On Saturday 21 March 2020 we rolled the main frame of steam locomotive Wb 299 into the workshop - just a few days before the Covid-19 level-3 and level-4 lock-down.
Shifting the frame into the workshop frees up space for another carriage in the main shed, one of the main reasons for the move. It should also be easier to carry out restoration work, access with lifting equipment etc.
The photos below illustrate progress made since December 2019 and steps taken to prepare the frame to move it into the workshop.
In December 2019 an order was placed with Real Steel, Upper Hutt, for a replacement coal bunker back sheet. On 14 December we assembled the back sheet and two side sheets, fastened to steel angles. In the photo Peter is drilling a pilot hole through the back sheet on the fireman's side.
Work continued through December, fabricating and fitting steel angles to support the bunker back. The original rear headlight bracket was fitted, referring back to measurements taken off the original bunker in 1989. The number "299" was stenciled on for effect.
By 4 January 2020 most of the supporting frame had been completed and fitted to the back of the cab. Additional steel angles were cut and fitted to secure the cab back to bunker front. These angles also support the coal chute cut-out.
Two roof sheets were rolled by Seaview Engineering of Lower Hutt from 6mm plate, one for each Wb locomotive. The cab front, sides and bunker of Wb 299 have been carefully lined up on the supporting plywood cab board and made square in preparation for fitting the roof. We plan to fit the roof sheet during the winter months of 2020.
Original half-round steel beading repaired and refitted to the coal bunker side.
Fitting the original half-round steel beading to the coal bunker back sheet.
One of two driving wheel sets being lifted into the main shed, for refitting to the main frame of Wb 299.
Leading and trailing driving wheel axleboxes were brought out from storage and cleaned up for refitting to the wheel sets. A cursory clean-up for the move.
Lead and trailing driving wheels under the main frame of Wb 299. Journals were cleaned and polished ahead of refitting the axleboxes.
Lauren and Ray lower the main frames of Wb 299 down onto the trailing driving wheel set on 14 March 2020.
The main frame of Wb 299 was shunted into the workshop by Tr 189 on 21 March 2020.
The main frame of Wb 299 rolling slowly down road 4, with the two Wb boilers in the background.
Main frames of Wb 299 relocated to the workshop, seen here on 22 March 2020.