30th December 2019
A mild weekend in Pentrefelin lead to plenty of work being conducted on the 104 M-exam.
The float swithces were removed, cleaned, replaced, and tested. All of the engine rocker covers were removed, cleaned, and the engines run with them removed to check all was well, a minor fuel leak on the no.1 engine on 50528 was picked up and fixed as part of this. The final drivers have been opened up and checked, the buffers, couplings and corridor connections greased.
On the electrical side the BIS on 50454 and main fusebox were stripped, cleaned, reasssembled. The generator board was also replaced after showing some signs of overheating at some point. The heater glow plugs were also removed, cleaned and replaced.
In the "new" 108, the missing seat in the power car just outside the drivers cab has finally been refitted, following cooperation from the Midland Railway, and Weardale Railway to provide the required parts. It's a mystery as to why it was ever removed, maybe someone will one day let us know?
And finally, thank you to all our supporters, and volunteers for a fantastic year, let's hope 2020 is just as good!
16th December 2019
The 104 M exam rumbles on, with the greasing of prop shafts, freewheels, fan drivers, and radiator fans. Curiously one of the grease nipples was missing, but we only had two sizes in stock to replace it, too big, and too small! A set of exhauster belts were also changed, which is a bit of a project as the freewheel has to be split to get them in and out. The sliding windows have also been lubricated, and loose / damaged catches attended to.
The jumpers from the 104 have had the sockets cleaned and tested, as well as the jumpers themselves with one dud being replaced. A pair of door jambs from 51618 have also been dispatched off with one member to enable a couple more to be produced.
More insulation has been fitted inside the 105, and now that room has been cleared in the back saloon by fitting of said insulation, more timber has been added ready for more insulation, and eventually wall paneling. The panels cut to fit the first class has proven to be a pain, and needed most of the day to fettle. A lot of lessons have been learnt, which will make cutting and fitting of further panels easier and quicker.
More wiring in the cab has been carried out, followed by the fitting of the cab desk top. Given that the desk was beginning to curve, and was also taking up room in the saloon. It will allow the controls and dials to be fitted in fully as well.
At the Midland a change in direction on the trailer car has led to items being removed off the vehicle, rather than added on! Various electrical items have been removed for onward road transport to Pentrefelin ready to be refurbished. Large wrenches and big spanners where the order of the day, the generator junction box proved to be the most difficult item to remove.
Measurements have been taken in the cab for the fitting of supports that will hold the lights for the route indicator, and two of the brackets have been constructed. Holes for the lights have also been drilled ready for painting.
9th December 2019
Over in the Gloucester the last two sets of sliding lights have been fettled and refitted. A giant jigsaw puzzle was then solved, with the trial fitting of the luggage rack frame backing on the drivers side of the centre and rear saloons. This also means it's been possible to measure up the missing pieces. All of the unrefurbished panels have been taken away as a homework project.
In the cab the electrical department have been busy, with the throttle controller wired in a held down with some 5/16 BSF bolts.
The final support for the terminal board was welded in, and the terminal board has now been fitted, with most existing wiring already having been terminated onto it. Conduit pipes were attached onto the plates leading to the front jumpers as well. Once the charging cables have been fitted, it will be possible to power up the vehicle from a shore supply similar to the Cravens at Llangollen.
2nd December 2019
This week, although quiet, has still brought progress on the Gloucester restoration. In the cab of the trailer, the air & axle panel, along with the speedo and tacho have been fitted and wired up.
