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Planning
Hull
Many of the hull plates, in particular at the water and air interface, need replacement. Each plate is removed in turn and used as a template for its dimensions and the drilling of the holes to match its neighbouring plate and frames. It is then shaped, using a hydraulic ram fixture to match the shape of the hull where it will be placed. Once placed back in position it is bolted into place till it is riveted. Steel wedges are placed in the gaps where the plates meet to provide a watertight seal. Engineering
Fortunately, most of the valves are in good condition, however all will need extensive de-scaling and overhaul. Some need replacement; our volunteer patternmaker Ken has commenced production of patterns for the casting. Electrical
Detailed planning of the electrical wiring for the fit out is in progress. The original electrical wiring network was made of lead sheathing over cotton and India rubber insulation. This type of wiring is no longer available and it does not last. In her last years of service, John Oxley was plagued with many short circuits and other problems caused by perished rubber insulation. We will use a modern alternative wire that resembles the old wiring and we seek donations of suitable wire The volunteer electricians are gathering electrical wiring and equipment, rebuilding it and putting into store, ready for the day when they can install it and wire the ship. Shipwright
To gain access to some of the deck plates, a good deal of the timber deck will need to be lifted and replaced.
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E-mail: contact Sydney Heritage Fleet at bclayton@shf.org.au |
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After
more than 70 years, the effects of salt water and air have corroded a number of the structural
components of the ship. The immediate task is to replace the rusted floors and frames, and then replace
the hull plates where required. As with all Sydney Heritage Fleet restoration projects, we do this work
with a team of volunteers. 
This
type of work involves removal of the old sections by oxy cutting the original rivets. The section is
removed from the ship with chain blocks and taken to our workshop for replication. The new replacement
is then returned to the ship and bolted in place. Final work involves riveting-in the new section.
Stage-1,
restoring to float the John Oxley, has been planned using a Gantt chart. All tasks and their
dependencies are taken into account. This plan ensures that the tasks are done in the correct order and
that all are completed before the end of stage-1.
A
number of floors and frames, or ribs, lower down in the hull have extensive corrosion. Each of the
floors that need replacement are removed from the ship and replicated in the on-shore workshop using the
same techniques that were employed in building the ship in 1927. 
Our
volunteer engineers must overhaul all sea valves, the steam bilge pump followed by the rudder and
propeller shafting. Future work before refloat also includes replacement of the corroded bilge piping
system and manifold.
Temporary
construction wiring and switchboards have been provided to the hold, forward hold, stokehold and engine
room for the restoration process.
The
ship was fitted with teak decking and internal wood panelling. Much of this is in need of repair and
re-finishing. The wheelhouse, in particular, is a fine example of a ship bridge of the period. 
