting the fiddly bits attached to the loco so it will be ready for the pending steam season coming up in May. Welder Greg - is not so happy at this time as he is chaffing at the bit to get out of the hospital trauma ward after having been knocked off his motor bike. Greg has injuries to his left hand (requiring complicated surgery) as well as injuries to his left foot. He is determined he won't be laid up anywhere near as long as what the doctors say. We wish him all the best, and a speedy recovery also. Work is progressing on the metal water tank outer shell. It has been turned and strengthening beams welded in place. The internal plastic tank that will be inserted is nearly ready. Also the tank stands are being serviced in readiness. Very much closer to being installed.
19/03/09 Classic Car Show Day on the 15th March at Whiteman Park was a very busy, hot, 40 degree day. 11 BBR Crew were kept busy operating the railway services.. Gemco & Planet operated in a top and tail formation on the Mussel Pool branch with the 4 coach concertina set - 14 round trips being completed for the day. Fowler was in use on the loop with a 6 car train consisting of the V van, Buffet car, 1 R open wagon, 2 RP open wagons and the Z brake van - completing 15 trips round the loop
9/03/09 Friday Night report by R. Barron Most Friday nights now see around 10 to 15 members on site. Recent work done Perry - pipe work and other bits and pieces replaced in preparation for replacing water tanks as well as wedges on axle boxes adjusted - work progressing Wooden panelling being prepared for lining of underside of cab roof. work progressing. Rods & Valve gear have also been refitted Planet needs axle boxes set up to get her back into service. Had to be shelved. Ng 123 - Finish pressure testing of superheating tubes - repacking of gland water valves - resealing of pipes in firebox. - Work continued on pressure testing. Two tubes were found to be unfit for service other will have to be tested to replace them. Sick Bay - Wyndham upset plans by having to have repairs done to blown radiator. Outside repairs done and related filter servicing ready to get her back on track. - work progressing incorporating modifications - due for completion over weekend Alan and son James have also continued with some repairs on the carriages whilst Ross learnt to use the mig welder with lessons from Greg
"A week in the life of the Midweek Crew" by B. Baker
The midweek crew are volunteers, some who are members and some who are not. They are at the workshops on Wednesdays and Thursdays carrying out anything we can throw at them which will help to keep the railway running. Take last week (March 4 & 5) for example. Wednesday 8.00 am - 4 volunteers on site - first job sign on and have a coffee. - welcome new volunteer Clarrie who is a carpenter - we need him - show him around - Finish painting BV1 - small guards van decide to move it out of shed and bring in another carriage for painting 9:30am - train crew (2 members) arrive and begin preparing Gemco for service 9:45am - Gemco needs 9 litres of water in the radiator - oh ho. Start engine find radiator leaking 10:00am - Start prepping Fowler - we all need another cup of coffee 10:30am - Clarrie and train crew take train out for regular service - Investigate radiator leak on Gemco - decide it needs to be removed for servicing - Start removing radiator 12 noon - Gemco Radiator removed and on its way for repair. -Clarrie meets Rollingstock manager and they discuss internal re-arrangements 12:30pm - Lunch and more coffee. 1:30pm - Carry out electronic repairs - still won't work - will have to take it home for further investigation 2:00pm - Train crew return. 3:00 pm - Let's go home Thursday 8:00 am - 5 volunteers on site - first job sign on and have a coffee. 8:30 am - Prep Planet to be used for duty loco. 8:30 am - Shunt Gemco to allow Planet out. 8:45 am - Clean air cleaner on Fowler - Take Planet to WVJ to bring back Party Coach for Clarrie to start on - don't want him having nothing to do. 9:00 am - Return with Party Coach, place it near pit shed and Clarrie starts work on it. 9:30 am- Train Crew arrive - happy don't have to prep loco. so we all have a coffee. 10:15 am - Train crew take train up to WVJ 10:15 am - Shunt R wagon from carriage shed to Parkers siding so that Party Coach can be placed in carriage shed for work. 10:45 am - Train crew back - Park declares Total Fire Ban so no trains. 11:00 am - Start Clean up in loco shed. 11:30 am - Discover that Gemco has cracked fan belt. Decide to replace all belts and hoses while radiator is out. 12:00 noon - Lunch and Coffee 12:30 pm - Start removing all the belts (6 of them) from the Gemco so they can be taken to get replacements 1:00 pm - Back to the electronic repair job. - Photocopy operations forms that are in short supply 2:00 pm - Work continues on the Party Coach 2:30 pm - Damn and blast - left a part at home for the electronic repair job off home 4:00 pm - Purchase and order fan belts and radiator hoses 4:30 pm - Arrange with loco manager for collection of radiator and remaining spares on Friday afternoon so the Friday night crew can complete the Gemco repairs. 5:00 pm - Complete electronic repair and go home.
As can been seen above, the midweek crew do a wide variety of tasks on the railway. Incidentally the small guards van never got moved - it will get done next week.
22/02/09 Friday Evening Work Party report by Bob Baker Friday Feb 20 saw 16 members at the workshops. Paul, our member from Singapore, was there and kept busy adjusting the brakes on the corridor set. (Next morning his muscles weren't happy). Peter and Le finished off the brushing out of the tubes in NG 123 then started tackling the motion on BT 1 with Alex and Derek. Tony and Michael removed NG 123's dome ready for the boiler inspector. Then Tony was busy readying the super-heater tubes from NG 123 for insertion while Michael tackled a couple of repairs in the Gemco's cab. New members Alan and his son, James, worked on some carpentry repairs to doors on the corridor set. Trevor and Greg again jacked up the Planet No.1 in an attempt to identify and remedy the hot-box problem which has been troubling the loco lately. Jamie successfully re-installed the air compressor and brake handle to Ashley after a few heated words at it. I was even able, after completing my secretarial duties, to get some work done on preparations for installing the signal motors to the WVJ outer-home signals. The mandatory pizzas, from one of Perth's best pizza shops, were collected and consumed topping off another successful night at the workshops. All members are grateful to Derek for his diligence in organising these evenings and to everyone who comes out and helps.
11/02/09 Friday Evening Work Party report by Ross Barron Welcome to all the New Faces that have been turning up from the beginning of this year. The additional hands assist no end to get all the many jobs done. Great to see all the regulars back as well and welcome to any other members who want to come along and help out Maintenance on "Betty Thompson " is continuing. The cab roof has been re-attached. The main driving rods and valve gear are being realigned and prepared for re-attachment. The side tanks are ready to be attached. We are looking forward to getting this loco ready for the pending steam season coming up in May. "Ng 123" maintenance is also progressing. Various issues are being addressed in compliance with required maintenance and service. The superheating tubes have all been removed and it was found that at least one will have to have specialised welding to repair it. These are being cleaned up (inside and out) ready for re-insertion. All the smokebox spark arrestor fittings are being cleaned to remove soot build-up. While this operation is at this stage we are checking a couple of steam leaks in the main steam delivery pipe from the super heater header down to the right side cylinder. The race is on to get all this work done before it is required for the steam season, as well. Welder Greg is happy as a pig in mud as he has just installed additional airline equipment in the pit shed that will assist greatly in maintenance in the shed as well as allowing outside projects to be serviced as well. Work is progressing on the water tank that is going to be installed. The internal plastic tank that will have to be inserted is nearly ready. Also the Water Stands are being serviced in readiness.
2/02/09 New Page added - "Locomotives of Whiteman Brick" - click here New Page added - "Yellow Rose" - click here
15/01/09 2009 has commenced at BBR with service trains operating everyday during the school holiday period. These services are where possible, being operated during the week using Ashley and its toast rack cars and on weekends regular services are being operated by the larger rollingstock mostly using PW27 "Wyndham".
The Water Tank Project progresses with most parts being primed and painted and some repairs being effected to damaged parts. The Friday night maintenance crew returned on the 9th with approx 14 members in attendance and 3 new members. A few teething problems ( flat batteries and stuff ) were found, but finally we got some things done, with the sleeper train going out to pick up some dead sleepers, some track work carried out, Ashley had some repairs carried out and then we had an excellent BBQ dinner to top things off.
On Fri 16th we will endeavour to get the sleeper train out again and some more work carried out on NG15 123 and Betty Thompson. So if your free come down and have some fun, get dirty and be part of the crew. See you there. |
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Bennett Brook Railway Webmaster N. Blinco
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