It had been planned for quite some time but at last the time had come when eight trainee drivers would be examined to qualify them as recognized drivers of the museum’s X class diesel shunter. Members will recall that the shunting diesel X206, was purchased Transport Heritage and transferred to Valley Heights on August 26, 2015.

The Society and Museum both sponsored four candidates each. The society’s were Craig Connelly, Steve Tolhurst, Wayne Flicker and David Lewis. The Museum’s, Bruce Coxon, Ted Dickson, Terry Match-ett and Dave Hunt. The practical tuition and exami-nation was carried out over Friday and Saturday the 29th and 30th of April with the candidates being “done” in 2 lots of four over the two days.. including starting-up, demonstrating forward and reverse movement, coupling up, braking control etc.

The practical examination was supplemented by a theory examination.

All candidates passed the final assessment and will eventually be issued with a recognized attainment certificate and card.

This now gives the Museum and Society the capacity to move rolling stock at the ’press of a starter but-ton’. Most importantly, X206 will provide motive power that can be used on ‘fire-ban’ days in con-junction with the society's LFA car. This will indeed be a most handy addition to the operating fleet. It will be operated under the Society’s accreditation.

Following on from driver training etc. X206 will be subject to further mechanical overhaul to remedy fitful hydraulics. The Museum’s Terry Matchett and John Stanley will superintendent this process.

Altogether a positive step forward for the museum as a whole and another example of the two groups working toward and succeeding in attaining a com-mon goal.

The Big “X” - Now With Eight New Drivers

June, 2016

“Preserving the past, enriching the future” STEAM SCENE

Newsletter and Journal of the Steam Tram and Railway Preservation (Co-Op) Society Ltd. t/a Valley Heights Steam Tramway.

Proudly associated with the Transport Heritage NSW ( Blue Mountains Division). Affiliated with the Council of Tramway Museums of Australasia and

Rail Heritage Australia (NSW).

Volume 13 Issue 3

(Above) (Above from L to R) John Stanley, Bruce Coxon, Steve Tolhurst, David Lewis, Ted Dickson and Terry Matchett. With the exception of John, all are now qualified drivers of X206. John gave X206 much TLC to get it satisfactorily operable.

(Above) X206 delivering our ‘S’ truck back to the tram shed. (Rt) The Museum’s Chairman, Bruce Coxon and the Society’s David Lewis look well satisfied with themselves after completing the drivers course satisfactorily. (Below Rt.) Assist. Works Manager, Steve Tolhurst, in the 2nd per-sons seat.

STARPS—the first ten years of sixty plus (By Peter Stock) (Part 3) In this part, the history of the Society from the last half of 1955 and all of 1956 is covered. Is

based mostly from the minute record of the society and some personal correspondence

By the 28th July the Secretary reported on his actions relating to motor 100. The minutes are unclear as to just what was reported, although correspondence was read and received re Mr. Pearson and Johnstone &

Co. regarding its shipment. The m e et i n g d i s -cussed . . . the painting of the motor and car and it was resolved that they both be painted in the colours of the 1890 period. An interesting subject was dis-cussed towards the end of the meeting. It was proposed that . . . any persons sixteen

years and over can become associate members. They shall pay an annual subscription of one pound and six shillings ($2.60) and are entitled to receive one copy of the society's publications and may ride free on such of the Society's

vehicles as determined by their discretion and the congestion at the time. The matter of trans-porting 100 was minuted on the 19th August . . . correspon-dence from Johnstone & Co., Wanganui, advising of the cost of transport and shipping No. 100 was read. Obviously the costs quoted were beyond the capacity of the society treasury . .

. the secretary being directed to take any action he consid-ered fit to get the amount reduced. Handwritten com-ments suggested . . . that they won't be in it - three hun-dred pounds ($600) or no 100 - think it over & let me know if you have any other idea.

A new enterprise to raise finance for the society's endeav-ours was recorded at that meeting. A Sat-urday afternoon ex-cursion was arranged with the NSWGR to operate a three-car train from Regent Street station (old Mortuary platform at Central) to Picton on 15th October. The train was to be hauled

by 1243 and run via Granville, the fare being 15/- ($1.50) adults and 7/6 (75c) for children. Questions were being asked about the legal responsi bilities of the members signing the original Park agree-ment. Advice was to be sought in the matter. Motor 100 dominated discussions at the 22nd Sep-tember meeting. A letter was read . . . from the Union Steamship Co. advising that the cost of transporting motor 100 would be two hundred pounds (N.Z.) and the secretary should continue his enquiries for a cheaper or more satisfactory arrangement but meanwhile we would complete our financial contract with Blake Engineering Co., Wanganui, and pay the fifteen pound (N.Z.). A letter was received . . . from the Railway advising that the department was prepared to sell us the disused por-tion of the Sandown line for 5/- (50c). Just what and where this portion lay was not recorded, but wher-ever it was seemed a real bargain! On the preservation side it was noted that tram trailer 130B which had been discovered at Regent-ville on 28th December, 1954, had been moved to vacant, but private land, behind Hoskins Avenue, Bankstown, on 31st August, 1956. In respect to the publications being prepared, print-ing of Book 3 in the series In and Around Sydney With The Steam Tram was published in September/October. The decision had been taken to print Book 3 first as it dealt with the steam tramways within the living mem-ory of a great number of the public (often referred to as “spectators” in those early days.. By 12th October the final draft of the Park in-demnity form was adopted. The Picton excursion made a profit of thirteen pounds ten shillings ($27), whilst the "time payment" of . . . all dues be paid annu-ally in advance as it would make the treasurer's general tasks easier for all concerned. The next meeting was advertised as being Saturday, 19th November to raise funds with a charge being levied of 2/- (20c) with the attraction of . . . Mr. Stell's films of the steam trams and railways. The society's member activities continued at Par-ramatta Park and Homebush over the next few months. But the meeting of 22nd December, re-corded . . . Correspondence from Blake Engineering enclosing invoice and receipt. That may well indicate that the society now owned motor 100, although it was in N.Z. The matter of financing the freight costs weighed heavily in the members thoughts. A suggestion . . . on securing of finance for payment of the freight account for motor no. 100 that each member store privately or pay to the treasurer the sum of 5/- (50c) per week and this would work out to one hundred pounds ($200) in six months. The suggestion was carried. Further discussions regarding the acquisition of 74B was resolved by the members . . . instructing the secre-tary to write to Messrs. Andersons at Byron Bay notifying them of our interest in the vehicle on their property.

STEAM SCENE

(Above and Below) Trailer Car 130B (a Morrison car) as found at Regentville in 1954.

(Above) Motor 100 at Blake’s Engineering, Wan-ganui NZ.

Page 2

1956 It was reported to members on 2nd February that the Department of Customs had granted an import licence (for 100). Because of the success of the first excursion another was planned, this time to Spring-wood in April. Also at this meeting a letter was read relating to the . . . Parramatta National Park Trust re conference but did not elaborate on its contents. The following meeting on 23rd February only refers to . . . the secretary reporting meeting between representa-tives of the Trust and this society and tabled a resume of that meeting. Later on it was recorded . . . that the final draft of the proposed indemnity form . . . be accepted. Also at that meeting another fund was launched, this time . . . for the purchase, transport and reconditioning of car 74B.

Although not mentioned in any minutes there is a copy of a letter dated 14th March, from the secretary Bruce Macdonald to Frank Moag. It would seem that the society was the recipient of a . . . cry for assistance from the A.E.T.A. for some body to give them space for their tramcars which the Dept. will scrap . . . by the 30th June. The letter goes on . . . that they are casting eyes on the Toongabbie to Prospect line. Comments were made about electric trams not joining the steam tram and operating independently at Parramatta.

Bruce further commented on the Parramatta Park tramway project . . . it will be a ****** miracle if you see anything running or even there. We got a letter from the Park Trust to tell us they want the corrugated iron removed and fibro substituted. Why the **** they had to wait until we all but ten sheets from completion I don't know. Anyway to do what they want will cost about one hundred and fifty pounds ($300).

Later in the same letter Mr. Secretary laments about his liver’s disposition in that . . . it is probably because things are dragging so much and I think the Park Trust is starting to go cold on the idea. However we shall see what the fu-ture holds for us. (Present day members can sympathise with these sentiments when recalling later negotiations with various park authorities in the years prior to the 1993 fire and for several years thereafter. To be fair, from similar sources, the A.E.TA experienced similar "boofheadery" at that time. It is no wonder that our society was not in a position to help due to the uneasy atmosphere being experienced at Parramatta - author.)

The following meeting on 23rd March the saga of the shed continued with . . . a letter from the Par-ramatta Park Trust notifying that corrugated fibro must be substituted for the iron on the shed at Parramatta. It was resolved . . . that the Park Trust be approached to receive a deputation from this society at a convenient time to dis-cuss the project in general. An account was passed for payment for the . . . carriage of 13SV for thirty-five pounds ($70). (The wagon was bought for a quid ($2)!) But the most interesting minute indicated . . . the secretary was directed to approach the N.S.W Associated Blue Metal Co. regarding the use or lease of part of their disused branch at Toongabbie.

The rail excursion to Springwood was altered to termi-nate at Valley Heights instead of Springwood, reputed on account of some sort of trackwork being under-taken. (Nothing has changed in the intervening years.)

The problems with the Park Trust took some time at the next meeting on 19th April. It . . . was resolved to send a deputation of six members to the next meeting of the Trust to present our views on their recent request and attitude. Whatever was discussed with the Trust is not clear.

A . . . sealed copy of the Parramatta agreement . . . was announced at the meeting of 24th May. The contents were referred to a member for comment at a later meeting. On the black side of the ledger was a . . . report that 107 adults and 31 children attended the last excursion (Valley Heights) netting a profit of thirty-four pounds one shilling and sixpence ($68.15c).

It was at this meeting the decision was made to ap-point a Works Manager. After discussion Bruce Mac-donald was appointed to and accepted the position.

By the meeting on 26th June, the subject of financ-ing the freight of motor 100 was further discussed. . . . and as a result the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds ($300) by direct giving and seventy-five pounds ($150) by loan was indicated by various members. The secretary was asked to proceed with the necessary arrange-ments with the shipping company.

Whilst on the subject of finance two pounds seven shillings ($4.70) was raised at the film night. Also the costs of ac-quiring two transfer (boiler) trolleys from Randwick was dis-cussed and proceeded with.

The Union Steam Ship Co. confirmed the previous freight price (meeting of 26th July) and a further thirty pounds ($60) was added to the fund. A mention was made of . . . one pound ten shillings for "N" class seats . . . being expended. A reference was made of correspondence from Baldwin Works re motor information, whilst car seats were at Avoca.

The secretary again wrote personally to Frank Moag on 11th August. Extracts from this letter gives a good insight into the progress at Parramatta Park. . . . Pro-gress is continuing at a slow but steady pace. The depot at Parramatta will be complete with the placing of the doors which will be done next Saturday. The track is all organ-ised and will be the next item on the agenda. Nothing has been done to the car for about two months, mainly be-cause the people who can do something to it aren't inter-ested. For instance to-day there was an electric tram tour in which four of the members who always say they are busy participated. However, that is their business I sup-pose but it doesn't add up in my mind.

Page 3 Volume 13 Issue 3

(Above) The original Park shed looking from the back. The Park Trust evidently relented from their stance of cladding it in corrugated fibro and the 2nd hand corru-gated iron maintained. In retrospect, corrugated fibro would have been a clean-up night mare after the fire of 1997. (Len Manny collection)

(Above) Tramway low-sided wagon 13SV arrived at the Park on 17-1-1956. It was the first piece of rolling stock to arrive. It was subse-quently broken-up and the timber used toward the shed construction.

One can understand the sec-retary's feelings as he then relates . . . that I had the new book to type out (Book 1), that is, the description and working of the steam tram motors, also the tabulated numbering and details. But one sentence deserves recording referring to Frank's interest in Melbourne's Puffing Billy . . . hope you are still helping Billy to puff and lending weight to

the "clear the landslide" campaign. Don't forget the Olympic games and the rich Yanks that will probably crawl all over it.

Another book was to be published and was discussed at the 15th August meeting. To coincide with a festival in Kiama at the end of September, the book Granite Chips and River Stones received approval to be printed. This was a short meeting as very little else was discussed. The name of the book was later changed at the next meeting to Blue Metal and River Stones.

Events were moving quickly relating to the society acquiring suitable rolling stock. To ex-plain these events the minutes of 27th Septem-ber are quoted. Mr. Macdonald reported on the plan of exhibition of the Davenport Engine (2' gauge) by this society in the forthcoming Festival at Kiama then the proposed donation of the engine to the Society for preservation. After discussion it was resolved that a mem-ber's portion of the money in the fund for No. 100 be re-directed for the cost of transport of the Davenport provided such a cost was not exorbitant. Another member . . . reported on seeing trailer No. 74b recently and recommended an investigation as to its availability. A reference to the museum authority is not explained, but the secretary was empowered to . . . write to Ander-sons at Byron Bay expressing our anxiety for its future.

Page 4 STEAM SCENE

(Above) The Davenport loco on display at Kiama prior to transfer to Parramatta Park. The acquisition of this loco paid finis to the acquisition of motor 100. Why the society took the course of diverting to a 2ft gauge loco at the expense of mo-tor100 , has never been satisfactorily explained. (Below) Bruce MacDonald (lt) and Frank Millier (rt) with the Davenport in steam at Parramatta Park)

Home News in Brief

Further the secretary reported. . . that he had no reply to his previous letter, the shipping agents at Wan-ganui had since written again. He also remarked . . . considering local events, namely the Davenport and 74b we should perhaps reconsider the proposal regarding No. 100.

The interest the society had in 74B was resolved on the 25th October, when . . . the secretary re-ported he had contacted the Museum Director re the car and was informed that the were not able to see their was to take delivery of the car. It was then resolved after discussion . . . to broach the matter at the next meeting of the A.R.H.S. and endeavour to get a ruling in our fa-vour on its disposal. Why this ruling was sought is unclear as both groups were now separate identities.

The Davenport engine was going to the new depot in Parramatta Park as arrangements for its transport had been completed and would be moved during the first week of November. The engine was then on display in the park near the Kiama blue metal loading wharf and opposite the famous Brighton Hotel. The minutes of the last meeting of the year 6th December appeared to be one of mopping up the year's activities and no major decisions were made. Next Issue : 1957—further moves re 100, incorporation consideration

(Above) Trailer 74B as received at Parramatta Park

The Annual Teddy Bears’ Day Out Sunday May was quite a warm day and an ideal one for Teddy Bears to step out for a day of fun. In they came, Teddy Bears of all shapes, sizes and condi-tion, lovingly i n t h e charge of their adoring carers.

Once again the day was a success with 326 customers coming through the gate (not including Teddies ) Special Teddy Bear cakes and ginger bread Teddies were a special on sale in the café. Dare I say they went ‘like hot cakes?!” A jumping castle , ‘find-a-teddy’ and free sweets for the littlies were also a feature of the day. Exclusive “Teddy Bear Expresses” for bears only were run at intervals. A great ‘rite of passage’ for a young growing bear. Many thanks to all especially, Keith Ward, Events Manager, for making the day another great success.

Shunter Training On Saturday June 4, a nationally recognized course to qualify RSW’s in ‘shunting’ was undertaken by Southern Cross Training, at Valley Heights. Sixteen RSW’s from both the Museum and the Society at-tended the course. All passed the written, oral and practical examination.

(Above) Even Humphrey B. Bear couldn’t resist coming to the day out. (Rt) A happy family group including much-loved teddies. (Photo courtesy Leanne Aspinall)

In 1906 an inquiry was held into the man-agement of the tramways. It touched upon various staff grievances and management issues. A survey of this inquiry and its results will form an article in a later edition. The following article forms part of a grievance made by a tram driver Richard Charles Brad-ley, who was at one stage stationed at Baulk-ham Hills depot and was subsequently re-

moved to the City 1904. The witness, Brad-ley, considered his removal unjust and did not consider his case fairly judged. Interest-ing to note that the local newspaper re-ported in July 1904, that a petition seeking the reinstatement of two drivers recently taken off, had been forwarded to the Com-missioners. Perhaps the community did not know of the circumstances.

The evidence given in this case is difficult to put into sequence so, the account I have put together may not be historically sequen-tial. Never-the-less, it is interesting exercise in examining staff and staff/management rela-tions in the early years of the 1900’s.

The steam trams at Baulkham Hills had operated out of the depot there since ser-vice commencement in 1902. During the early years, only one tram was required in service to maintain an hourly service to and from Parramatta thus, it was quite a small depot during the early years.

Bradley had been transferred after cer-tain incidents at the depot.

It appears he was placed in charge of keep-ing the accounts respecting stores, coke etc. by the Running Shed Foreman. Bradley was not entirely happy about this citing that he was the junior to a more senior man and that the latter was a “funny fellow’ and if Bradley was to say anything to him he was ‘likely to go off pop’. It appears the other driver (unnamed but probably Antoni Mull-ner) made a report about the matter and despite not seeing what was in the report, they were both removed from the depot. Bradley asked for an interview with the Su-perintendent and apparently when the latter

Page 5 Volume 13 Issue 3

Driver Disquiet at Baulkham Hills Depot We could be forgiven for thinking that a new and very small depot such Baulkham Hills in 1904, comprising only a small staff, would be a happy work place but it appears it was far from the case in that year.

saw him said, “Do you want to make a complaint behind the other man’s back that you are not game enough to make to his face?”. “That” said Bradley, “took the wind out of my sails. I started to make a few remarks about an engine, but I found they were not appreciated, so I dropped it.” On transfer to Sydney, the witness said he had lost a Shilling a day but the other man was “made a God of”. He had a starter’s job—a very

comfortable billet, in out of the wet whilst the witness “was still on the front of a tram”.

Counsel asked Bradley about an altercation be-tween him and another driver to which Bradley replied “There was a bit of a growl,” Counsel then sought some detail.

In the course of his du-ties, he had cause to en-quire of the ‘other driver’ about some coke that was short off the fuel stage. The

’other driver’ denied having taken it, telling Bradley to asked the cleaner about it. Bradley said “What’s the good of asking the cleaner ? I’ll only get the same answer. It is a strange thing so much has been taken since Saturday night and hasn’t been booked up” Bradley then said to Coun-sel, “Then he did a dirty thing...he spat in my face across the tank.” Counsel asked him of his response, to which Bradley replied, “Threw the feeder of the engine at him—I’d have done the same if it had been a hammer”. Asked if he had hit him, Bradley replied that he hadn’t.

Bradley said that there were some words following, which he couldn’t recall but no ‘bad language’ was used. In later evidence, Bradley said that the coke for which he was responsible for, was always short from the ‘other man’s shift’. To make accounts right, he had to book more to himself than he had used. Counsel responded “You were cooking your accounts then ?” Other counsel quipped, “Coking them, I should say !” This caused some merriment. Bradley said he could see nothing dishonest in such a proceeding—He did it to save trouble. Possibly he may have had less trouble if he had reported it.

During the exchange between himself and counsel, Bradley was despondent in his answer-ing. When asked about the inquiry that was held in Parramatta into the affair, he said to counsel that he could not remember, “the worry and trouble...had driven it out of his mind.”

Bradley stated in response to a question re promotion, that he did not seek promotion only reinstatement and the money back he had expended on fares from Parramatta to Sydney. Counsel asked if he had ever tried to seek compensation. Witness said, “No, what would be the use?”

(Above) The Baulkham Hills depot, close to the time the incident involving driver Bradley took place. (Photo R.F.Moag collection)

Counsel; “You don't know until you’ve tried”

Witness: “Oh yes, I can.”, later adding, “There’s no hope for me in the Tramways Department. It’s spite from the beginning.” Having been told he could stay at Baulkham Hills as long as he did his work properly, he had invested £700 in a house there. His removal had broken up his family and involved him in heavy expense.

His reply re ‘promotion’ is interesting for it is on record that he appealed twice in 1907 against others being promoted. In December 1907, he also appealed to be re-instated to Baulkham Hills depot. This was denied.

After his removal to Sydney, he was in-structed to qualify for electric tram driving. He said, the doctor passed him although he was sure he was not fit. He suspected the doctor had passed him purposely.

Counsel—”How long have you been on the front of the tram ?” - “Thirteen months.”

Counsel: “And you are still alive?” - “Yes, but I have had a hard job to keep alive.” Bradley added that he had had pleurisy and pneumonia and had been 23 years in the tramway service.

The ‘unnamed driver’ mentioned is a curiosity however, there is a listing of personnel at Baulkham Hills in 1903. Putting this together with some staff records on hand, it is possible to deduce who were the participants:.

Ronald Charles Bradley and Antoni Carl Mull-ner were both transferred to Baulkham Hills depot on 18-8-1902. In this case, either of them could have been the first one to drive a revenue tram from there.

Bradley was demoted to a fireman on 27-5-1904—then promoted to “Ballast Driver” on 24-6-1904. He wasn’t transferred to Sydney as an ‘electric driver’ until 31-7-1905. This may account for his being told he could stay at Baulkham Hills so long as he did his job prop-erly.

(Above) . The terminus at Baulkham Hills. The depot shed can be seen to the right. Steam issues from the loco shed indicating a stand-by engine ready for ser-vice.

PERSONAL

NEWS IN BRIEF

ooo0ooo

Collision at Loftus

Unfortunately, our sister museum at Loftus, had a low-speed colli-sion between two trams on Sun-

day, May 15, 2016. Their “J” class tram which was unattended at the time and was parked, over-came its rail-chock and gravi-tated into the path of an oncom-ing tram from Sutherland. Prompt action by the oncoming tram driver, evacuating his tram post haste, avoided any personal injuries. Some damage was done to both trams. An ONRSR en-quiry is underway.

Operations Audit The ONRSR auditors paid us a visit on the operating day of Mar

29, 2016 with the intention of checking out the practical side of our operation. Expecting them t o o n l y m a k e f o r m a l “observations”, we finished up with six “non-compliances”. Nothing particularly serious e.g. missing turntable notice, some documentation not signed-off. By the time you read this issue, all will have been resolved.

State Heritage Listing We have been advised that the listing of our tram motor and two trailers has been recom-mended by the Heritage Council and is presently before the Minis-ter for formal approval.

Ooo0oo (continued from page 5) An-toni Mullner was transferred to Sydney on 27-5-1904 subse-quently becoming an electric tram driver then to the position of “Starter” on 12-4-1907. Who then was the second driver that Bradley fell out with ? William Bates commenced at Baulkham Hills the same time as Bradley and Mullner although in the staff listing for 1903, he is described as a ‘Fireman’. He does not ap-pear in the listing for 1904.

Steam Tram & Railway Preservation (Co-Op) Society Ltd.

t/a Valley Heights Steam Tramway ABN 46 193 707 109

P.O. Box 571, Springwood NSW 2777 Web site:www.infobluemountains.net.au/

Chairman and Works Manager, Craig Connelly 02 9729 3536

Secretary and P.E.O. Peter Stock (02) 9587 9051

Treasurer and Editor “Steam Scene” Bruce Irwin

(02) 9651 1707 Email: starps04@gmail.com Membership Secretary, David Lewis

(02) 9630 6304

The museum is located at 17b Tusculum Road, Valley Heights. Ample parking is available. A

train service is available to Valley Heights station. Walk around via the overhead bridge to the gate at the signal box ,which is opposite

the station. Trams meet train arrivals after 10.30. DO NOT attempt to cross the running

lines.

The museum is open between 10 and 4 on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. Steam tram operations on both days.

“Preserving the past, enriching the future”

Works Report: 93B: Diaphragm replaced. . DD99: Further arched bracing for upper deck manufactured and fitted. 1022: Buffer-blocks manufactured. One buffer restored and fitted.103A: New brake diaphragm fitted. Stepho: Backing blocks for rear buffers manufactured and fitted. Further work on tube replacement programme.

News from Across the Ditch.

Hi all – just thought you might like to know what is going on at Western Springs Tramway.

I have just received your latest “Steam Scene” so I though I had better contribute to it.

Work progresses slowly on the trailer for No 100. All the woodwork drawings that re-quire shaping, etc, have been entered into a CAD program and from what I have seen looks great. The timber for the roof bows has arrived and has been cut down to manageable sizes required for the CNC saw, and hopefully the machine will spit them out all exactly the right size. Although it is a rolling chassis it will be a few years yet before No 21 is complete.

It is survey time for No 100 once again and it has been opened up to the requirements of the boiler inspector so he can look inside. I hope he finds everything up to scratch as we did when we first opened the motor up. It is very clean inside the boiler, and this was probably helped by the use of magnesium anodes that we built into the wash-out plugs at last survey. Tony, my right hand man, picked this little trick up at the last COTMA Conference as the owners of AB608 (Paschendael), have done likewise with this locomotive. This time the an-odes were almost completely eaten away so it goes without saying that we will certainly repeat the exercise next time, but magnesium doesn’t come cheap.

We have been very lucky this time round because we have had the fulltime assistance of a fitter and turner who is very keen and even wants to join the group. He has done all the dirty work, e.g., washout, sweep the tubes and inside of firebox, remove the fire bars and sup-ports, removed the steam dome (very heavy and awkward as you would know), removed all fittings that require seat grinding and done to said grinding, had the pressure gauge re-calibrated and generally titivated No 100 up. Tony tells me that another man walked in out of the blue last Sunday and has offered to help. If it keeps on like this I will be able to retire very soon.

The injectors are still in the throes of refurbishment. One goes quite well but the others still require some fine tuning, they splutter and carry on and don’t seem to want to pick up water – but we shall persevere!!

All this help has made it possible that No 100 will be ready for the visit by the COTMA Conference delegates on the 5th of June.

Cheers for now—Ian Mison Last but not least…..

Pause to remember this past member and his labour for the society—Laurie McCulloch, obit May 17 1996, Past Secretary, Head Ganger and Chairman. Laurie worked tirelessly to bring our track up to an acceptable standard at the Park.

“Gone, but not forgotten”

Piecing together the evidence given at the enquiry and the service records to hand, there can be no doubt that there was bad blood between Bradley and Mullner, ap-parently because Bradley consid-ered that Mullner was ’nicking’ coke. With what had transpired then and later with the ‘other driver’, Bradley had considered he was badly done by. Of course we do not know if there were any other matters relat-ing to his performance of duty at Baulkham Hills which impacted on his transfer from that depot and indeed the department’s refusal to re-instate him again to Baulkham Hills depot. Bradley didn’t receive any redress from the enquiry for his perceived wrongs .

At this point in time and with the limited information available, it is difficult to judge whether Bradley was more ‘sinned against than sinned’. Bradley died in 15/9/1913.

References: Cumberland Argus etc. Wed.19-9-1906. Sat. 16/7/1904