It is amazing how much work can be done when the weather is nice and sunny, not only does it allow us to work but it brings people out of their winter slumber.

When you need to drill or weld then you need electricity, unfortunately, water and power don’t really go together, but after dodging the raindrops and taking advantage of the good weather we have finally got the cab roof welded on.

The unit has been primed, undercoated and apart from its final coat of paint, is ready to go back on the loco.  

The clutch pressure plate was completely stripped, cleaned and inspected by the guys and found to be in excellent working order.

 The clutch pressure plate and intermediate plate with the new modern  clutch disk facings can now be mounted on the engine flywheel.

The radiator was fully stripped of its headers and high pressure water cleaned, there was a lot of debris in the tubes which might have caused engine overheating.

The headers are painted and it can now be re-assembled

The lower halves have been painted and are more or less ready to go back. The buckled footplate and the corrosion by the holding brake shown in previous reports are now being repaired.

The work involves removing the complete footplate from both sides, welding, painting and then putting back on the Locomotive.

The side beam has a slight bow on the left side due to the steps being caught on something in the past while shunting, this is being repaired.

The chassis has been high pressure steam cleaned, probably the first time in many years and it has highlighted a problem with the axle boxes. They are completely gummed up.

To get unrestricted access, the side drive arms and couplings need removing to allow the axles to be lowered. The axle boxes will then be thoroughly cleaned which will “guarantee” lubrication will get through to the axle bearings.

This means the locomotive has to be jacked up, all 28 tons, We have also pulled out the track from underneath the loco to give us better access and easier working.

If you would like to get involved please phone Glenn on 07508982286