This year our crewvan, ABN 2194 is the target of works to ensure see that it continues to give sterling service for our oldmates during those long days out on the road. A good crew van certainly makes a difference!
The 240V generator has been removed to check water leaks and basicly receive a tone up. Whilst out the boys ponder the task ahead and consider improvements that can be implemented.
With the water pump off a check is made to ensure all looks good before reassembly.
The roof of the ABN also received some attention with minor roof repairs and a fresh coat of silver applied.Some old and new hands made light work of the task first "blackjacking" the joints....
...and soon had the silver coat applied....
....and ready for another years work.
Further over the HKB progress continued......
....with Steve sanding and finishing the trim to ensure a first class finish.
The protective metal corner strips were rusted and beyond salvaging.......
so new plates were ordered (thanks Ian), primed....
...drilled and countersunk......
...and then fitted into place. Brendon has been nominated for Apprentice of the year and his work clearly shows why.
A final external primer coat sees another job well done.
The treads on the door steps have also begun to be replaced.
Next on the list were door repairs. Bob was curious as to why the guards door was bulging......
....so the internal lining was removed.....
...and the 30 year secret revealed. A combination of newspapers, timesheets and departmental envelopes dating back to 1979 were found in the bottom having rattled in after being used to try and wedge the loose door window shut.
To finish the job a new door catch was also installed.
In the luggage area Todd and Brendon decided they'd get into the door act as well and having adjusted the big door runners which had dropped, these doors now run so freely no guard would recognise them.
The welcome lunch break was this week prepared by Bob on the BBQ......
...and Steve on the Bweadwolls. A welcome break from the heat of activity.
After lunch the 516 team continued the door theme sanding the new vestibule doors...
...and applying a sealing primer coat.
A few feet away the final movements saw the last bogie spring back in position.....
....keenly watched by other team members.
Previously the buffers were removed from 516 but to provide marshalling flexibility and a smoother ride are being reinstated.
Finished dooring, the team position the new buffer....
...and with a coordinated push and spring fit place them in position.
Underneath Bob fits the retaining nuts....
...and then sweats out the lunchtime drink while tightening them up.
Down the back of the shed the garratt cab is looking good.
Ron returned to finish his cab cleaning and priming works....
...and now the painting is done the fitting of replacement parts can be commenced.
Thanks again to our oldmate Ian, the metal parts have been manufactered exactly to order. The new cab barrel angle is ready for marking out and drilling......
.... and will be fitted along with the new spectacle plate section.
The lower sections of the cab walls have some significant wasteage so new sections have been folded to be "glued" in as well as new gutter sections.
