Workshop Update 5th December 2018

Wednesday, 5th December, 2018

BR Standard Class 4 mt  2-6-4T  loco   No 80097

After the very successful first runs during the ELR’s Autumn Steam Gala, the loco was handed over to ELR staff for weighing, load testing and line trials. Unfortunately during a fast run on the Heywood stretch, the driver’s side centre driving wheel ran so hot that it damaged the white metal bearing.

This has now necessitated all the motion to be stripped off and the removal of spring hangers, brake blocks, etc. before the loco could be lifted. This is being done in-house to avoid the need to send the loco to another railway to be lifted.

Once lifted, the wheels have now been dropped and all assemblies are being cleaned. A new bearing is being prepared for fitting and the spring assemblies are being adjusted at this time. We have also taken this opportunity to carry out other commissioning and remedial work after the first bedding in runs.

Alongside this engineering work the loco is being cleaned and prepped ready for final painting.

The Bury Standard 4 Group are currently working with ELR staff in making all efforts to complete this repair as soon as possible, so that 80097 can join the fleet for the Christmas schedules.

Ivatt ‘Mogul’ Class 2 MT 2-6-0  No 46428

After 80097’s first runs, the Group started to work again on the Ivatt pony truck. This has now been suspended until 80097 is running again.

Pictures are:

             80097 waiting to be lifted in the Buckley Wells loco shed.

            All springs, axleboxes and driving wheels being steam cleaned.

            Guiding the centre casting back onto the axle box of the front bogey assembly.