The weather has been a bit cold lately but we have managed to get some things done.The gearbox cover was removed to inspect the contents and as you can see it is like new. It is amazing that after nearly sixty years there is so little wear on the gears. I expect them to last another sixty at least.

We carried on with painting the holding brake mechanism which will soon be remounted onto its new frame work and base plate.

The footplate is nearly bolted down and when complete the end buffer beams and the cab can go back on. This will also provide a safe working platform to start installing the clutch assembly and the engine fuel/oil pipe work.

In my last blog I mentioned we would replace the remaining three axle box sumps with new units. We obtained plasma cut plate and welded them together to construct the new ones, then, after fitting each sump into its respective housing, all parts of the axle box were numbered. This will ensure easy assembly onto each axle journal.

A video explaining the problems associated with the refurbishment can be viewed by clicking on the axle box picture below left.

The two aluminium inlet manifolds were bead blasted to clean them up and as you can see, it makes a big difference.    

The fuel system was cleaned, the pipes polished and the old felt style filters replaced with the modern paper cartridge type. They fit in the housings without any modifications.

We are hoping to start the engine again in July.

If you would like to get involved.

Contact Glenn on 07508 982286