THE Wonthaggi State Coal Mine whistle has been fully restored to its original condition and is now close to being re-installed at the coal mine poppet head in Apex Park.
According to volunteer Michael Bohmer, the restoration of the whistle has been a longer process than first anticipated, as the rods securing the bells to the manifold were severely corroded.
A lengthy process was used to submerge the whistle in penetrating oil continually removing, heating and working on undoing the assembly to avoid any damage to the bells and manifold.
Initially, new replacement rods were to be manufactured using stainless steel.
Further research by volunteer engineer Steve Randles discovered the rods were made of mild steel to act as a sacrificial anode designed to corrode first, preserving the brass manifold and bells for at least another 100 years.
The restored whistle is to be displayed at the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club until volunteers complete the plumbing at the poppet head and the reworking of the control valve mechanism.
Once completed the whistle will be returned to its original position to start blowing again every day at midday.
Volunteers thank the committee and members of the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club who helped finance the restoration and the businesses who made the restoration possible, Covered In Paint, Ampelite
Dandenong, Engineering Products Of Australia, Precision Plating Dandenong, Bass Coast Council, Kennards Hire and the dedicated staff and volunteers at the State Coal Mine.
