Another milestone was reached on Friday 2 August with a third portal frame lifted into position for our workshop extension. Two portal frames arrived by truck, fresh from blasting and priming at Steam and Sand Porirua, and welding at MJH Engineering. Fabrication of the steel beams and components had earlier been completed by trust members.
We're indebted to Rimutaka Trust, Rotary Club of Upper Hutt, Upper Hutt Summer Carnical, Pelorus Trust, The Lion Foundation and trust members for funding the workshop build. Once completed it will be a major boost for our restoration work on historic locomotives and carriages for the Rimutaka Incline Railway.
Trust members assembling a portal frame, which arrived in two halves. Cleats were bolted on prior to the lift.
Lionel and John bolting on purlin cleats to the portal frame.
Detail of girt and purlin work on the workshop frame, the third portal frame seen at the back.
John, Iain and Ray working on the pedestrian door frame. Some fill required to be useful - obviously!
End portal laid out on the ground ready for assembly - another train door frame to build before it gets lifted up.