The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum new president Jakob Gillespie has taken on his first locomotive restoration project.
He is leading the project to get a Tr38 diesel locomotion back in working order.
Restoring the 88-year-old engine was important, due to its historical significance, he said.
The 1930s engine was built in New Zealand, by A&G Price – a renowned builder of locomotives. It is the country’s oldest diesel locomotion.
‘‘The funny thing about Tr38 is that I always thought it looked like a garden shed on wheels – but these things grow on you,’’ Gillespie said.
He had already spent many hours working on the project.
‘‘The more work I’ve put in, the more interesting things I’ve discovered about it. For example, all but one window is the same size and the doors won’t open fully, as they hit the reverser column.
The biggest cost of the project will be for work undertaken on the motor.
The museum is asking people to support via its Givealittle page, where there is an $8600 goal.
‘‘It’s the original engine fitted in 1938, even still has the serial plate which details ‘Perkins P6 – 1938 – 10197 – NZR W.W’.
‘‘The work on the motor will be a challenge. The rest of it I consider a learning curve. Others may see it as a challenge, but I see it as an opportunity.’’
As well as the motor there is paint, panel and electrical work to be done.
Most of the work to come will be undertaken by museum volunteers.
Gillespie aims to have it finished by the end of the year, having spent many hours on the project already.
Tr38 began life as a light diesel shunter in Auckland. Since its retirement from the NZ Railways, work was required on the motor and as the years went on it was becoming more difficult to start the engine.
‘‘After taking the addition of a Ruston 48DS at the Plains Railway, during the early 2000s this shunter was removed from service,’’ Gillespie said.
It is one of many items the society is wanting to bring back to their former glory.
– Anyone wanting to support the restoration of Tr38 can go to givealittle.co. nz/cause/nzs-oldest-diesel-locomotive
