4464 Restoration

Ready for paint

2009-10-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-01T05:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T04:03:00.001-07:00

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

2009-08-23T01:48:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-07-06T04:37:00.000-07:00

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.......

Out and about.

2008-06-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

After many months 4464 has seen the light of day again.

With the side panelling still to be bolted up the opportunity to conduct the necessary engine timing and inspection works in unusual daylight conditions was too tempting to resist so the old girl was dragged out for a day in the sunshine(?)

In the last week our friends at GTSA have got the turbo back in place, bolted up and the exhaust bellows connected - thanks guys, thanks Murray.

The boys have also been busy with the compressor aligned, shimmed and doweled...

...and only the fast coupling to connect.

In prpearation for the turning of the first "puff" new batteries have been ordered. At $1050.00 each (x8) its not a cheap but smart exercise.

Putting them in isnt that easy either but with experieced hands involved and some friendly oldmate assistance the job becomes much easier.

The batteries are in, time to get them connected and topped up.

A final top up and the batts are good to go!

An obviously important part of the loco restoration is the engine works. Ensuring everything is in order means that everything has to be inspected.

While you can see some things from the outside there is only one proper way to make ensure everything is in order.

External visual inspections and mirrors to view up inside are good...

...but to be thorough you have to get amongst the "gear"

How do the fitters keep their hair so shiney and black??

With all confirmed Ok the real fitter goes about "boxing" up the bottom end.

A twist...

...and a tap, job done.

Meanwhile at the top end the timing of the engine commences with much barring, cursing and satisfaction ensuing.

The apprentice and master?

Getting down to business.

2008-05-09T07:16:00.001-07:00

With restoration of the "outside" underway, works have commenced on examaning the Alco 251 prime mover to ensure all is well in the engine room.

Covers, rockers and injectors were stripped.....

...and heads lifted to check pistons and liners.

Looking good!

Preparations to line up the new conpressor have also been commenced.

Several components have been removed for overhaul and here we see the auxillary generator being lifted back for fitting.

With the aux gen back in place the real fitter returns to tune the engine...

...while others attend to changing the oil.

Diesel engines use injectors to put the fuel into the cylinder. Here we see another overhauled "rocket" being replaced.

Another Eveleigh overhaul begins.

2008-05-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

Once at Eveleigh a stocktake of 4464's "bits" was conducted to ensure everything was ready for reassembly. Much of the side stripping is cut specifically to fit a location so the jig saw of parts was sorted.

Not all the bits were easy to identify, does anyone know where this fits??

Mounting strips holes were cleaned ready for bolts....

...and the remaining damaged sections removed for rust removal.

With the door frame off repairs to the frames could be completed....

...and the door sanded back for a smooth finish.

Yennora works

2008-05-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

4464 was purchased by the Lachlan Alco Locomotive Group at the 1994 Cardiff loco auction. After initial storage and restoration efforts at Cowra, 4464 was transferred to Sydney to facilitate easier access and completion of works by the groups metropolitan based working members. 4464 was stored at the former Yennora wool stores, now CRT facility. This area was originally constructed by the New South Railways to be the new carriage workshops.

Upon arrival at Yennora much of the side panelling and stripping was removed to eliminate rust in the body framing.

Replacement of mounting strips and side panels commenced...

...and sanding of the cabs and fixed panels completed in preparation for priming.

The decision was made to relocate 4464 to Eveleigh to better enable mechanical works to be completed so oldmates were recruited to ensure the loco was air tight and fit to run.

Suspension bearings, gear cases, axle boxs and dozens of other items were serviced and checked.......

...and then 4464 was towed to Eveleigh by 4918.