A sad end for Bally Hooley

 Balley Hooley is now a static restaurant. Money not available to keep it running!

The three engines are supposed to be in good running order. However the volunteers were unable to keep railway running. I think the old men sealed their fate when not attracting new young blood over the years.

Touring in my caravan

 No model trains as I am still touring in my van. I am heading south again,though slowly.

So here is a pictorial history of the last few days.

Before departing Port Douglas my son fixed the water leak in my hot water service. We were going to bronze it up, however I found a new unit for $1065 in Cairns So decided to replace it.

Badly installed dissimilar metals. Could not budge it, Finally sheered it right off.

plywood floor was probably saved by this aluminium tray,

We could have ordered a new steel tank, however no idea how long it would take.

Here my son attacks the brass fitting knowing it would certainly break.

The leak dribbled for several weeks and finally burst. We tapped away all the rust and found this hole,

The leak probably started behind this badly welded bracket? left lower...

This was supposed to be new unit, but cannot find that picture.

Anyway unit went straight back in and works very well

Cheers

Rod