WN10 - The over-full Flugel - by Kerry Young

23rd October 2006

Having arrived a bit too early, (I'm in the rush to beat the rush traffic) and deciding to use the early low sun angles, I took a trip around the place in rather unusual quarters. So we'll have a bit of nature study, before heading into the mines for the day................

The Natives are getting altogether too friendly. This rabbit was just across the lines from Moorhouse Station. Only one rabbit? You have to be joking! Sure enough, Mrs Rabbit too, made her exit just as I snapped the shutter. (Or whatever digital cameras have.) By the way, those are the tracks of the two foot gauge society.

Then too.............

Somewhat nearer road eight and I happened on a stray Pukeko. These things are all over the place and are incredibly indifferent to railway operations.

I am most surprised none have been sponched.

Another new arrival is this............

...............Maori war canoe or Waka. At this time, I don't know its purpose in being here, but I'll find out sooner or later.

Best we get into the day.............

Our ballast wagon lineup. Earlier readers will remember when we took delivery of two of the high sided wagons a couple of years back.

Just on the other side of those wagons............

.......the low sun angle allows us to see the exceptionally good condition of the ex Firestone trackwork.

In the salt mine and we see the new headstock about to be carved into shape for the 'L' wagon. Jolly Roger is deep in conversation with our erstwhile webmaster Ian McDonald. I must sort out a nick name for that guy.

Outside, we see a signal set in the making. What's the bet our Rachael has been doing her thing?

Today is (was) the day we were to load the 'D' onto a truck for transport to the celebrations in Dunedin. Sir Colin is just returning from the complicated process involved in manually setting the points to the Valley Line. (This function is usually performed from the signal box, but on these occasions, it can be done (in safety) by hand.) From here, the 'D' will be brought forward to the level (nowhere near level actually) crossing, beyond the signal in the distance.

I arrived back to find that the new headstock had made its way to the big drill. Bob the Builder is working his magic by creating big holes. You will note that the lights are on in the carriage behind him, indicating that our Graham is in residence.

Another one of those shots from the landing. This to show the two footplates in place on the 'F'. Among other things, Mike and I got most of the holes countersunk during the day. Having got them bolted down, the workbench space will increase dramatically.

Mention of workbench space, where do you reckon the floor is in this lot? Then too, where is the frame of the 'L' wagon?

As I mentioned earlier, Mike and I got well on with the countersinking of the mounting holes in the footplates. That mag base drill is really cool to use!

Now then, there was one other happening today which took up such a lot of photographic space, that I have elected to make it into a separate issue, which I hope to send in the next day or two. For those of us who don't already know what that might be, I'll leave you to wonder for the time being. Cheers, 'K'.