Open Days: June open day went well until a wagon derailed down the line from the Junction in the early afternoon. This closed that section of the line but our passengers were given rides between Downers Crossing and the bottom end of the Junction.
July open day was also going well until the passengers suddenly fell away about 2p.m. We could still do with a few more helpers on open days to spread the work load.
The next open days will be OCTOBER 2nd and NOVEMBER 6th. Last newsletter I mentioned extra open days for Labour weekend. The idea is to have rides 12.30, 1.30, 2.30, 3.30 on Saturday 22nd OCTOBER and a normal open day on Sunday 23rd. Please fill out the attached work notices and return them.
Film Evening: Eric showed some more of his films on Saturday evening 2nd July. One was about train control in New South Wales in the 30's or 40*s. Another was a documentary on the building of the Auckland Harbour bridge, while the last one was mostly 'On the footplate' on an express engine from Auckland to Frankton. These were well received and followed by the usual cuppa and natter. Not too much natter as the evening was extremely cold.
Charter Trips: We have had several more and have another 3 days booked, mostly for kindergartens.
Line to Rotowaro: Following the derailment on June open day the track around the old 7 mile peg was found to be in need of attention. What looked and tested like good sleepers were not so and at this stage 60 new ones have been put in. Most active and some not so active members and the P.D. gang have done the work so far. This particular section has not had many sleepers replaced by us before. We have also seen a need to put in more square sleepers on curves as we continue upgrading our line.
TR217: The overhaul of the engine compartment continues. Mike is making new engine mounts and Andrew has been assembling the oil cooler.
F185: The end was cut off the water tank and everything ground up ready to weld the end back on. As half expected, the body of the tank had altered shape slightly and the end must now be welded back on by clamping and tacking small sections at a time. Mike and Ian were busy on this during July open day and a lot was done.
The live and exhaust steam pipes are now in place in the smokebox after the spacer blocks were drilled and machined. Progress on this loco has been steady for a change.
New Fire Wagon: The decking has been completed by Ian. We have purchased a new 40Ogal square water tank and the intention is to have three tanks on the wagon.
Guards Van: For the last couple of years this van has been stored out of use in the loco shelter The roof had some work done on it but rotten T and G stopped us putting this van back out in the weather. The intention was still is - to put a good display inside the van and park it opposite the station for visitors to have a look through. The cost of T and G is prohibitive so we will cover one side with plywood, grooved if someone can do it. We have been successful in obtaining a Hillary Commission grant from our local council that will purchase most of the ply-wood. Any offers to do the job???
Annual National Federation Conference: This year it was held in Masterton - hosted by the Friends of the Fell Society and a very good job they did.
A large part of the conference dealt with the way our safety systems are to be set up and more importantly the need to get cracking on writing them up. Land Transport have been a major holdup in approving proposed auditors and a trial safety system from Ferrymead. Ours was one of the few clubs that had proposed our auditors.
The outcome was that "guinea pig groups" are to work on safety systems and then form workshops for all clubs in the area to join in and find out how to go about it.
Also discussed was how other new legislation can affect us - Consumer Guarantees Act - you must provide what you advertise or say you will provide. Smoking laws - all railway carriages are no smoking areas. Occupational Safety and Health laws clobber you if you employ staff.
A major review of N.Z. Boiler codes is being carried out and somehow loco type boilers were completely overlooked. Our hobby as a whole, now has an opportunity to write our own boiler code. This is being done by Ted Pointon of G.V.R. so should be something we car, all live with.
Another change is that loco drivers exams as we know them will go out the window probably during 1995. Again our type of equipment was forgotten and the Federation is working hard with N.Z. Qualifications Authority to put a new syllabus in place.
Paul Dillicar retired from his post as President and got a rather hard time at the Conference dinner. Still this was to be expected after 22 years a President.
Several field trips were made to visit other groups in the area - the restoration of an old Wairarapa railcar at Pahiatua, Carterton railway station, and the Fell loco at Featherston.