Getting close

Progress on the painting of 4464 continues with the body colour application and detail components now completed.
Once the protective clear coats are applied the loco will return for final mechanical works and recommissioning.

Add some colour

Red paint has now been applied in the areas that will be the red lining. This will be masked prior to the Indian Red body colour being applied. The bogies and pilots have been painted black.

Primer and paint

A quick update to show the primer has now been applied and the first coat of yellow has been applied to both ends.

Rubbed and ready to paint

4464 has been moved into the painters spray booth at Bradken.



The loco has been rubbed back and the surface prepared for primer.


We expect the painting to commence in the next few days.


All photos by Matt Lee

Ready for paint

Bradken have now completed the replacement of all body panels and additional body repairs on 4464.


The loco was moved to the spray booth this week to be rubbed down and primed ready for painting. More updates in the coming weeks.

The panels go on

In recent weeks the body side panels have been returned to the sides of 4464.


A combination of new and reconditioned panels has been used.

At this stage we believe the loco should be ready late in October.

Progress at Braemar

Work on re-paneling 4464 is progressing at Bradken Braemar.

All body side panels have been laid out ready to be applied to the sides of the locomotive.

More updates in the coming weeks.

On the move

4464 has been moved to the Bradken workshop at Braemar in the NSW Southern Highlands where the restoration will be completed. In recent weeks mechanical work was completed at Eveleigh and the locomotive is now at a stage where it is ready for the body side panels to be applied. Once this milestone is achieved the loco will be painted in 2 pack paint in the spray booth at Bradken. 4464 is expected back at Eveleigh in October. Stay tuned for more news about the return to service of 4464.

A long time between drinks.

While work has continued behind the scenes its been a while since the 4 4 6 4 has been the subject of visual production.
Still keeping company with family members both her junior and senior, the day that they can run together again is getting close.

Col the master eleco is making short work of the spagetti bowl No2 control stand wiring and other tasks.



The fitters especially imported all the way from Lithgow have completed their inspections



and are now reinstalling the missing components.
The overhauled Traction Motor blower is back in place



as is the overhauled turbo.

In the nose the air system is being tidied up

with some expensive and delicate fittings being required.

With the compressor cooler back it is next to be installed.

Watch this space as the progress continues.......