Stainless Steel Cars - Move from Weston.

["Michael Shotton" <mshotton@idl.net.au>]

The Richmond Vale Railway Museum moved six of it's eight Stainless Steel
passenger cars from Weston on the SMR to Richmond Main Colliery on Sunday
9/1/99.

The move was made very successful by the co-operation of museum members, and
other people involved.

The day started early, with a small army of volunteers showing up to help.
It was initially expected to move at least four cars, and with the sixth one
safely away, it was decided to call it a day.

Two road cranes were used to lift the carriage of the bogies, after the car
had been gravitated from the Signal Box, to near the Weston road bridge.

The carriage was then placed onto two road bogies and hauled the 5-6km
(approx) to the end of the Mulbring Road Line (Rich.Main - Hexham section).

After the bogies were placed on the rails, the carriages were lowered back
onto them. The museum's 0-4-0 'Planet' Diesel shunter was waiting with newly
constructed shunter's wagon (former 'S' truck) to haul the carriages to the
Carriage Shed.

It is expected to take around one month minimum to return at least a three
car (possible four car) set to service. The main problem is graffiti
(external, no internal) and replacing light globes and fittings. Apart from
that there is probably only a dozen or so windows need replacing, and
electrical work (batteries, generators etc)

A big thanks to all members who helped on the day, as well as to Paul
Harrison transport and crew, and Structural Cranes.

Steve Shotton
RVRM