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With the fuel pump of the Rolls-Royce DV8 back at Elsecar, an urgent priority was to get the loco back up and running in time for visitors due on Sunday, March 28th. This was slightly more long-winded than might otherwise have been the case, since the decision had been taken to relocate the stop solenoid and this in turn meant a new bracket to support the fuel filters and associated pumbing mods. Indeed, as taken-on the pump, although designed for forced lubrication (i.e. from engine) had not been connected up, so new hoses had to be made and these were completed on Saturday. After bleeding the system through the engine was re-started with much more satisfying results, although stopping it was another issue.
On Sunday 28th the loco went out with representatives of the MR-B and Gwili aboard. A loose wire on 14 901 (located and rectified within half-an-hour of the guests leaving!) caused a few red-faces and curses, but the locomotive otherwise performed much better than hitherto. The MR-B are expecting the loco in mid-May and the Gwili were there in connection with a proposed visit to south and west Wales.
Meanwhile the bodywork repairs, essential prior to painting, have got under way. Talking to other Class 14 owners it has been suggested that 14 901 is the first of her class to need such attention, and may reflect the time spent out of action near to the sea at B'oness or Grangemouth.
New pieces have been let into the cab sides to replace corroded panels, and further work is scheduled to the door pillars this week. The removal of the battery box (see left above) revealed how bad the corrosion was to the panel behind, and this is being replaced on both sides.
The engine end lead doors have been removed for straightening and much patch-priming carried out. Other panel repairs are scheduled over the next two weeks as the loco is prepared for repainting over Easter.
29th March 2010
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