We live in an average sized three-bedroom duplex and although we were the first owners we didn't design or build the house. The plan matched what we were planning to build quite closely so it was an easy decision to buy it after the first inspection and walk through. The local builder has done several properties in the local area and has a good reputation, but occasionally there are some things that are found to be not quite right. The single garage also has a small laundry space with a tub and space for a washing machine. We opted for a washer/dryer which was the right choice for the space available. The photo below shows the layout of the laundry nook in the garage, the washing tub with storage underneath and the washer/dryer. It all looks very normal, now, but I did have to make a modification to make it look like this. Originally the door under the tub opened the other way with the hinge on the right so it opened from the left. That does not sound like a problem but it was very user un-friendly as the door was in the way when you bent down to access whatever you needed from the cupboard.
I noticed that the pre-manufactured tub/cupboard was designed to have the door fitted both ways, opening from the left or from the right. Further investigation revealed that the door and latch could be removed and put on the opposite side such that it opened the other way with no modifications required. It was a cramped and awkward space to work in but it avoided the need to remove the tub/cupboard and avoided disturbing any tiles and sealant behind and beside the tub. The space now works more smoothly as the door can be opened fully to the left against the wall where it is out of the way while accessing the cupboard - simple but important..!!
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Recently our workplace training room was gifted a few surplus items so we can show new Train Controllers what various items that get talked about actually look like. Many new Train Controllers joining the role today they have come from other roles in often totally different organisations and have little or no previous railway experience. Even those that have had previous railway experience may not have seen all the small parts that go together to make an entire railway operate. Our training room is small so the amount and size of items selected is based on that, and also not wanting the room looking cluttered with junk. One item we were gifted, that would have otherwise gone from scrap metal, was a small Position Light Shunt Signal from the Toowoomba area. The item was in fair condition but would not sit on the bench as it is meant to be mounted on a post beside the railway line. With some spare timber at home I designed a wooden base for the signal to sit on, and used the existing mounting bracket to secure the two parts together. The timber base was stained and the signal itself was completely pulled apart for cosmetic restoration. Everything was in good condition however there was corrosion on some aluminium parts and the cork gaskets between some parts were deteriorated. The internal 110 volt light bulbs, wiring and connections were removed as they were no longer required. It has been suggested that I design and fit a low voltage LED system so that the lights can be illuminated - I'll think about that suggestion. Some metal parts were completely cleaned back to bare metal and repainted while other parts only needed re-painting. The original stainless steel nuts and bolts were used to re-assemble the signal. A small builders plate on the back shows that the signal was made by Westinghouse. It was only a quick restoration job but it has made an incredible difference to the look, feel and usefulness of the item. And...I have already been assigned another task to restore a larger item for the training room. Above: The restored Position Light Shunt Signal back in the training room along with a shelf-mounted relay, two plug-in type relays, and two lenses from a colour light signal.
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AuthorAfter spending 22 years in the Telecommunications Industry, I've decided to keep those skills alive and offer my services to people needing assistance with small phone cabling jobs in the home or office. Archives
January 2024
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