RESTORATION PROJECTS AND DISPLAYS

Section of original mast with penny
• 2005: Main mast (forward mast) replaced. The original mast was timber (Oregon pine) and had deteriorated very badly, now the new mast is steel. When the original mast was cut down and removed there was a coin at the bottom. The coin was a 1920 penny and was placed there for good luck during the build in early 1942. This coin and the bottom section of the original mast is on display in the museum.
• 2008: 27 foot wooden rowing whaler (boat) restoration.
• 2008: Installation of a new Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) System. Not much to be seen but this is what protects the hull from rusting. This system really does keep Castlemaine floating. Without this system and its predecessors the hull would not have survived to this day (and still to be in reasonably good condition).
• 2012: Replica Depth Charge Thrower.
• 2013: Installation of an Eco-Toilet (Sani-Loo) to treat waste, so what is discharged into the bay meets EPA requirements.
• 2014: Messdeck interpretation (lockers, hammocks, mess table and stowages).
• 2016: Radar platform/antenna mounted on the bridge roof.
• 2016: Magnetic Mine Sweeping switchboard restoration.
• 2016: Electric motor/gearbox and chain drive to the port main engine. Movement of the reciprocating engine can now be easily demonstrated by merely pushing a button on the motor contactor/starter unit.
• 2017: Morse Key and Aldis signalling light to demonstrate how morse code messages were sent.
• 2018: Minesweeping Kites/Otters and stands on the quarterdeck.
• 2018: Interpretive signs with words and historic pictures installed at points of interest around the ship.
• 2018: Introduction of a voluntary 'Self-Guided Tour' for visitors.
• Repair and replacement of exterior deck plating (a continuing program).
• Electrical System Stabilisation: this has been a restoration, repair and upgrade task over many years consisting of:
  1. Repair and replacement of damaged/corroded cables, repair and modification of existing fuse panels (include tracking down and repair of earth shorting problems).
  2. Converting from a 220VDC operation to 230VAC (original ship power generation and distribution 220VDC.
  3. Isolating and bypassing the main electrical switchboard (safety reasons).
  4. Installation of Safety Switches (RCDs) so that the system meets electrical standards.