D8110 [20110] |
The year has started with the loco waiting for a new set
of batteries, and to have the spare fan clutch fitted. Whilst waiting for
these two thing to happen the oil in the compressor has been changed. This
job has to be done on a regular basis as the oil will mix with water,
(that is condensation) and makes a nice creamy looking mass. The new
batteries arrived during January and a start was made on fitting them
towards the end of the month. This was done whilst the loco had one wheel
on the ground. It happen after the loco had just finished rolling in the
new siding, On it's way to the ground disc the sleepers gave way.
The last five batteries were fitted at the start of February. The
replacement fan clutch was installed at the start of March. Also the fuel
gauges have both been oiled to stop them sticking. The loco is now
ready for the start of the new season |
[D8118] 20118 Back to
Top |
This loco has an up hill struggle as it enters this new
year (maybe that should be we have a up hill struggle) but a start has
been made. Work so far done, has been to clean out both battier boxes and
paint them to take the old batteries out of D8110, which it now has. Some
cab panels have been removed for cleaning and painting along with the
gauge panels to have fresh gauges put in, as all the old ones had their
glass broken. The cooling system is slowly coming together with rubber
pipes being replaced, along with gaskets that the frost got too. Some
scrapping off of the flaky paint work has also started and the old air
filters and holders removed for cleaning. With the batteries from 110 now
installed in the loco and wired up. We have found that all the front &
back marker and tail lights work along with the engine compartment lights.
The cab light was missing, but a temporary lamp holder is now in place and
working. The instrument lights do work, but because the dimmer switches
are in the gauge panels which are away for painting they don't work at the
moment. The fire alarm relay was missing in the cab, has been replaced and
the test button freed up. And the bell works. The pipe work around the
patch on the engine block has been refitted and the oil filters put back
up. A good clean up was made in February around the generator compartment
(the inch of oily gunk is no more !). The generator now has a fresh coat
of gloss pain. The lubrication oil priming pump also works. Getting a
pressure of about 201bs on the gauge. It has been found that two cylinder
heads (A & B3) have had to come off due to the long time standing with
water lying in them. The above heads are now in the work shop, along with
a replacement head from Railparts (Doncaster) as we found that one of the
heads was of the same batch that gave trouble on D8110. The electrical
cubicle has been clean out and the frame work painted along with the
panels. The cab is now being strip of bits (seats, cooker and some wall
panels) for cleaning, painting or replacement. |
D7612 [25262, 25901] Back to
Top |
This loco starts the year all drain down and with No.l
cab all in bits, for a repaint. The main electrical cubicle doors have all
been cleaned and repainted along with the surround that they fit on With
the doors off, all the contacts and relays have been cleaned. The coolant
water gauges have both been cleaned and refitted along with new labels for
water levels. The injectors have all been removed from the power unit for
cleaning/overhaul at Cowick Injection in Exeter. They are now back in the
power unit. The cab floor in No.l and has been taken up and the same as
No.2 end a inch or so of rust and muck has been found, but this time the
rust has eaten away around the base of the drivers seat and the AWS change
end switch. The base has been cut out to have some new bits welded
on. |
Class 127 |
This unit is now well over due a lubricating oil change
which must be done before the start of the running season. The unit had 30
outings last year, with the last one being to test the times for this
years two train running. A special event at Totnes on Tuesday 29th March
had the unit come out of winter rest to do two round trips, as a park
& ride was in place at Buckfastleigh to take guests to Totnes for the
launch of Pete Goss' yacht "Team Philips". This ended up as five round
trips, as people came back in dribs & drabs. It was found on filling
the set with water that the Ashburton end power car (one engine only) has
a radiator leak. |
Class 122 - 55000 Back to
Top |
Work continues on the small saloon. The windows have all
been out (six in total, two big and four small) and replaced with new
rubbers seals. The ceiling is now up, and just waiting for painting and
fitting of lights and vents. A start on the side walls has been made, with
new panelling for this saloon, as there was some panels missing or broken
when it arrived from M.C. Metals of Glasgow, (now closed). A new stainless
steel exhaust system has been fitted to both engines. |
Yorkshire |
Still soldiering on for the moment. But the low main air
has been put right, as it failed just before Christmas with no air. A pipe
between the compressor and the reservoir had broken and has now been
repaired. The loco worked well for a few weeks with the correct main air
pressure, until the unloader valve fell off Now the safety valve keeps
blowing off ! |
Fowler |
In working order. But needs a little body work to keep
the rust at bay. |
Ruston |
This loco works, but is still on test. Also waiting for
it's tyres to be turned |
Stock |
MINK - After some door repairs, all that remains to be
done is to give a door a coat of paint and some side numbers and it will
be all OK for the next couple of years. CCT -
This van will have some light body maintenance this coming summer.
SHOCKVAN - This van has just been repainted and a new
felt roof fitted, all that's left to be done is the side numbers to be
applied. MINK (No.2) - A start on rebuilding will
be made this year. As the roof has been blown in the winter winds.
BG - Up for sale. Say no more ! Offers
? |
Other Items |
The aluminium cans collected for 1999 came to a grand
total of 12 kilos. 40p a kilo. We received £4.80 which has gone towards
stamps to send out newsletters. So, keep the cans coming
in. |