Since the last update, the final portion of new T&G cladding on box wagon K610 has been sanded and painted, and the rotten roof beams have been repaired. Attention is now turning to preparing the roof for its new covering. A number of smaller components for K610 and cattle wagon T175 have been refurbished and painted as well, including hinges, grab rails and floor boards.

Motor Trolley WW7079 (10 hp, 4 man, wooden frame) has had its leaking fuel tank removed for repair. Minor electrical repairs and the replacement of rotten timber is also being undertaken. A large commercial lawnmower that the railway was given a number of years ago (in pieces) is now being reassembled after being cleaned and painted. A rebuilt motor is ready to be refitted to it. A second machine has also been acquired and made serviceable after a replacement carburetor and air cleaner was found and fitted.

TR 81 has had a second auxiliary drive fitted to the Detroit 4-71 motor to allow a second compressor to be fitted, returning its air capacity to close to the original manufacturers specification. The compressor has been readied for installation and a special bracket has been manufactured to hold the unit in position.

Replacement of rotten sleepers is now complete, with 38 being replaced in the current programme. The repaired track has been lifted back into alignment prior to tamping. Fulton Hogan are using part of our track bed to gain access to a development on the old Marlow Park Netball Courts. The project aims to teach children about road safety on a purpose built cycling network. The arrangement will also assist in the development of our site in this mutually beneficial exchange. At the moment, it looks a little strange seeing large trucks operating over the track past the station, but on completion, the trains will return to a much improved track bed.

The re-covered drivers seats have been refitted to diesel locomotive DS 203, improving the appearance of the cab considerably. The locomotive is currently on jacks while the axle boxes are serviced. Some of the spring guide bushes are also being replaced and secured.

The Kerr Stuart has returned to the workshop for its 10 year boiler survey. Most of the cab fittings and plumbing are now in storage, the tank tops and part of the cab have been removed, and scale around the boiler stays have been chipped off. At this stage, it looks as though to critical components on the boiler are in good order although this is still to be conformed by the boiler inspector.

We recently had a visit from the Trustees of the Community Trust of Otago. They have supported a number of our projects over the years including TR 81 and XP 3193. The visit went well and they seemed happy with the progress we are making.

The fitting of weatherboards and rafters on the former Katiki Station is largely complete and the team is turning their thoughts to the roof.

The team repairing Tamper MTM 401 is battling gallantly on, after cutting excessive welds on the Tamping Head Frame, to cure an oil leak in one of the Tamping Heads. Modifications to the frame will allow it to be bolted together as was originally designed. Poor assembly during construction prompted early failure of the tapped holes in the frame, allowing the securing bolts to come loose. The front hydraulic tanks have been cleaned back and are now in primer. Some large Phosphor Bronze bearings are also being made for the project.