Putting the Wab back on its wheels


On the 23rd of September 2000 on a fine Feilding morning we hired two large cranes and placed the Wab back on its bogies and driving wheels.
The Wab airborn The two cranes lifted the Wab from each end. The Wab looked quite weird with nothing underneath it.
Lower the Wab back onto its wheels Once airbourne we positioned the two bogies and the driving wheels under the Wab and carefully lowered the Wab.
The rear view of the Wab We had to lift the Wab some distance in order to get the bogies underneath. To the left you can see the director of the event Merv Hodgson, he was in charge, co-ordinating everything for the two crane drivers to ensure things went smoothly.
Careful concentration to ensure everything fits The axles had to be carefully manoeuvred to line up with the frame of the Wab.
Lowering Wab onto rear driving axle Careful alignment of rear driving axle to ensure it is positioned in the frame correctly.
Living Dangerously Mike Barnes living dangerously, but not really. He is bolting in the keep plates to stop the wheels falling out, and also to stop the frame from bending.
The jobs done Everything went according to plan and the job took less than three hours, thanks to all the work put in over the last few months.

Back to Main Restoration Page