The coal tender was the second major component to be worked on. Already patched by the railways before coming out of regular service, the tender was stored for many years out in the open prior to its relocation to the Powerhouse's workshop area at Eveleigh. Because of its poor condition, the decision was made to construct a completely new tank. Photographs were taken of exact rivet placement and numbers, while samples were taken of the original structure as a reference before the tank was removed. The front section of the tender frame was in poor condition and was replaced, but the back section was in surprisingly good condition; the original machining marks were still visible. The frame was sent out for shot-blasting and undercoating before work began replacing loose and worn rivets.

The tender bogies were dismantled and the frames and wheels were sent out for chemical dipping to remove the grease, oil and road grime that had accreted over the years. These bogies were given the same treatment as the front truck under the engine, with new pins and bushes and woolpacks all round, as well as fabrication repairs.
Once repairs on the frame had been completed, a new tender tank was painstakingly constructed using the traditional methods of hot riveting. After the floor had been marked out, drilled, reamed and riveted to the frame, a series of flat-bar 'baffles' was constructed and riveted together on top, in the same configuration as the original. These baffles act as internal support for the tank-holding the walls, base and top together-and help break up water surges within the tank while operating out on the track. With the baffles now in place, the side and end sheets could be riveted in, followed by the coal floor, which sits on top. The curved sections on top of the tender around the coal space were in fair condition, so these were reconditioned and they have been riveted into place.

A pair of Franna cranes was hired to lift the mostly-completed tender back onto its wheels, and then the reassembly and testing of the brake rigging could began in earnest.

+ Rail transport
+ Locomotives
+ Steam power

Images on this site are reproduced for the purposes of research and study only. Whilst every effort has been made to trace the Copyright holders, we would be grateful for any information concerning Copyright of the images and we will withdraw them immediately on Copyright holder's request.