This is what we call the poppet show…

Ian MacLeod's blog | Created 1 decade ago

Last time we posted on the blog, we detailed how the slipway site, bogies and poppets were getting cleaned up by the incredible students at the Challenger TAFE. This next instalment is an update about what’s been happening on site recently.

TAFE students (under the supervision of Senior Large Technology Conservator, Richard Garcia) removed some outrigger sections as they were impeding access by personnel and equipment to complete the cleaning of the slipway. Before these sections were removed, thorough research on these components were undertaken, and were found to have been welded on to the original outriggers at a later date. These outrigger sections were separated at the weld using an oxy-acetylene torch and once removed, what a difference it made to the site!

Inspection of the superfluous outrigger sections
Inspection of the superfluous outrigger sections
Photo by Isa Loo
Image copyright of WA Museum
Removal of the superfluous outrigger sections
Removal of the superfluous outrigger sections
Photo by Isa Loo
Image copyright of WA Museum
Removal of the superfluous outrigger sections
Removal of the superfluous outrigger sections
Photo by Isa Loo
Image copyright of WA Museum

Once these outrigger sections were removed, the inactive poppets were moved into a position that more accurately reflected how they would have appeared on a working slipway. These poppets would have been all in line with each other and helped to support the weight of the Ovens, all 2000 tonnes (approximately) of her!

Inactive poppets
Inactive poppets
Photo by Isa Loo
Image copyright of WA Museum

These poppets had all corroded into position on the ratchets on top of the outriggers and so could not be moved or locked into their rightful position. Corrosion was removed using an oxy-acetylene torch and waterblasted before being physically moved forward with a chain. As the poppet was moved, the underlying corrosion broke up and they could be moved to their limits. After removing the corrosion, the poppets were greased and pushed back into place so that they were in alignment with the original poppets.

Moving poppets
Moving poppets
Photo by Isa Loo
Image copyright of WA Museum
Moving poppets
Moving poppets
Photo by Isa Loo
Image copyright of WA Museum
Cleaning poppets
Cleaning poppets
Photo by Isa Loo
Image copyright of WA Museum
Cleaning poppets
Cleaning poppets
Photo by Isa Loo
Image copyright of WA Museum

Once all the poppets have been treated in this way, metal inserts to sit on top of the poppets and wooden wedges will be created to further enhance their interpretation.

See you soon!