Kopuku Express

[RayC]

Heres another great posting...but we're starting with clues for those of you who can guess...Regards Ray

 

[terexkerry]

Spoke to the owner of this machine last Saturday,He told me to have a look which I did.I might be sticking my neck out but would have to say this would be the best example of this model in the world,its a credit to him.Terexkerry

 

[D6 Merv]

Well this sounds interesting, so i,ll stick my fat little neck out and say with a name like kopuku express it would have to be a caterpillar; as there was very few Terexs and no Wabcos out there; so what is this treasure ?
1693 powered DW20 i hope !

 

[MRC]

It's a nicely restored Cat 630B scraper......one of only two imported into NZ and used by Stevies at Kopuku?

There is a nice video on youtube of this machine as well - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbRyga_d_a4

 

[Haddy]

Very nice !

 

[RayC]

Cat 630B

Well no surprises here...Yes Vic Drapers latest restoration...one fantastic machine..Photos were supplied from Vic

 

[RayC]

For those of you who remember the machine...here's the Plant No..Plus check out the instrument panel showing the extent this machine has been restored...a true credit to Vic.

 

[RayC]

Just to get a clear perspective here's a few photos that I took prior to Vic starting the restoration

 

[D6 Merv]

Well that is bloody impressive; great to see some of kopukus fantastic history preserved. Stevies had 2 630Bs as well as 2 630As as well as all the other scrapers including those classic repowered DW20s. Anyone know if any of there other scrapers had been saved ? Bloke Toomey had a 1693 powered DW20 converted to a sheepsfoot roller that was quite tidy, only other machine I knew of. Although I do know of where stevies No16 grader is that could be bought to go to a decent home. Machine is complete plus transmission of its wrecked sister.
In Ken Andersons book about kopuku it had a great shot of a DW20 being pushloaded by there new D9L in 1986. Bit like the spaceshuttle pushing the ark. But living proof these old girls can still move dirt

 

[Gavin84w]

Absolutely stunning, well done to all involved and the dedication to the rest of the resto shines through in that gauge cluster, absolutely spot on! A contractor i know here in Australia is just about done repainting a 666B he has just purchased and will be putting it to work with his fleet of 4 660B,s.

 

[gd10r]

Great job, amazing work!

 

[d4c24a]

a bit of youtube footage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbRyga_d_a4

 

[Buckethead]

Wow, that's an impressive restoration.

 

[D6 Merv]

Hi Graham. Thanks for that link. The sight and sound of diesel being converted to smoke and noise.
Couple more beers and i may even be able to smell it.
Merv

 

[d4c24a]

Hi Graham. Thanks for that link. The sight and sound of diesel being converted to smoke and noise.
Couple more beers and i may even be able to smell it.
Merv

it certainly is a cracking restoration :cool2 i have just seen the D8 pictures too
have a couple for me too Merv :drinkup

cheers graham

 

[Greg]

What a remarkable job!!!!!!!!!!!! That one is way to pretty now to drive around in the rain let alone go play in the dirt with it.

 

[RayC]

Stevensons 344

Here's a couple of photos I took of the sister machine No344...taken at Stevensons ..Lochinvar Station...back in 98...I'm pretty sure this machine has now gone to a good home down South

 

[Reubs]

I saw that old girl a couple of weeks back at vic drapers place' and i have to say that its a credit to see Vic restore this old Iron to a magnificent standard.

 

[EarthwurmJurm]

it certainly is a cracking restoration :cool2 i have just seen the D8 pictures too
have a couple for me too Merv :drinkup

cheers graham

do you mind me asking where you saw the pics of the D8?

amazing restoration job !! defines the word "dedication" !!

 

[Hock D9G]

Great job on the restoration. A bloke in West Auckland surname Yuckich owns a Cat D9G and a Cat 630 ex Stevies they did a job in East Tamaki, South Auckland a couple years back.

Craig