Patron PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY KENTISH COUNCIL REDWATER … · week beginning 9th Jan 2017. Some of...
Transcript of Patron PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY KENTISH COUNCIL REDWATER … · week beginning 9th Jan 2017. Some of...
1| Page RWC Express February 2017
From President Chris Martin
Members and Friends,
From our President Chris Martin
Members and Friends,
It is that time of year again when our organization rises
to the huge challenge of putting on SteamFest. Several
of our members have been carrying much of the load
for organizing the event and I am pleased to say that
we are on track to make significant improvements in
organization and professionalism thanks to their
efforts.
I thank Jill Ridgeway in particular for stepping into the
fold to pick up much of the load from Angela Cannell
and Judy MacKenzie who have and are also doing a
terrific job.
This year we will be welcoming the addition of the
Miniature railway which will add another dimension to
Steam at our event. Well done to Graham, Lizard and
the Work for the Dole (WFD) team and funding for
making this happen.
WFD – Container Shed
A couple of weeks ago, we arranged for the next round
of WFD funding. Our main project is the container
shed which will commence in earnest directly after
SteamFest.
As those who frequent our site often are aware – the
demands on our shed are increasing so we look
forward to completing the container shed to allow
storage of non display items.
I have sought some minor revisions on the shed
location which is 13m from the loco shed workshop.
Plan and elevation are shown following this paragraph.
Once the minor amendment is approved I will prepare
engineering drawings for building approval.
………………………………………keep reading
Redwater Creek Steam & Heritage Society Inc ABN: 17 626 054 140
Box 143, Sheffield 7306, Tasmania, Australia Email: [email protected]
The Sheffield Steam & Heritage Centre
REDWATER CREEK EXPRESS FEBRUARY 2017
Circulated to Members & Friends by Peter Martin & Judy MacKenzie Circulated to Members & Friends by Peter Martin & Judy MacKenzie
Website: www.sheffieldsteam.com.au
Phone: Hon. Sec. 03 6424 7348
Patron: Eric Hutchinson PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
KENTISH COUNCIL
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New purchase for the Society.
Some great news this last week has been the
finalization of the purchase of the Society’s first
traction engine Foden Light Eight #2012 built 1912.
There is much work to do on this engine however we
believe it is achievable if we can pick up a few grants
to assist. On behalf of the society I thank Ian Larcher
both for his perseverance and for his skills in
persuading Hobart Council that the engines have
heritage significance in Tasmania and that the engines
be kept in Tasmania for future generations to
appreciate this heritage.
In addition I also thank a longtime colleague in the
Engineering profession and owner of BridgePro,
Aaron Brimfield for his generation contribution of the
purchase price ($5,000) and the transport costs for the
engine from Hobart to Sheffield. Aaron is the great
grandson of George Weily who last owned the engine
when it was in commercial use. The engine is quite a
testament to Aaron’s heritage in the Civil Construction
industry. We hope we can bring it back to life over the
coming years.
Aaron has known about my interest in steam for many
years and occasionally stirred me about gunzelling!
When the engine was first put up for auction Aaron
told how his grandmother, Betty Coombes, asked him
to take her to Pickles Auctions so that she could have
her photo taken in front of the engine before it most
likely left the state. Rumours were the engine was
likely to fetch at least $20k from mainland buyers.
Mrs Coombes outlined how the engine was used
around Hobart and Glenorchy at the Tolosa Quarries
that her father owned and how the engine was used to
cart equipment to Taraleah.
I have included an article about the engines from Ian
Larcher who used the information to demonstrate the
significance of the engine to the Hobart Council.
The Foden at Pickles Yards in Hobart – photo C. Martin
From left to right – Betty Coombes (Aarons grandmother), Joan
Quarrell, Olive Evans and George ‘Joe’ Weily Photo courtesy of
Betty Coombes.
Some additional Traction Engine News. Our society (Ian Larcher and I) has offered to assist
Tasmania Parks and Reserves with understanding the
condition of Marshall No 87964 – the last Marshall
Traction Engine constructed. The engine is presently
at Entally house and is reasonably complete. It is the
sister engine to the one Frank Schellekens brought to
SteamFest a few years ago from Victoria. Ian and I
will coordinate this work. Parks and Reserves have
allocated some funding for the investigative works
which will include some conservation/corrosion
prevention. Hopefully they will also find funds to go
to the next stage of returning the engine to service.
Big Shed gets new Floor for SteamFest
For those who aren’t aware the big shed is to have a
new floor installed commencing 2 weeks prior to
SteamFest. All equipment will be removed and King
and Harding contractors are laying a cement stabilized
gravel throughout the shed. The new pavement will be
pram and wheelchair friendly, less dusty, easier to
move equipment on and not too sensitive to a little
movement. Drainage at the outside of the shed will
also be cleaned up finally.
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Help us at SteamFest
During SteamFest we need all the help we can get.
Please contact Jill Ridgeway if you can assist even if
only for a few hours. This year we actually have a
roster system so if you have time this year we will be
much more organized when people show up on site.
All people attending the site will need to sign in at the
main exhibitor gate 2.
Australia Day Awards in Kentish
I congratulate Peter Martin who was awarded a Local
Hero Certificate – event thought he isn’t a Kentish
Resident! and Barb Wells, Judy and Graham
MacKenzie who were recognized for their significant
contributions in voluntary hours in the community at
the recent Australia Day Awards. Well done too to the
many others who have significantly contributed to our
site over the last year!
Peter Martin receives Kentish local hero certificate
Barb Wells and Graham and Judy MacKenzie receive Kentish
Volunteer Awards.
Foden “Light Eight” Single cylinder Traction
Engine #2012 built 1912 by Ian Larcher
Tasmania used to have several of this model but being
technically interesting, rare and thus highly collectable
they have been plundered by interstate and overseas
collectors. This engine is believed to be one of three in
Australia. (Winton, 2015).
As the advertising correctly states this engine is a
“Light Eight” type. These engines have a particular
relevance to Tasmania being especially constructed to
the express order of Langwell Bros & Davis the Foden
agents for Victoria & Tasmania. (through their sub
agents Finlayson Bros Devonport).
This particular engine was first purchased by Chas
Rockcliff of Sassafras, an early Tasmanian pioneer and
forebear of Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
The engine was then sold to George Weily, who
utilised the engine on stone crushing and construction
duties. It would have almost certainly been used on
Hobart City Council projects as Mr Weily owned both
a large quarry business and was heavily involved in
road construction in the greater Hobart area and
successfully tendered for many council projects.
Hobart Council used the engine as playground
equipment for many years.
……………………………………………. Graham & Judy MacKenzie by PM and CM
Graham and Judy have both been stalwarts of our
association for over 5 years.
Due to Graham’s upcoming surgery Graham and Judy
both resigned from their positions before the February
running weekend.
Judy has done wonderful work in the kitchen and
station on running weekends and in Graham’s case all
his work around the station area and his work on
running days such as putting out our (heavy) roadside
signs, coffee making, baking cakes and slices for sale,
light and keep the station heater going, cleaning the
toilets, cleaning the station floors etc. Many of us have
had copious delicious hot chocolates and coffees he
has made. Please join us in wishing Graham a speedy
recovery.
Judy will continue as newsletter editor, web site
manager and membership coordinator.
ADVERT: Does anyone have a treadmill Graham
and Judy can hire or borrow for up to 6 mths? if
you can help call 6441 5241
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MARSHALL SINGLE TRACTION ENGINE
No 45592 of AUGUST 1906 by PM
Barbara Wells found the following photograph and
brief article in The Examiner during other research.
The article was printed on Thursday 21st June 1917.
‘A NOVEL SIGHT SHEFFIELD, Wednesday. Rather a novel sight was on view in Main Street today. The
Salvation Army Barracks building was being towed by a
traction engine to a site in the centre of town’
The building was relocated next to what is now the
Honey Shed – about 5 doors up from our railway site.
It is currently used as a furniture and artifacts outlet.
I sincerely thank Mr Ralph Proctor - who has had
almost a lifetime interest in Traction Engines and
Trams - for the following information. Ralph and
Shirley now reside in Devonport.
Some of the owners of the engines were:
E & A Bassett – Flowerdale (near Wynyard)
George Rockliff – Sheffield – Inspected there
in 1914. It was given Boiler Number D1458
W. Blake – Bothwell
Findlay Brothers – Wesley Vale – I saw it at
that time.
Ivan Chugg - West Tamar – near Launceston
Now - Bob Ahrens – Near Gawler – South
Australia
A photo of the engine appeared in Old Glory Magazine
in January 2009
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VIVIAN MARTIN’S AVELING & PORTER
STEAMROLLER (No 11979)
This machine was dispatched new to Latrobe Council
18/11/1927 and was assembled on the Devonport
wharf by Jimmy Vincent who drove it for the council
for many years.
In approx.1964 the council retired the engine to St
George’s Park (not far from the Mersey General
Hospital) where it was played on by generations of
Latrobe children (including Chris’s wife Tracey).
Around 1970 Reg and Neville Lunson arranged to
replace the roller from the park in exchange for a
Foden Single Traction Engine of 1913, No 3533 as the
insurer for Latrobe Council public liability decided
that the Foden was ‘too dangerous for children to play
on’ (it was purchased by Vivian in November 1999).
The Aveling & Porter roller was sold by auction on
26th Sept. 2009 to Vivian and dismantling the engine
and assessment for repair started in October of the
same year
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The boiler was separated from all other components,
thoroughly thickness tested, magnetic particle testing
and ultra-sonic testing of the lap riveted seam.
All work was carried out in Eric Howe’s yard
including; the drilling of stays inside and out, new
crown stays made and fitted, new smoke tubes
expanded in and stay tubes welded in. Hydraulic
testing revealed 2 broken wall stays which were
replaced and the boiler was hydraulic tested to 250psi.
Re assembly of the axles, gears and wheels was
achieved in part of Vivian’s October holidays, the
remainder of the machine was almost rebuilt in the
week beginning 9th Jan 2017. Some of the pieces
reattached requiring attention were, a new 0 – 300psi
pressure gauge, siphon pipe to pressure gauge, 3 new
pins for throttle linkage, mud hole door gaskets,
replace grit blasted and painted wood rack, lagging
renewed on cylinders, drain taps and maker’s plate
refitted.
The boiler was steamed to about 20psi on 16th Jan
when we discovered a few minor leaks, engine seemed
to run ok.
Jan 17th the roller was moved for the first time with
100psi and safety valves lifting.
Jan 18th safety valves adjusted and whistle fitted with
a new valve by PM.
Jan 19th repacked blanking off plate on cylinder,
replaced rusty nipple on manifold, replaced wood rack
angle support brackets, added whistle chain and fire-
hole door chain, freed simpling valve, some gauge
glass mountings repacked, steamed to 200psi, safety
valves adjusted and trial run.
There is a long list of jobs to complete before
operating the engine in public including; some slack
bearings, the injector which is not working correctly,
replacing the gear case, painting, adding tyres to the
rear wheels as these are rather thin and adding a pump
as a second feed water mechanism.
Many thanks to Peter Martin and Eric Howe for their
kind assistance to return 11979 into steam.
…………………………………………………………
NEW BOOK by Tony Coen River & Coastal Vessels Trading out of Hobart 1832-2015
http://www.sheffieldsteam.com.au/River&CoastalVes
sels_PrePublicationOrderForm 2.pdf
Anyone wanting a copy cheaper than RRP needs to
order before end of Feb – copy and paste the link
above to read about this book and special offer.
MINIATURE RAILWAY… G & J Shoesmith
The track is nearly a whole circuit and the steaming
bays are now under construction. If anyone would
like to help the assistance would be greatly
appreciated.
The Miniature Train featured on the front of the
Kentish Voice for the February Edition bringing great
publicity for SteamFest with it.
We are hoping to have feature signs around the track
such as Shoey's Gully and Lizard's Cutting and maybe
a name for the station and steaming bay areas.
A name for the whole track is needed so please
forward suggestions to Chris Martin and the track
name will be announced at the Opening of SteamFest
in March. Other creative points of interest around the
track are also needed so please forward these ideas to
Chris as well
……………………………………………………….
STEAMFEST…Jill
SteamFest Sponsors
We have a record number of Sponsors this SteamFest -
mostly in kind assistance but also some generous cash
donations. These will be acknowledged in the new
SteamFest Programme Cover which is being printed as
this February Newsletter goes out to members.
…………………………………………………….
SteamFest Volunteers
We are still short of volunteers this year however we
are hoping for a last minute rush. We have ordered
t-shirts for the volunteers this year so that they are
visible and available to assist the public and we are
hoping that this will also acknowledge how valuable
they are to the Society.
…………………………………………….
Work For the Dole – G Shoesmith
A new six month cycle of funding from the Federal
Government via My Pathways began on Monday
06.02.2017. With this comes a new project and for
the next six months the group will be working on
converting the two storage containers into a much
needed storage shed. As the Society grows its vision
the infrastructure needs to grow along with it and this
is one step along that path.
…………………………………………………………
6| Page RWC Express February 2017
SHEFFIELD MODEL RAILWAY
has new directional signs to help visitors find them,
make sure you take notice next time on site!
Model Railway members are onsite Thursday & Friday
10-12 each week and on running weekends until
winter, both days 10am – 3pm. During SteamFest the
railway will be open all 3 days. New members always
welcome, call Stuart on 0498 727 258 for info.
…………………………………………………….
Next meetings:
18th of February 2017 9.30am Safety and Work for the Dole
10am Committee Meeting
1.30pm SteamFest Meeting and induction session.
Next SF working bee 25th and 26th of Feb ………………………………………..
Next Newsletter will be after SFest!
NEW WEBSITE …. checked it out yet?
www.sheffieldsteam.com.au ... and new email addresses [email protected] [email protected]... Graham S [email protected]... Peter [email protected]... Jill [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
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PHOTO GALLERY OF MEMBERS
on the new website ?
A photo gallery of members – what are your thoughts?
A way for new members (even older ones) to get to
know who is who!
I have nice photos of some of you already but I won’t
put them up without asking your permission.
So feedback please: text to 0458 190 591 or via
[email protected] and if you’re keen,
send me a nice current pic of yourself?
…………………………………………………..