The Paddle Steamer Ruby Restoration Project - Time Line of Progress

Ruby Specifications

The 'Ruby' Restoration Project - 1995 - 2006

Over the past ten years, renovations or replacement of the hull, boiler, the superstructure and engines have been undertaken with substantial contributions of volunteer labour, material donations from the community, and funding from a range of sources. See also the Sponsors page.

Fig 1 - PS Ruby arrives in Wentworth in 1968

1968

In 1968, the Rotary Club of Wentworth decided to purchase the 'Ruby' and restore her. The Rotary Club paid $1600 for the boat, and she was towed to Wentworth. At that time, the vessel was minus the upper deck and wheelhouse, and stripped of her boiler, engines and paddlewheels and in a generally dilapidated condition.

The vessel's hull was unsound and taking water so she was placed on dry land in Fotherby Park, opposite the Wentworth Wharf, and became a static display and centrepiece for the Park for many years.

1988

The Rotary Club of Wentworth gained a grant from the Bicentenary Fund and undertook further maintenance of the 'Ruby' however the boat was deteriorating rapidly under these conditions.

1995

In 1995, the Wentworth Rotary Club were approached with an offer from outside the community to purchase the 'Ruby'. The local community of Wentworth became very concerned and a public meeting was called to prevent an important part of the town's history being lost.

As a result of this action, the Wentworth Rotary Club formally donated the 'Ruby' to the community, to be held in trust by the Wentworth Shire Council. A committee comprising of an elected representative from all local community groups and the Shire, was then formed to undertake the restoration of the vessel.

Restoring the Hull - the years 1996 - 2001

1996 - 1997

The group of volunteers commenced restoring the hull of the 'Ruby', steel was replaced in the top part of the hull, the stem and stern posts renewed and a new rudder built.

Fig 2 - Ruby in dry dock undergoing restoration of stem post and hull

1998 - 1999

In 1998, work commenced on restoring the red gum lower section of the hull. The planking and caulking of the hull took four years. River red gum and hardwood for the hull, valued at approximately $50,000, was generously donated by Merbein Sawmills over a three year period.

Three hundred and sixty planks were replaced during that time, Each plank was 'boiled' on site for three hours in a boiler fashioned from a large pipe. The planks were then pinned to the boat's ribs while still pliable.

During 1999, a 'Work for the Dole' program was established to assist the volunteers on the restoration effort and work continued on the planking.

2000

The planking work continued and the tedious job of caulking the hull commenced with many hours of volunteers time given. Fourteen bales of oakum, worth $700 a bale, were used in the caulking process.

Oakum is a fibrous material of hemp and old bags mixed with stockholm tar and oil. The oakum had to be spun out in readiness for caulking and it is estimated that the equivalent of thirteen kilometres of oakum, were hammered into the seams between the planks.

Fig 3 - Volunteers undertaking reconstruction activities on Ruby (2001)

2001

In 2001, the last plank was put in place however caulking of the planks continued.

A pond was excavated beside where Ruby was sited in Fotherby Park and this was filled with water to float the vessel.

The first large injection of funds for the project came in 2001 when Wentworth Shire Council donated $40,000 (profits from hosting the Floodplain Management Conference) to the 'Ruby' restoration effort.

2002

On the 26th January, 2002, 'Ruby' was floated on the dock pond. Also in that year a suitable steam engine was acquired from Warhope in the Blue Mountains using a loan obtained by a local supporter.

Work commenced on the superstructure and the Committee obtained a NSW Government Heritage Grant to assist with renovation of the boiler.

2003

Work continued on the renovation of the existing superstructure and the boiler, a great deal of painting was undertaken, and some pumps and fire fighting equipment were installed.

2004

Work continued on renovation of the existing superstructure and completion of cabins installation of furnishings and fittings, continued restoration and the pinion wheels and boiler were installed.

July 2004 - Re-commissioning ceremony for the 'Ruby' at the Junction Steam Rally (Wentworth) when she was towed from the pond back onto the river.

A Board of Management was established in late 2004 to work on take the 'Ruby' project from a restoration to an operational basis.

2005

In March, an audit of the vessel was undertaken and the Chief Surveyor for NSW Waterways provided advice to ensure the restoration would be in line with the requirements of the Commonwealth Uniform Shipping Code and the NSW Certificate of Survey.

In May, a Naval Architect undertook 'inclining' tests to check the stability of the vessel and further plans were rquired for the general layout, the electrical system, and the bilge and fire systems.

Fig 4 - The Boiler with engine under restoration, November 2005.

During 2005, a substantial amount of work went into the renovation and rebuilding of the engine. The crankshaft was taken to an engineering works in Melbourne and rebuilt over a six month period. The crankshaft and engine are now being prepared for the fitting of the reverse gear.

General restoration work also continued on the plumbing and holding tanks, the bathroom and galley.

For 2006

Four main areas of work remain to be completed in order for the boat to be operational.

1. Plans and documentation
2. Fire and bilge systems
3. Electrical systems and switch boxes
4. Certificate of Survey

A Conservation Management Plan for the Future

The plans currently being developed will also provide the foundation for the on-going Conservation Management Plan. They will provide documented evidence of:

1. layout, condition and structural integrity of the vessel;
2. operational status of machinery especially the steam plant;
3. health and fire safety regulation; and
4. restoration and adaption to meet maritime regulations and guidelines.