Locomotive 4468 Restoration Project

Project 4468 is on the move to FACEBOOK

2011-07-06T14:09:00.002+10:00

Due to various time constraints and competing life priorities for the admins of this blog, the project restoration page is moving to Facebook.

The link is here:-

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Restoration-of-ALCo-Diesel-Locomotive-4468/244033378942965#!/pages/Restoration-of-ALCo-Diesel-Locomotive-4468/244033378942965

By having the facebook page, we will be able to update much more easily from mobile technology and save the hassle and inconvenience that arises from having to program the layout and photo resizing hassles that come with using this interface.

Also, by utilising Facebook everyone can contribute to the project restoration.

Keep an eye out on the Facebook page for more updates!

Cheers,

Project 4468 Restoration Team

Work On The Body Out In The Sun

2011-01-26T19:10:00.004+11:00

Its been a long time between drinks, but here is the next installment for the 4468 workdays.

In what has been Canberra's hottest day for sometime, the opportunity was taken for work to continue on the body of the locomotive.

Here is Gav standing next to the newly shaded work platform. Important to keep out of the sun.

We can see the work that has be done on the body work thus far.

Drinks break - Gav hiding under the flat top.

Gav measuring up the next bit of steel to be welded on.

Lunchtime with Sue, Pat and Gav - Thanks to Sue for the awesome spread of food.

Sue the Matriach of the A-Team.

Busy grinding away to prepare the surface for the next bit.

The replacement bars need to be drilled and tapped - looking good Pat.

Applying the welding skills!

Happy days - Keeping on ALCOing until next time.

Back to Bogies

2010-11-07T10:56:00.005+11:00

With the overhaul of the wheelsets imminent, focus was given to the bogie frames on Saturday 6 November.

In order to prepare the bogies for overhaul, it was necessary to strip down the frames by removing the brake cylinders, brake lines and other linkages.

Here we see Milton and Gav removing one of the 12 brake pistons that will be overhauled as part of the bogie restoration. Good work guys.

... and here we see Pat hard at work, demonstrating that his technical ability cannot be questioned.

Happy days indeed!

Of course, we have to see what it looks like to pick up and take away locomotive wheels. Here we see our goodmates at B&D cranes using a franna to load up the locomotive wheelsets and traction motors onto our carrier Ablett's Transport.

First axle chained up and ready to be hoisted.

Lowering on the truck.

Almost there, fine tuning to get the wheels where they need to sit exactly.

Onwards and upward - one step closer to more ALCOing good times.

What Has 12 Wheels, Weighs 115 tonnes and Flys...

2010-09-21T21:38:00.010+10:00

During the period of Wednesday 15 Sept to Friday 17 Sept, our Goodmates from Goodwin Alco (Steve), Far North Engineering (Peter) and Jason the Lithgow fitter came down to Canberra to give Gav a hand to remove the bogies from 4468 (and disassemble them) in preparation of rediscing the axles. All photos credit to Steve Preston.

Here is 4468 sitting at loco without any brake rigging attached.

4807 shunts '68 to the crane road.

Fitting the lifting bars

No. 1 end sitting on blocks and temp bogies.

No 1 end lifted

Start of lifting no. 2 end

Up she goes

Off the bogies

Gravity wont get you high.

Damn, that pesky toilet chute is in the way!

Here they come out.

Rolling out

No bogies.

Putting in the temporary set.

Removing the keeper plates

Moving around to where they can be got at more easily and out the way of other projects.

A Lithgow Fitter!

Removing the bogie frame off the axles

Wheelsets remaining with traction motors attached.

The engine wont go far on those bogies.

The second A-Team (or does that make them the B-Team???) - Gav, Peter and Jason.

Keep on ALCOing until next time.

Traction Motor Tasks

2010-09-11T20:51:00.005+10:00

Prior to removal of the bogies from the engine, it is necessary to disconnect all the various wires, brake hoses and traction motor bellows.

Saturday 11 September 2010 saw 4468 being shifted out of its home in the shed to the loco pit so Gav, Pat and Paul could work on this very dirty, yet important task.

In this shot, 4403 is fired up and shunting 4468 into ARHS loco.

Duffman performing the role of shunter uncoupling 03 from 68.

Underside shot of 4468 in the pit of ARHS Loco.

An AEI253 traction motor.

Artsy sort of shot looking out of the pit onto loco 1210.

A close up of the No.2 end draw gear pocket and the end of the bogie.

Here is Gav disconnecting the wires from one of the traction motors.

Pat also getting very dirty under the engine disconnecting traction motor wires.

Just for good measure, one more shot of Gav.

Onwards and upwards with Alco power until next time!

Cold Canberra Winter Days

2010-09-05T15:55:00.004+10:00

Saturday 4 September 2010 saw a genuinely cold canberra day host a few hardcore 4468 workers. Present were Pat, Lindz, Gav and Paul all in attendance.

Work continued on the metal locking strips, needle gunning and painting the buffing packages (having been needle gunned a couple of weeks ago)

Here the second and third buffing packages that have been painted up. This is the package inside casings.

... and the outsides also painted up.

Cold day, but Lindz is setting up for the job.

The rubber compression block interiors of the buffing packages all painted up.

Yet more panelling removed from the north side of the engine.

Pat in his hi-vis vest continuing to remove more NFG metal locking strips.

4468 and 4403 meet in the yard outside the workshop.

Very cold day indeed with lots of rain and grey gloomy clouds.

Happy days until next Alco workday.

Under Pressure And A New Arrival

2010-08-15T20:00:00.006+10:00

Sunday 15 August 2010 although rainy and gloomy in Canberra, good work was made towards the restoration of 4468. The ARHS also had a new arrival too!

Today's 4468 focus was on needle gunning the No. 2 end, work on the panelling on the eastern side of the engine, and disassembling another two of the buffing packages to remove the rust out.

Here we see Josh working on removing the locking straps on the buffing packages so the cover can be pulled off.

Here is Milton continuing on needle gunning the No. 2 end of the locomotive. Most of these sections are covered by the pilot when it is reinstalled, but whilst the engine is disassesmbled to this extent it is worth preparing the surface and rust removing.

With half the A-Team off firing 3016 out to Bungendore, Pat was left to soldier on the body work on the 44 class by himself. Here Pat is working on continuing to tidy up and remove rust in preparation of reinstalling the body work panelling locking strips.

In order to disassemble the buffing packages, after removing the exterior welded on locking strips, it is necessary to compress the package to remove the remainder of the locking strips on the inside of the package.

Here we see a special bracing compression tool that bolts around the buffing package that winds up to squeeze up the rubber inner blocks.

After removing the cover off the first buffing package, we see the stack of rubber blocks inside - all very rusty and in need of repairing and repacking.

... and a singular rubber block out of the package.

Lots of rust in package that needs needle gunning and priming/repainting.

Removing compression block out of package.

All foots needed on deck to stop the rotating of the package as the compression device is screwed down.

Package cover removed with a very rusty inside.

Here are the rubber blocks lined up ready for cleaning up, painting and reinstallation after being removed from the buffing packages.

The ARHS-ACT has just exchanged paper work with the Office of Rail Heritage for the re-allocation of 4403. After much organisational efforts and preparation work in the background, 4403 was delivered light engine from Junee to Bungendore, where it was attached to an ARHS train to work a doubled headed consist with 3016 and Set 52, BJ, BVJ into Canberra Station.

Here 4403 shunts Set 52 back into the shed having just arrived in its new home.

Driver Mark at the controls of '03.

4403 shunting Set 52 back into the shed prior to stabling.

Happy ALCOing until next update!

Workday Sunday 18 July

2010-07-27T15:36:00.004+10:00

Sunday 18 July 2010 saw another work day come and go with the main focus continuing on the restoration of the body work - lots of removal, cleaning up and priming steel!

Here is Shaun working on removing bolts.

The engine sticking its nose out the workshop shed.

Lindz getting stuck into the rust removal.

Good ol' A Team working on the scaffolding.

Gav removing more panelling.

Looking out the side of unit where there used to be panelling.

Relaxing at the end of the day by a nice warm fire.

Good fun ALCo times.

Needle Guns, Draft Packages and Dyno Bathtub Fun Times

2010-07-03T18:29:00.005+10:00

On Saturday 3 July 2010 yet another beautiful Canberra winter day preceeded a productive 4468 workday.

Present today working on the 44 were Gav, Dave, Milton, Barry, Jan and Paul.

As Mrs 4468 had 'borrowed' the camera, oldmate had to take photo's with his mobile phone which not amazing are better than none at all.

The tasks today included in cleaning up and 'flaw finding' the draft gear from the No. 2 end, preparation of package for re-installing the draft gear, continued work on needle gunning the body work on the loco, and cleaning up the dynamic break 'bath tub'.

Here we see Gav shaking the flaw finder can before application to the draw gear package.

Applying the spray to the draw gear - no faults found. Thanks to Barry for his efforts in wire-wheeling the package clean.

Sprayed package, all good.

Here we see Dave with his tribute to "Poida from Channel 31" in his bogan flanny needle gunning the frame of the 44. This tedious, yet important job, still has a long way to go - all assistance greatfully received.

Today Paul and Jan got stuck into the cleaning the dynamic break 'bath tub' by degreasing the outside of the unit. There is quite a bit of work required to cleaning up this unit and working to get it back in operational condition, but the first step is to degrease the outside before pulling it to pieces so that the team dont get more dirty than necessary!

Shiny coat of "Alco Green" on the unit ...

... and Indian Red coat of paint on the roof.

Here is Milton applying etch primer to the No.2 end draw gear package strapping. First coat of paint it has had on it for some time!

No flaws in the draw gear shank either!

Happy Alco'ing until next time.

Next workday is Sunday 18 July - Be there or be square!

Dyno's away, rust removal and dunny gone...

2010-06-20T18:40:00.007+10:00

Sunday 20 June 2010, another 4468 workday has been ticked off with the aim to further progress the restoration of the engine.

Today, present were The A-Team (Pat and Gav), Milton, Sean (back in Canberra after an absence of three and a half years) and Paul.

The focus of today was to continue with the body work and rust removal, which Milton is performing a stirling job on. Also, the A-Team focussed on the removal of the dynamic brake 'bath tub' out of the top of the locomotive and Pat worked on cleaning out the grease and gunk out of the main generator. The dyno bath tub contains all the necessary resistors and blower fans to cool the dynamic brake grid. This unit is being removed so our Goodmate Electrican Col can come down and have a look at it with a view to the unit being re-activated.

Sean also started dismantling the toilet room, which will eventually be converted to a storage room for the radio equipment and other miscellaneous tools.

In preparation of Pat cleaning out the generator by blowing through high pressure air, there was a need to start the engine. As 4468's current batteries are NFG, it is necessary to jump start off 4807. Here we see the jumper cables hooked up between the engines.

... and 4468 firing up with blowing grey smoke.

Milton doing a cracker job of de-rusting the body work in his new clothes.

This is part of the problem in restoring this engine with so much rust and mud built up in the body work drains. Once cleaned up and properly treated though, it will be good for many years.

More rust in a compartment hidden behind a panel that has been removed off the No. 2 end.

With the donk fired up and turning over, Pat is holding the air hose hooked up to the main reservoir to blow out muck that has accumulated in the main generator.

Yep, we can see that motor turning over.

Welcome back Sean - been a few years since you were here last, what has changed in the yard?

Thanks to Sean's efforts the old loco bog has been removed. Milton having a look - dont get too close to it!

The Thinker.

In order to remove the dyno grid out of the roof, it was necessary to relocate the locomotive away from the main loco shed.

Comfy seat Pat?

4468 relocated to where the dyno bath tub can be removed.

Last bolt being removed by Pat and the dyno is ready to be lifted out!

Airborne dyno bath tub.

Bringing down the grid to where it can be placed on the ground.

Mr Reynell pointing out a message previously written by an enlightened fitter.

Gav settling down the bathtub on the ground.

Hole in the top of the locomotive where the dyno grid used to be.

First 44 class with a sky light.

Yep, definitely the hatch is missing.

Returning 4468 back to her spot next to the shed.

Pat hanging out the back ready to close the gate.

After a days work on the 44 class, time for some fun - nothing like doing a lap on the mini railway. Happy days Milton and Pat!

The 44 class in the back ground next to the mini-railway

Happy Alco'ing until next time!

Saturday 5 June 2010 - Drop the Pilot

2010-06-05T20:01:00.006+10:00

Saturday 5 June 2010 had a simple focus ... remove the pilots ... as previously prepared last week for removal.

Thanks have to go out to Shaun, John, Barry and Milton for their efforts in lowering, removal and shifting of the pilot parts to the stock pile for restoration.

Here are some pictures of removing the last bolts, pilots sitting on the ground and what each end of the 44 looks like sans "cow-catchers".

Next 4468 work day is Sunday 20 June.

Saturday 29 May - Unofficial Workday

2010-05-30T18:19:00.007+10:00

Work on 4468 has been progressing along quietly in the background.

During the last little while, the A-Team have prepared the dynamic brake grid 'bath tub' ready to be removed and inspected by Goodmate Electrician Col so that it can be hopefully re-activated.

The bath tub contains the main eight resistors (and blower equipment necessary to cool the resistors) that convert the electrical energy supplied to it as heat energy to be dissipated into the atmosphere (The electrical energy supplied is firstly converted from kinetic energy of the train by the traction motors to electical energy).

It is not known how long the dynamic brake grid had been disabled in the previous commercial life of 4468, but is understood to have been some time. Restoring such functionality for the ARHS will be a great benefit if the grid turns out to be economically repairable.

Saturday 29 May turned into an unofficial workday with the assistance of the A-Team (Gav and Pat), Fireman Dave, Lindsay, Duffman and Privateer Oldmate.

The focus of the day was to prepare the pilots (or cow-catchers depending on your state of origin) for removal. On the 44 class, there are a significant number of hoses, electrical wires, bolts and cross bracing behind the pilots that needs to be prepared before the pilots can be dropped off.

Here we see Fireman Dave and Duffman removing control pipes off the No. 1 end (and also doing their best tribute of the Beastie Boys Intergalatic Planetary)

and another shot of the guys removing the control pipes.

Only four bolts holding the front pilot on - almost ready to be removed.

Here we see the left side of the No 1 pilot removed.

Mr Duffman using the oxy set to remove a couple more otherwise in-accessible bolts.

Another shot of Duffman working this time on the No. 2 end.

Oxy-ing is always good fun

Yep, fun times.

Here is a couple of shots of Fireman Dave removing blown studs and Duffman working on oxying other bolts - first one we can see 3112 in the background.

Duffman committed to the cause working out in the rain.

Nothing like having all your mates standing around looking on and giving moral support.

... and here is Goodmate Dave also looking on ...

... and we can see Fireman Dave taking pity on Duffman and is now working out in the rain too!

Fun times, and nothing like spending a day ALCOing !!!

Sunday 18 April 2010 Workday

2010-04-18T20:38:00.004+10:00

Sunday 18 April saw more works continue on 4468.

Paul, Milton and Barry continued on with the awful task of degreasing the electrical componentry in the engine room, and the A Team (Pat and Gav) started on checking the lift jacks to prepare for lifting the engine, as well as checking on the transistion electrical pickup on the right side of the No.1 end bogie.

Here we see Paul lying on his side scraping the gunk from under the main generator.

... and Paul showing the scrapings of what comes out from 40 years of no cleaning under the generator.

Here is a shot of the filth under the generator that needed removing.

Yuk, and no suprise there weren't too many volunteers to help out.

... and another sump shot.

A rare sight of a garratt photographer inside a diesel!

Milton once again helping out with the unglamourous jobs on 4468 - quiet achiever.

Paul's tribute to "Wilfred" the TV show.

Here is Barry cleaning between the Aux Gen and the Exciter - fiddly work getting around all gaps and bolts holding in the grease.

Paul and Barry at work in the engine room.

The engine componentry looking a little bit cleaner again.

Although the sump is still quite greasy, it is significantly better than what it started at the beginning of the day.

Clean under the main generator.

Here is a shot of the new jumper leads made by the A-Team - thanks guys.

Yes indeed, sweet jumper trolley.

Some of the loco guys have a sense of humour - all yours for a low low price...

Keep on ALCOing until next time!

Back into the swing of things...

2010-04-11T11:49:00.002+10:00

With the Project Manager away overseas and commitments that had arisen for the other 4468 volunteers (such as easter trips), hands on progress during the last few weeks had not advanced as much as hoped.

Notwithstanding the above, Saturday 10 April was a 'hands back on deck' unofficial workday.

The A-Team (Gav and Pat) have very kindly manufactured a set of jumper leads mounted on a portable trolley. The importance of this is that the ARHS is now able to jump start various locomotives from one to another when required. For example, 4468 has a poor quality set of batteries at the moment and whilst the intention is to procure a new set, this will not occur for sometime - therefore when required to start the engine it will be necessary to jump off 4807, which can now be done easily.

Also, the worst job to be commenced on the restoration of this engine began in earnest. Donned in coveralls, two pairs of gloves, a scraper in hand and an empty 20 litre drum, the project manager commenced the removal of the built up grease scum in the sump under the main generator. This job requires the cleaner to basically lie on their side to reach under the generator scraping out a thick greasy, dirt and scum composite (and dumping into the 20 litre bin) before applying degreaser to restore the surface condition back to 'as built'. Its not fun and not particularly pleasant, but a compulsory job in the restoration nonetheless.

As I forgot my camera, there are no photos to post just yet, but more will be posted shortly.

In closing, followers will be pleased to know the ARHS has now placed an order for the purchase of 12 new discs to replace the condemned wheelsets under the engine. Thanks must go out to the support from our friends at United Group Ltd and Southern Shorthaul Railroad to 'make this so'.

Saturday 6 March 2010 - Grease Monkeys

2010-03-08T20:10:00.007+11:00

On the first workday for the month, Saturday 6 March, saw a 'light-on' volunteer effort with some of the regulars off looking after a certain steam loco at another location, and others just taking the opportunity of a long weekend to have a little break away. (No A-Team present!)

Inspite of this, loco branch regulars Milton and Paul took the opportunity to do a couple of small jobs and start the mammoth cleaning effort to make the engine room 'nice'.

To start the day off, the opportunity was taken to remove the 'half-gas-axed' buffer studs out of the No. 1 end.

Here is a couple of pictures of the broken studs before removal.

Here are Paul and Milton with drift and heavy mallet used for belting out the broken studs after some 'persuasion' with the gas axe.

All studs removed.

Having removed the studs, a vist to Fyshwick saw some industrial strength degreaser procured with necessary PPE to start cleaning out the engine room (under instructions from Pat)

Here is the main generator, the exciter and auxillary generator very greasy and dirty.

With a bit of elbow grease, lots of rags, and a few ml of degreaser, we can see paint and builders plates on the engine auxillary components.

Here is Milton getting stuck into cleaning the top end electricals in the engine room.

Apparently this unit was overhauled by Goninans in 2002.

... and it was made by AEI - we even have its serial number.

Another shot of Milton dilligently working away.

Paul with a dirty face.

... and cleaning the exciter on the No. 1 end of the engine ...

... and still cleaning!

Who'd have thought the generator covers have a coat of paint on them under all that grease. The blue kind of makes it looks like its a part of Thunderbird No. 5.

Next workday is Sunday 21 March 2010 - be there or be square!

ARHS Loco Branch - Kandos Fundraising Trip - 20 February 2010 - Trip Report and Pics

2010-02-21T21:36:00.004+11:00

If you weren't there for this fundraising trip, you missed out on a great day.

Full details and story at this link:-

http://carriageprivateers.blogspot.com/2010/02/arhs-locomotive-branch-kandos.html

Hopefully we will see you next time.

Happy ALCOing until then!

Saturday 6th February - Inaugural Workday

2010-02-07T20:00:00.006+11:00

On Saturday 6 February, the inaugural workday on 4468 commenced.

Although a small group were present, good progress was made on preparation of a number of issues to be dealt with in the restoration of the engine.

The No. 2 end was vacuumed out, rubbish removed and 'sugar soaped' clean in preparation of it being painted out. (At the same time, we also discovered that mobile phones and sugar soap cleaning water do not mix, after it fell out of the shirt pocket of a certain oldmate when he reached over to wash his rag clean...)

Here we see some pictures of the No. 2 end cleaned up and although it looks much better, it still needs a good painting out to make it nice for the crews.

Progress was also made, like the No. 2 end a couple of weeks back, to clean out the interior of the No. 1 Control stand. These stands get clogged up with diesel fumes and dust from years of operation, and good practice is to clean them out as advised by our electrician old mate.

Here is a couple of pictures prior to cleaning, and we can see Karl hard at work cleaning between the various contactors and other electrical components.

When the engine was prepared for moving from Lithgow in November last year, the original speedo pick up was found to had been permanently borrowed by some other organisation, and the exposed axle box interior needed protection. Even the speedo 'stud' has been taken too!

To solve the issue short term, the preparation team took up a knacked speedo to fit over the hole, which sufficed until the engine came down to Canberra, but now the time has come to fit the proper speedo.

Here we see the missing stud, the old stop gap speedo, and Gav fitting the new 'overhauled' speedo to the axlebox.

Another problem with the 44 class is the propensity for running board drain channels to accumulate lots of mud, dust, rust and other gunk. Here we see Keith starting to remove krud out of the channel, and what was removed from a length of about four feet - unfortunately, it seems there is lots more to go before we're on top of it ...!!!

... and of course looking on we see Duffman up-top, Lindsay and Kerry with 'other' along side of 3016 adding the final touches to it before it heads up to Sydney next week for a wheel turn and a small holiday to RTM for the annual steam festival. (see www.nswrtm.org for further details)

Next workday is on Sunday 21 February - the more assistance, the quicker we get 4468 back on the road!

P.S. Dont forget to book your ticket to our fundraising trip to Kandos on Saturday, 20 February 2010. Contact the ARHS front office on (02) 6284 2790 or email trains@trains.org.au to reserve a spot!

Quality Electricians = Success

2010-01-30T20:50:00.005+11:00

During Thursday (28/1) and Friday (29/1), upon recommendation from our Goodmates at Team Goodwin Alco in Sydney, we had a visit from the highly experience railway electrican Col (who has an excellent reputation for being able to solve Alco electrical problems).

Detailed inspections show the electrical control and traction systems on 4468 to be in very good condition. The problem of the engine not revving up was also solved.

As some problems were solved as a result of Col's visit, the opportunity was taken on Saturday 30 January to give 4468 more testing on the ARHS leased "North Shunt" (which is still in the ARHS yard limit) in respect to braking and other control bits and pieces.

The photographer today would like to offer apologies for the lack of quality in the shots as he didnt have his usual camera on hand, so was forced to take photos with his mobile phone - which not as good as they could be, are better than none at all!

The first shot we see 4468 sitting near loco awaiting to head out the back gate.

Gav (one half of the A-Team) has set up the No. 1 control stand and prepped the controls in anticipation of moving - the zero amps measure is a good indication of no power to the traction systems!

Part and parcel of restoring the engine also includes lots of cleaning - even in the insides of the control stands. After a thorough effort, Pat the Electrican (the second half of the A-Team) efforts with much degreaser has really cleaned up the electrical control stand in the No. 2 very nicely indeed.

Here we see some pictures of the engine sitting under the Ipswich Street bridge in Fyshwick.

Happy Alco following until next update!

P.S. Dont forget to book for your spot on the trip to Kandos from Central on 20 February 2010 with the ARHS group as a fundraiser for locomotive projects of the ARHS. (contact phone 02 6284 2790 or email trains@trains.org.au to book your ticket)

Locomotive Branch Fundraiser - 1st Class Lounge - Central to Kandos, Saturday 20 February 2010

2010-01-13T18:07:00.002+11:00

As part of any restoration effort is the need to generate $ to fund the ongoing restorations.

On Saturday 20 February, the ARHS has arranged for interested persons to travel in a first class lounge car for a ride from Central to Kandos and return.

The trip is to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 48 class, but the opportunity is being taken for those interested in supporting the ARHS restoration efforts to have a good day out, as well as assist in fund raising for the ARHS locomotive branch!

Preliminary timetable is to depart Central at 7:30am, Arrive Kandos at 1:30pm, Depart Kandos 3:25pm, arrive back into Central at 8:45pm.

Tickets are $195 for a ticket in the first class lounge car, which includes a two-course lunch at the Kandos Pub.

Bookings can be made through the ARHS-ACT front office (02) 6284 2790 or email trains@trains.org.au

Thanks for all the continued support to the ARHS Loco branch!

"On Shed" at the ARHS on Boxing Day

2009-12-26T17:48:00.004+11:00

On Saturday 26 December 2009, opportunity was taken to grab a couple of pics of the locomotives "on shed" at the ARHS in Canberra.

Here we see 4833 and 4468 front on sitting outside the main shed.

Here is the sole 4807 sitting by itself.

7315 and 4833 coupled up on 5 road.

Looking across the front of 4807 we see 4833 stabled.

The mass congregation 4833, 7315 and 4468 all parked up the top end of the yard.

Side shot of 4833 and 4468

No. 2 end of 4468

Dwarfed by its stable mates is 7315

The end of Set 52 just hanging outside the shed with 4468 and 7315.

The first female test pilot of 4468!

One Last Time - Bye Bye Loco Hauled Services!

2009-12-22T21:46:00.004+11:00

On the 10 July 1994, 4468 in conjuction with 4403 hauled the last locomotive operated service from Goulburn to Central. For those who may not be aware, 4403 is now in preservation with the Junee Roundhouse Preservation group in operative condition.

Here is a photo taken by Anthony Snedden provided for our viewing interest of the train at Moss Vale on the return (maybe we may see them together on a train again!). Interestingly to the right is the 'replacement' of the loco hauled services...

Preliminary Works Continue...

2009-12-17T08:19:00.004+11:00

Following replacement of the batteries and starting the engine on Saturday (12/12), works continued to fine tune things on the Loco. The team set about adjusting the compressor governor to roughly where it should be, and this seems to be working with the air system now charging to correct pressure.

On Monday (14/12), she started on her own without the need to 'jump start' (with the goodness of having some NFG cells changed out), so the batteries that were 'originals' from when the engine was acquired and not changed out last weekend seem to be in reasonable condition.

One problem noted from the couple of times that the team has started the engine is that whilst she has been loading up, the donk has not revved. To confirm the problem, the work team hooked up 4807 to check out the problem in 4468 control systems. After a failed first attempt, (the problem being between the user left the engine control switch in idle) which was quickly solved, the team were able to rev 4468 from 4807.

From a mechanical point of view (at a glance) there seems to be no problem with the actual engine side of things. The locomotive was even able to move the 48/44 pair up the yard using only 4468's power (controlled from 4807).

More updates as work continues!

Happy "Alco"holic-ing until next time.

Inaugural 4468 Workday - Saturday 6 February 2010

2009-12-13T11:08:00.004+11:00

To kick things off on the restoration of 4468, the inaugural work day will be Saturday 6 February 2010.

As is the case of current 6029 Restoration efforts, the 44 class workdays will be held on the first Saturday and third Sunday of the month - unless otherwise noted.

The locomotive branch has decided to expand these days to the broad category of "Locomotive Workdays", which will includes a raft of various activities (all skills are catered for and NO experience necessary - there is a job for EVERYONE - so if youve never worked on train stuff, dont worry ... just bring your sense of humour and clothes you dont mind getting dirty in!)

BBQ lunch will be provided, so those interested in attending should let Paul Quinn (one of the project coordinators know) - who can be reached at isceon1980@yahoo.com so that numbers can be catered for!

The restoration of the 44 class can be likened to running a marathon where a consistent and continued effort will see us finish the race, rather than a short term sprint!

More photos taken by Stephen Preston, taken at Lithgow in October 2009 prior to the move down to Canberra, show some of the tasks to be undertaken on correcting some rust issues on the locomotive.

4468 with an uncertain future (back in the day)

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Prior to acquisition by Great Northern, 4468 lived in Chullora yard with a number of other vintage 44/45/48 class engines.

This photo of Stephen Preston's in the mid 1990's shows 4468 looking somewhat forelorn near the refuelling station in Chullora.

Now The Hard Work Starts...

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With the assistance of our goodmates from Goodwin Alco (complete with Lithgovian fitter), the preliminary assessment of 4468 was undertaken on Friday 4 December 2009 to see if the engine could be started.

Part of establishing 'the way forward' is to know the various conditions of all the bits of the engine.

With much exposure to grease and hot weather, engine 4468 was prepared by the fitters for starting for the first time, in a long time. A cough and splutter kicked all the build up in the exhaust stack, and then she revved back to life.

Unfortunately, whilst being able to start the engine, control system issues were noted (and added to the long list of things to be repaired) and the engine couldnt be driven very far.

Weve got a long way to go, but weve come so far in such a short time!

Anyway, here are some pics courtesy of Stephen Preston of 4468 at home in "ARHS Loco" during the Goodwin Alco Team visit.

Welcome To Your New Home 4468!

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Locomotive 4468 was finally readied for moving in the last week of November 2009.

With the very greatly received assistance from our friends at Southern Shorthaul Railroad (who quite interestingly were a previous hirer of the this engine in the past!), the ARHS was able to get the first step of a two step process to bring the engine down to Canberra underway.

On Thursday 26 November 2009, in the wee hours of the morning SSR locomotive G513 headed up from Chullora yard to Lithgow Loco to do the special move down to Eveleigh.

The locomotive was moved without any hassles down to the Large Erecting Shop, Eveleigh to the 3801 Limited depot for a 'sleep over'.

The ARHS as part of its Xmas series of trains in November and December 2009 required the use of a second engine, and to achieve that end had already had the hire of 4833 'locked in'.

With the fortune of good timing (although i'd claim excellent planning), on the delivery run of 4833 down to Canberra on Friday 27 November 2009 to assist with the Xmas trains, locomotive 4468 was dead attached to this movement.

At around 1630 on Friday 27 November 2009, locomotive 4468 was parked in the Departure Road of the ARHS's Kingston Depot. The second step of the delivery run having been completed successfully!

Welcome 4468 to your new home!

Preparing 4468 For The Big Move to Canberra

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Having acquired 4468, the next step was to plan for the engine's delivery.

During its period of storage, it was noted that a number of key parts of the engine had been removed and a small group of the locomotive branch headed up to the Lithgow Locomotive Depot on 4 & 5 November 2009 to reinstate the missing items (sourced from the ARHS parts store in Canberra).

Here we see some general pictures of locomotive 4468 parked alongside sister unit 4483 at Lithgow, whilst fitters reinstate bits brought up from Canberra.

... And Into Preservation

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The ARHS-ACT historically has relied upon other organisations to assist in the provision of its motive power requirements, being limited to ownership of only 2 x 73 class engines - which are of low horse power and restrictive for any long distance operation.

Inspite of allocation of Railcorp Heritage unit 4807, the locomotive branch of the ARHS considered it an important priority for the society to actually have ownership in its own right of a mainline locomotive, which can operate at mainline line speed with a reasonable haulage capability.

In October 2008 initial enquiries were made by locomotive branch personnel with Chicago Freight Car Leasing Australia as to its availability. After much back and forth, the ARHS was advised in October 2009 that it was successful with its acquisition.

The ARHS is now the proud owner of a significant piece of NSW Railways History!

Where It All Started Prior to Preservation

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Locomotive 4468 (Manufacturer Serial No. G-3421-08) entered service with the New South Wales Government Railways on the 26th May 1966. The engine was manufactured by A E Goodwin Limited at its Sydney workshop.

As with all 44 Class engines of the NSWGR, its life and operation with its former NSW government owner has been wide and varied. During its life of government ownership of 28 years, the engine would have hauled all forms of trains such as freights, passenger, mail and infrastructure trains.

The engine was withdrawn by Freightcorp in 1994 and included in the 'Great Locomotive Auction' at Cardiff Workshops of the same year, however, was withdrawn from sale at the auction for retention by SRA as a Heritage Unit and to work on infrastructure trains. History has shown that the SRA plan did not ultimately come to fruition, and was sold much later on in the late 1990's to the railway company Great Northern.

Since its sale from Freightcorp, it has had a number of private owners (including Great Norther noted above), and ultimately ended up in the ownership of Chicago Freight Car Leasing Australia.

During the period of private ownership, the engine operated around Sydney and regional New South Wales for many private railway freight companies on infrastructure and short haul freight trip trains. The engine also spent time in Victoria in the early "naughties" and has even spent time in South Australia operating freight trains between Port Pirie and Outer Harbour during 2004.

The engine was ultimately withdrawn in early 2007 on economic grounds where it was determined that substantial money was required to be expended to return the engine to a satisfactory condition for 'commercial hire'.

Locomotive 4468 was stored at Lithgow locomotive depot around the turntable in the yard with sister engine 4483, which was withdrawn from service at the same time.

The locomotive remained at this location until preservation with the ARHS-ACT.