Following a call from our oldmate scrappy our compass was again showing us heading west for another visit to the home of Western bank engine working and preservation– Valley Heights so save more heritage items.
As we set up, the hills began to echo to the sounds of a modern day “diesel train” XPT W27 as it headed past and into the 1 in 33’s.
Whilst the cars had been shunted down to the bottom roads little little else had changed with their condition…..
….and the team soon gathered and got to work.
The windows in these Country cars had shutters rather than blinds…
..which meant plenty of screws had to be undone from the 3 sets of runner strips/both sides per window.
Even the ex fitter got the hang of using a screwdriver in the end…….
With the strips unscrewed and the 2 shutters removed
the sash cords were unclipped
and the windows removed.
The result was a clear frame, devoid of strips, shutters and windows.
Close inspection of the strips revealed the detailed construction that went into these cars with all parts being individually machined and placed.
With the saloons cleared attention turned to the end windows
and with the “bug eyes” rivets drilled out
The windows were prized from their silicone sealed placement
revealing some very ordinary timber framework.
With the car stripped oldmates posed for a last pic in the cab
And then loaded up the hire truck.
With the car devoid of glass, the scrappy and the RTM boys will have less issues to clean up after the sacrifice is complete
and before our departure a minute of reflection is held in respect for the beast unit 636/736.
After a few hours drive up the Highway, Motorway and freeway
the booty of strips & shutters…..
and window glass is unloaded at Paterson.
Whilst 636/736 will rest in peace never to be rostered again the oldmates take solace in the fact that we recognised the heritage donor potential of set 636/736 to support ongoing preservation activities and its sacrifice will benefit 629/729 and other vehicles.
