BACKGROUND: The NZ Railway & Locomotive Society Inc (NZRLS) owns two ex WMR cars which are located at Silverstream, Hutt Valley. Before restoration work could commence, we had to erect a display shed/workshop, build a track base, concrete the shed floor and front apron, and install an electrical supply. The building is wired for lighting, single and three phase power. Other utilities are to be installed later.

THE CARS: Both cars were built in 1906 by WMR at its Thorndon, Wellington workshops, to Jackson & Sharp (USA) plans for carriages supplied by that firm in 1902. Principally constructed from kauri salvaged from the company’s original Belmont viaduct, they feature American oak and mahogany interior finishing timbers. #48 is structurally sound. #52 is in an advanced state of failure, mostly from decay of timber.

STATUS: A small group commenced restoration of #48 late in 2004, under the auspices of the NZR&LS. Funding has been from grants by community trusts and from donations.

PROJECT OBJECTIVE: Restoration of #48 to the original internal and external appearance as it was completed by WMR in 1906. The target completion date is December 2008 – the centenary of WMR acquisition by NZR and the opening of the NIMT. Future restoration of #52 will be considered after completion of #48.

WORK TO DATE: In the past 2½ years the car has been stripped of modifications made after the Government’s purchase of the WMR in 1908 and all decayed timber. The body has been straightened. Replacement framing and new cladding have all been fitted. Some internal paint stripping has been carried out. The bogies have been disassembled, overhauled and painted.

New timber, springs, steel for end railings, drawgear castings, and brake piping have been bought. Opportunity is taken where possible to double run quantities to obtain sufficient material for both cars, even though #48 is the only car actively being worked on.

WORK IN PROGRESS: Hardwood parts for the new end platforms are machined and ready to be fitted. Fitting of headers to the windows is under way.

Components such as window sashes are being made off site. Handrails parts for the end platforms have been made and are primed ready for installation. Glass for all windows is on site and that for the clerestory lights has been sandblasted.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: A big “thank you” to our many sponsors and suppliers of grants, materials or services, for your support. A great deal has been achieved since we began this project. We look forward to another year’s progress and hope to tell you more of this in 2008.