NATTRASS - Rail Tractor
Type: Rail Tractor
Number: -
Wheel Arrangement: 0-4-0
Builder: Rail Tractors Ltd. Wellington
Year Built: 1938
Weight: -
HISTORY
Type: Rail Tractor
Number: -
Wheel Arrangement: 0-4-0
Builder: Rail Tractors Ltd. Wellington
Year Built: 1938
Weight: -
HISTORY
This is an old Fordson "N" Model tractor adapted for rail use. A total
of 25 were built. They were the brainchild of Howard Nattrass, a car sales
man in Wellington. His cousin Julian Grove actually built the tractors
with cousin Howard taking out a patent on them.
This particular model was used at Gilbert & Tomasi at their Greenstone mill.
It was acquired for preservation by Shantytown in the 1970's.
Restoration to a static display was started early in 2002, by a 16 year old "boy".
Photos of the restoration progress Below.
JULY 2002
To date the wheels have been removed, old fuel tank discarded, and chassis and cast iron parts toughly cleaned. It is hoped that it will be painted within the next few months. The chosen colour being bright orange. The reason for this is that after uncovering the rust and grime the Nattrass looks to have been painted this colour.
AUGUST 2002
The Nattrass has been painted red oxide, a standard metal primer.
SEPTEMBER 2002
Well after choosing the correct colour from the colour chart the end product can best be described as the Ministry of Works rail tractor! Oh well, it will be unique to say the least!
NOVEMBER 2002
The wheels have finally started to be cleaned, but a little to late. Big brother looks as if he will finish work on this machine, after a tonne of paint was thrown at it by Little Brother!
JANUARY 2003
The wheels have been painted black. Along with the fuel tank being cleaned and painted black. Work will start one day on the trailing power bogie.
FEBRUARY 2003
Like the "Never Ending Story" the saga of Nattrass continues! More paint was acquired and applied as best as possible. It was found that the paint is really poor for brushing. In a vain attempt to work out why the paint was looking so bad the instructions were finally consulted by big brother and it was found that it was meant to have a tinted under coat. OOPS, we had used standard Red Oxide. So Paul didn't take any paint home in his lunch box as first thought!
APRIL 2003
The Nattrass was moved from the blacksmiths shop and placed under the lean-to behind the hospital.Before this the wheels were fitted, and all holes bunged up with wash out plugs!
This particular model was used at Gilbert & Tomasi at their Greenstone mill.
It was acquired for preservation by Shantytown in the 1970's.
Restoration to a static display was started early in 2002, by a 16 year old "boy".
Photos of the restoration progress Below.
JULY 2002
To date the wheels have been removed, old fuel tank discarded, and chassis and cast iron parts toughly cleaned. It is hoped that it will be painted within the next few months. The chosen colour being bright orange. The reason for this is that after uncovering the rust and grime the Nattrass looks to have been painted this colour.
AUGUST 2002
The Nattrass has been painted red oxide, a standard metal primer.
SEPTEMBER 2002
Well after choosing the correct colour from the colour chart the end product can best be described as the Ministry of Works rail tractor! Oh well, it will be unique to say the least!
NOVEMBER 2002
The wheels have finally started to be cleaned, but a little to late. Big brother looks as if he will finish work on this machine, after a tonne of paint was thrown at it by Little Brother!
JANUARY 2003
The wheels have been painted black. Along with the fuel tank being cleaned and painted black. Work will start one day on the trailing power bogie.
FEBRUARY 2003
Like the "Never Ending Story" the saga of Nattrass continues! More paint was acquired and applied as best as possible. It was found that the paint is really poor for brushing. In a vain attempt to work out why the paint was looking so bad the instructions were finally consulted by big brother and it was found that it was meant to have a tinted under coat. OOPS, we had used standard Red Oxide. So Paul didn't take any paint home in his lunch box as first thought!
APRIL 2003
The Nattrass was moved from the blacksmiths shop and placed under the lean-to behind the hospital.Before this the wheels were fitted, and all holes bunged up with wash out plugs!
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Paul with the Nattrass
July 2002 PHOTO: Marianne Lee |
Front of the Nattrass
August 2002 PHOTO: D.J.Maciulaitis |
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The Nattrass again
July 2002 PHOTO: Marianne Lee |
The Ministry of Works yellow tractor
October 2002 PHOTO: D.J.Maciulaitis |
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The Ministry of Works yellow tractor
October 2002 PHOTO: D.J.Maciulaitis |
Nearing completion.
January 2003 PHOTO: D.J.Maciulaitis |