NEWS PAGE
JFebruary 4 2011
M4 is now running Sunday trains only, and V2 is in charge of Monday to Saturday trains.
January 4 2011
M4 is now running trains almost every day, as railcar DP22 has been taken out of service for
its annual overhaul. On days when M4 is not available, trains will be hauled by diesel V2.
December 26:
M4 has been taken out of service a couple of times while running Sunday trains, however the
expected minor teething problems have now been overcome, and the engine will be used on some
Saturday and weekday services over the holiday period, subject to crew availability.
November 15: M4
M4 has been certified as ready to operate and will commence hauling Sunday trains as from
November 21 2010. This return to steam on the Don River Railway comes almost exactly 3
years since the last scheduled services!
October 1: M4
M4's boiler has passed an hydraulic test and should have a fire lit in it this coming week.
August 11: Snippets from the Don River July Newsletter
Drivers, Firemen, Guards and Shop Personnel as well as qualified trades people at Don who can do
many other tasks to keep our trains running. If you don't know 'what' or 'how' to do a task then
we can teach you. If you can help, contact Warren at Don using the information on the contacts
page.
Fowler: The Fowler still has a few problems that need be to be overcome to make it a reliable
and useful engine. It is not steaming very well and there are some issues with the valve gear and
motion. Work continues. You Tube link Photo
AAR2:
John Bonde and his team are making a first class job on the restoration of this carriage. The wood
panelling was removed and is being replaced by new blackwood panelling. All the windows were
taken out and the surrounding metalwork attended to. New ceiling panels have been installed and
the lighting brought up to the current standards. This includes new emergency LED lighting.
July 28:
M4: The tubes have now been fitted and welding of the boiler is now complete with the next step
being an hydraulic test.
Fowler: More testing is scheduled for tomorrow July 29.
July 15:
The Fowler loco ran two test trains from Coles Beach to Don. Each trip saw the Fowler attached to
the rear of the usual V hauled passenger train, consisting of the V2 and two carriages AAL11 and
SSD2, while it travelled to Coles Beach. Then the Fowler hauled the complete consist back to the
Don. There were a few problems encountered on the first trip, but the second trip was ok. The load
was well in excess of what the Fowler would be expected to haul when it does enter service, it is
envisaged the normal load will be one carriage, probably SSD2.
June 27:
The latest (June 2010) Inveresk report can be accessed from the Inveresk page
June 21:
Fowler now on youtube
June 19:
The Fowler loco was checked by the boiler inspector today, and has passed its steam test. the
boiler certificate has been issued and will be sent to the Don River this week. The locomotive is
expected to enter service hauling Sunday trains in the very near future. Watch this page for news.
May 9:
It is anticipated that the Fowler will return to operational use shortly and will operate Sunday
steam trains until M4 is returned to operational standards
April 21: NEW WINTER TIMETABLE
A new winter timetable is to be introduced for 2010. From June 1 to August 31
2010 trains will run from 10am to 3pm, and the shop will close at 4pm.
See TIMETABLE page
April 20:
WORKSHOP NEWS
(Updated May 9)
M4
Some tubes are being welded by Dieter Howorka at his Launceston workshop. After that they will be x-rayed by Metaserv and then returned to Don for installing in the locomotive.
The boiler barrel was inspected by the boiler inspector
Fowler
The rear axle bearings have been manufactured by Geoff Sellars.
Gary Duggan and John Mitchell have replaced as many pins and bushes as are needed.
The dome has been taken off for a boiler inspection prior to a steam test.
AAR2
Work to a very high standard is progressing steadily.
Workshop
New direction signs are being placed to allow visitors better access to our workshop.
* * *
M4 is now running Sunday trains only, and V2 is in charge of Monday to Saturday trains.
January 4 2011
M4 is now running trains almost every day, as railcar DP22 has been taken out of service for
its annual overhaul. On days when M4 is not available, trains will be hauled by diesel V2.
December 26:
M4 has been taken out of service a couple of times while running Sunday trains, however the
expected minor teething problems have now been overcome, and the engine will be used on some
Saturday and weekday services over the holiday period, subject to crew availability.
November 15: M4
M4 has been certified as ready to operate and will commence hauling Sunday trains as from
November 21 2010. This return to steam on the Don River Railway comes almost exactly 3
years since the last scheduled services!
October 1: M4
M4's boiler has passed an hydraulic test and should have a fire lit in it this coming week.
August 11: Snippets from the Don River July Newsletter
VOLUNTEERS WANTED URGENTLY
Drivers, Firemen, Guards and Shop Personnel as well as qualified trades people at Don who can do
many other tasks to keep our trains running. If you don't know 'what' or 'how' to do a task then
we can teach you. If you can help, contact Warren at Don using the information on the contacts
page.
Fowler: The Fowler still has a few problems that need be to be overcome to make it a reliable
and useful engine. It is not steaming very well and there are some issues with the valve gear and
motion. Work continues. You Tube link Photo
AAR2:
John Bonde and his team are making a first class job on the restoration of this carriage. The wood
panelling was removed and is being replaced by new blackwood panelling. All the windows were
taken out and the surrounding metalwork attended to. New ceiling panels have been installed and
the lighting brought up to the current standards. This includes new emergency LED lighting.
July 28:
M4: The tubes have now been fitted and welding of the boiler is now complete with the next step
being an hydraulic test.
Fowler: More testing is scheduled for tomorrow July 29.
July 15:
The Fowler loco ran two test trains from Coles Beach to Don. Each trip saw the Fowler attached to
the rear of the usual V hauled passenger train, consisting of the V2 and two carriages AAL11 and
SSD2, while it travelled to Coles Beach. Then the Fowler hauled the complete consist back to the
Don. There were a few problems encountered on the first trip, but the second trip was ok. The load
was well in excess of what the Fowler would be expected to haul when it does enter service, it is
envisaged the normal load will be one carriage, probably SSD2.
June 27:
The latest (June 2010) Inveresk report can be accessed from the Inveresk page
June 21:
Fowler now on youtube
June 19:
The Fowler loco was checked by the boiler inspector today, and has passed its steam test. the
boiler certificate has been issued and will be sent to the Don River this week. The locomotive is
expected to enter service hauling Sunday trains in the very near future. Watch this page for news.
May 9:
It is anticipated that the Fowler will return to operational use shortly and will operate Sunday
steam trains until M4 is returned to operational standards
April 21: NEW WINTER TIMETABLE
A new winter timetable is to be introduced for 2010. From June 1 to August 31
2010 trains will run from 10am to 3pm, and the shop will close at 4pm.
See TIMETABLE page
April 20:
WORKSHOP NEWS
(Updated May 9)
M4
Some tubes are being welded by Dieter Howorka at his Launceston workshop. After that they will be x-rayed by Metaserv and then returned to Don for installing in the locomotive.
The boiler barrel was inspected by the boiler inspector
Fowler
The rear axle bearings have been manufactured by Geoff Sellars.
Gary Duggan and John Mitchell have replaced as many pins and bushes as are needed.
The dome has been taken off for a boiler inspection prior to a steam test.
AAR2
Work to a very high standard is progressing steadily.
Workshop
New direction signs are being placed to allow visitors better access to our workshop.
* * *