Inside The Old Loco Shed - March 2021

WELCOME TO THE MARCH 2021 TRACTION AND ROLLING STOCK UPDATE!

This is a short update as not much has been happening throughout March as focus has been on preparing the track for trains to hopefully commence later this year.

Locomotives:
Rusty – No. 525947
Ruston & Hornsby, LSSH, 0-4-0DH

• Awaiting repairs to the starter motor bracket so that it can be fitted and tested.

Hector – No. VL6
Ruston & Hornsby, 88DS, 0-4-0DM (Privately Owned)

• This month the main engine has had more attention…
• 07/03/21 – the engines Auto Kleen oil filter was removed for a series overhaul as it was stuck due to sludge build up around the filter and between the rings which locked it up. The oil hand prime pump was also removed to investigate an oil leak through the pump handles gland. There was also a brief look at the filters safety valve which appeared to be stuck open due to the blocked-up filter.
• 14/03/21 – There has been more cab attention with more flaking paint being scrapped as the cab dries out more due to door windows being fitted in February. In addition, the previous weekend it was discovered the safety valve was stuck open as the plunger/piston was stuck to the housing with oil sludge, the plunger was removed with some encouragement with paraffin and some light force, this has now been cleaned up and refitted, now functional. Whilst in the cab, the plank that runs along the left side was lifted to allow rust and rotten wood to be removed to prevent further corrosion under the floor, this will be repeated on the other side and around the back of the cab at a later date.
• Between 07/03/21 and 21/03/21 the Auto Kleen oil filter and the Runwell oil priming pump have had a strip and mechanical overhaul. The pumps brass bushing had new packing fitted and is now sealed. The oil filter has had a full strip down with the 100’s off small components that built it up, all were cleaned of any oil sludge, this has now been re-assembled and now turns, allowing it to function.
• 21/03/21 – The oil filter and hand priming pump after being mechanically overhauled were refitted to the engine after a clean-up around the bracket on the block, this now looks and works much better. With the Hand Pump refitted but not plumbed into the freshly overhauled filter, the old oil in the engine was pumped out, it was found to be overfilled but the oil did not contain any water. Unfortunately, not all the oil could be pumped out as the pipe does not go straight to the bottom of the sump. Also, both new air filters are now fitted to the V-Twin compressor. The left door of the cab has also had a new handle fitted to make it easier to shut the door.
• 27/03/21 – The remaining oil was drained to reveal the bottom of the sump which had 2 inches of oil sludge in the bottom of it. Using paraffin and flushing fluid a vast majority of the sludge was washed out of the sump during the day. While the oil was initially draining in the morning more of the cabs paint was scraped to reveal any rust.
• 28/03/21 – More of the sump was washed out this time with the use of a sprayer with paraffin to blow off more of the sludge in the sump, this removed a great amount but there is still some left to remove. Next will be flushing out the oil pipes to remove any sludge in them to prepare the oil system for fresh oil.

(Thanks to Andrew D)

No. 37263
Class 37/0 Type 3, Co-CoDE (Privately Owned)

• Sealant has been applied along the roof on both sides of the loco to help keep the engine bay dry.

Powered Coaching Stock:
Class 108 DMU
Vehicles No. 51950 & 52062 (Privately Owned)

• The problem with fuel starvation in the RH engine on 52062 has been resolved. A fuel pipe was split so a new connection was made and refitted.

Class 144 DMU
Vehicles No. 55813 & 55836

• The LED headlight on car 55836 was faulty so removed from socket and repaired off site. It has been tested and now working as it should. 

Carriage & Wagon:
Crane Wagon
Ex-Power Station Weigh Wagon

• The newly fitted crane has passed its Lola Test meaning it is now certified to be used on the line.

Other News:

• The Machine Workshop at the bottom end of the shed is currently undergoing a major tidy-up to make the area better to work in. 
• The Telehandler also passed its Lola test and received a good clean down and greasing.