Presidents Report

Due to fire restrictions we are running the railcar this season for the first time since its restoration and is proving to be a great success, thanks go to the crews who volunteer their time.

The new deep well pump is operating guaranteeing a good water supply, fire appliance fittings to the main tank and to the 30000 litre stand by tank will provide necessary emergency access to water in the, hopefully unlikely event of a fire in the locality.

The underground cable for upgrading the power supply has started to be laid, and the foundation for the new toilet block is also underway.

The Historical Machinery Club crank up was enjoyed by all those who participated over the weekend. Peter Boyes steamed up the Museum just to show them how engines really run. All up it was a great weekend we look forward to a rerun next year.

Graeme Hudson from LTNZ recently paid us a visit it was good to catch up on rail issues and go over old NZR times.

Remember, call in Saturdays and Wednesdays and keep up with what s happening in the Society.

Cheers

Peter Harris

Traction engines in their new resting place. This is part of the new extension of the museum. Read inside for update on the new concept and development that is happening at the Island.

Steam Hall Projects Gather Steam

This year will see some major developments within the Steam Hall. Although still in the concept stages the following can be publicly reported. As many members will be aware we are going to extend the Steam Hall and through a very generous donation The Hawkins family are going to provide but retain ownership of a working steam sawmill which will include the following:

• Saw and Skids
• Braking down saw
• Breast bench
• Docking saw
• Sawdust extractor

Plus Bob Hawkins Big Engine Burrell.

We are also very grateful to the Selwyn Plantation Board for supplying the logs for the Hawkins family who will in turn mill the timber so we can build the working steam sawmill. Peter Boyes is the project manager and without his knowledge this would not have happened . Many thanks to you and the Hawkins Family for your generous donation of time and materials.

Extension of Steam Hall

The main problem we have faced in the past is lack of pubic toilets for events and utilising the Steam Hall for functions. We have incorporated into the extension a toilet block with access from inside the museum. As this newsletter goes to press the boxing is been prepared and foundations laid. We have all permits required and any help with the construction gratefully received.

Loco Shed News

Fowler Steam Locomotive

During the Summer shutdown of steam operation our Fowler has had a full service which included greasing of all motion gear and parts. The boiler has been washed out and tanks were emptied. We hope to have our first official steaming at Easter Fire ban permitting.

Many thanks to Dick for his work on the loco - without people like him our trains wont run. Also t hanks to Peter Boyes for his work as well for additional engineering work required on our steam fleet.

The Fowler will be due for her 10 year survey next year so we need to have the Price finished.

Price Steam Locomotive

Work is slowly progressing on our Price locomotive. Dave Pollock and Bernie Crossan are at the present time concentrating on restoring and refurbishing the bogies as can be seen below. Parts have been cleaned and painted. The boiler has been wire brushed and painting is nearly completed but we still require assistance with further restoration work.

Anyone who can assist please contact Peter Harris.

Tree Roots Removed

Saturday the 3rd of February was a hive of activity at Steam Scene. For some time the pine tree roots that ran beside the track leading to our unique point system were becoming a nuisance and could pose a problem.

With the services of Dave Yates Contracting Limited, these were removed. It was becoming a concern that these roots may cause problems with the track and was lifting some rail, while not a safety issue , preventative maintenance was undertaken.. While Dave was at Steam Scene he also dug some trenches for pipes to be laid for our irrigation system.

Doug is not a member but enjoys our hobby.

If any members want any digging done or loads carried - Please ring Dave on the number below. Dave informs me that his truck can take up to nine tonne loads. Dave has in the past donated both time and machines at no expense to the society.

Many thanks Dave. Great effort.

Dave Yates Contracting LTD
Harewood
Christchurch
Ph. 359 6134

	Dave at the controls rips tree roots out like match sticks - No match for hydraulics.
	The sign says it all - Dead slow, but of course the track has been closed for this work to be undertaken.
	Some of the roots extracted by Dave Yates - These will become loco fuel.

Annual General Meeting

The following members were duly elected into office for the 2006 - 2007 term.

President - Peter Harris ( Elected unopposed)
Peter Boyes, Vice President - Engineering Consultant
Albert Buckley Vice President - McLean's Island grounds
Colin Barry - Secretary
Chris Leppard - Treasurer.
Darrin Wilkinson - Newsletter
John Melhopt - Track inspector and Ganger
Mike Milne, Brendon Rowe & Stephen Hendrie - Committee members holding various responsibilities

Web Site News

The Location page has been updated with GPS Co-ordinates so that anyone with a NavMan or similar in car GPS can find us.

There is also a Google Earth KMZ file which can be downloaded and run if you have Google Earth Installed (A link for Google Earth is also provided).
The Google Earth KMZ file when downloaded and run, starts the google earth program, zooms in on an aerial photograph of McLeans Island and shows several key points of interest as well as a virtual path following the train tracks. Pressing the "Play" button while having the "Train Tracks" selected takes you for a virtual ride around the line.

You really need a broad band internet connection to take full advantage of Google Earth.

2006 - August

2004 - May