Album info

  • Title: Salvaging the CSO administration building
  • Description: During May 2004 the heritage-listed Commonwealth Solar Observatory building went through a "salvage and make safe" process. The work was carried out by HABKA Constructions and Demolition. The fire damage to building and contents was such that none of the library, records or archives of the observatory were salvagable. Only "horrible relics" were recovered.

    NOTE: All images are copyright and must not be reproduced or mirrored in any form without written permission.

Salvaging the CSO administration building

  • Once was photocopier.

    • Once was photocopier.
    • Views: 3035

  • Scaffolding erected for access to the heliostat tower. Nobody had been up there since before the fire.

    • Scaffolding erected for access to the heliost…
    • Views: 3159

  • Although the cement render is flaking off and all wooden doors and hatches are burned, the tower is structurally sound.

    • Although the cement render is flaking off and…
    • Views: 3172

  • The heliostat has survived, but is beyond repair. All paint and electrics have burnt, and the brass azimuth scale has melted. Mi

    • The heliostat has survived, but is beyond rep…
    • Views: 3019

  • Heliostat is stuck in azimuth, probably warped out of round by the heat.

    • Heliostat is stuck in azimuth, probably warpe…
    • Views: 3077

  • Drive mechanisms are still mounted inside the tower.

    • Drive mechanisms are still mounted inside the…
    • Views: 2979

  • Cleaning the drive is a difficult job.

    • Cleaning the drive is a difficult job.
    • Views: 2894

  • All of the heliostat electrics are burnt.

    • All of the heliostat electrics are burnt.
    • Views: 2749

  • The base of the tower.

    • The base of the tower.
    • Views: 2858