UPDATE: Zig Zag Railway workshop has been ransacked by thieves overnight. Another headache for the railway staff with the loss of a generator, water pump and some brass and copper screws.
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READ what the Lithgow Mercury think of such a low act in Thursday's editorial column.
ONE of the worst to suffer in the bushfire that started at the Marrangaroo Army base was the Zig Zag Railway.
The fire not only caused two to three million dollars damage but has ruined any hope the tourist railway had of restarting by summer.
To put the iconic Zig Zag Railway back on track it will take a lot of hard work and the help of others to recover from their losses.
They would love to hear from anyone who could help with the replacement of equipment lost in the fire that damaged its bottom points workshop.
Zig Zag's metal machine shop was destroyed when their office on a mezzanine level above it collapsed.
Some of the big ticket essential items that are needed include two lathes 24 inch swing over gap and 16 inch over table, a surface grinder 400 millimetre high 700x300, a geared drill machine floor mount, a 12 inch grinder floor mount, a eight inch bench grinder, a universal milling machine 2000 x 500 millimetre table 1500 millimetre travel and a turret milling machine 800 millimetre x 350 millimetre table.
The clean up is a big job Zig Zag also needs assistance with.
Heavy machinery will be needed to remove what remains of their vintage passenger carriages along with help to clean up all the charred and dangerous trees surrounding the railway.
At the moment it is trying to raise funds to get a second hand chipper that would be perfect for their needs on the Zig Zag reserve.
If you would like to donate urgently needed funds, equipment or expertise contact Zig Zag Railway on their facebook page. Direct donations at www.zigzagrailway.com.au
