Inside the shed the boys made an early start to get 516's bogies stripped back with needle guns.
Not only does the bogie get stripped back to bare metal ready for painting but the bogie can be thoroughly inspected and any defects more easily seen.
To expedite the exacting job of machining yoke bushes, expert help has been brought in.
Rob (not a dentist so we can show his face) made easy work turning up the 2 bushes to the exact size....
.... and then pressed them into the yoke.
Next came the reassembly of the spring pack and welding of pins....
...and the "Redfern end" yoke is ready for reinstallation.
The auto pin (also expertly machined) is trial fitted to complete the job.
After an extended absense on the road, our chief eleco Richard has returned to complete the 516 rewiring task.
Having previously run the main wires, Richard has now commenced terminating and testing the circuits.
Elsewhere in 516, other internal activity is now underway.
Bob has picked out a suitable backboard for the saloon end of the car.....
...and with it mounted on the centre compartment (ex attendants compartment)wall, he and Steve commenced assembling a first class seat module.
With the first squab and back in position, Bogie boy Benson was called in to perform a load test.
Not being able to help themselves, the boys were soon passing up a luggage rack selected from stock....
...and had it screwed and mounted in no time.
Work also continued on the final preparation of historic HKB 836 which is now even closer to completion.
With preparations for the Mateland SteamFest in full swing all efforts were turned to reinstalling the generator after lunch.
The first task was to remount the insulation and cabinet panels.....
...and make sure the gen would fit back under cleanly.
Our hand model demonstrates a recent hatch mod, complete with one of his mums kitchen drawer handles.
After some groaning and gentle pursuasion the gen is back in place....
...and the filters replaced to finally complete the works.
With a thorough inspection and full service this job definitely has a happy ending in time for the big trip north.
