Sandstone Heritage Trust - Rail News
RN 61 - Weekly Report - 17th June - Sandstone Estates steam locomotives
THE BARCLAY:
The Barclay was steamed for a very special train ride this week for some VIP passengers. This was the very first time the Barclay had worked a train after overhaul. There were a few problems that occurred and the minor adjustments were made today. She really is a very special locomotive.
Derrick made some modification to the ash pan and the fire bars, to enable a better flow of air for combustion. She will be steamed again to test the end result.
 |
 |
I used this opportunity to put the Barclay in the hand of learner driver Derrick van Zyl under close supervision. The Barclay took the train to Grootdraai and back to Hoekfontein again.
 |
 |
Here is a happy Boilermaker inside the Barclay's firebox before....
He got stuck halfway in the firebox doors!!!
ACID WASH:
The acid wash of the boilers fortunately came to an end this week and now we can start with the wash out of all the boilers. We are planning a small area where we can easily wash out the stationary boilers. Washing out a boiler is a very messy job and therefore we need to get the wash out place at an appropriate place with drainage.
After the wash out of all the boilers, they will be stored dry to prevent corrosion.
THE HUNSLET DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE:
The wheels have not arrived at the farm yet, and I hope that it will be delivered tomorrow.
Des will machine the bushes as soon as we have the wheels.
SANDSTONE ESTATES 2' WAGONS:
AY 2020;
Arno is still busy with the grinding of the sides. The compressor in the Mobile workshop is now working, and this will speed up our wagon restoration enormously.
THE FLAT WAGON:
Ben finished the wood floor of the flat wagon and is almost finished with the sanding of the wood. The wood will be varnished and we might fit angle iron on the sides, depending on the final result.
 |
 |
B WAGON 2951:
This wagon will be stencilled tomorrow and will be shunted to the station.
|
THE MOBILE WORKSHOP: Henry fitted the bench grinder and vice in the Mobile Workshop. The compressor is very effective and it gives air in a second. Henry still needs to finish the paint work in the wagon.Des did all the electrical work that was needed to enable the compressor to run with all the governors in working order. |
 |
Des completely stripped the gearbox this week. He cleaned all the spares and fitted it back. The engine arrived this week and Des will start with the modification and fitting work on the BSA.
 |
 |
|
GENERAL: WORKSHOP PLANNING:Oupa is busy with the painting of the floors inside the shed. The working areas are grey and the walking area will be green. The colours will be divided with a yellow stripe and a yellow stripe between each artisans working space. The area at the back where 88 is stripped, will be barricaded with a locomotive rebuild sign. |
 |
|
We are going to make a little visitors corner if front of the shed office. There will be a table with chairs and some interesting books to read. All the banners we've acquired gave me will be hung around the shed. RAILWAY SIGNS:
|
 |
Derrick wrote three tests this week and really did well. The training program is still on schedule.
FROM THE PAST:
Here is a 23 Class leaving Vetrivier station with a passenger train long before electrification of the Bloemfontein - Kroonstad mainline. This photo was taken by Mr Norval who was employed as a station foreman on Vetrivier station in those years.
plant.
Greetings, Gert