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December - progress mostly on D2128
3rd January 2012
With December traditionally being a "wind-down month" with Yuletide festivities and preparations, it would not be surprising if there was little report, but on the contrary, progress on D2128 has been significant, if only in terms of "large lumps" being fitted.
For some time, work has been conducted on D2128 outsde the shed at Scunthorpe, sometimes keeping the sheet over the loco if the weather was inclement. The "tent" has been quite effective!
By early December the front end of the loco was being prepared ready for return of the nose cone, yet this part was still residing on a nearby wagon, untouched since lifted off 3 years ago. Not any more, as the casing tops, front and chimney disappeared off to Sheffield for shotblast and attention to corrosion.
Meanwhile a "spare" tank was modified ready for use as the hydraulic res tank - this has to mount low in the frames as the oil from the powershift needs to drain back into it -
The big push however came between Christmas and New Year, when the loco was brought inside for a few days to make use of the hoist. First to be fitted was the fuel tank -
The new PTO front end driveshaft, which will provide the belt-drives for compressor, exhauster, radiator fan and charge pumps, was trialled in place, followed by the radiator, which promptly had to be removed again as it transpired that there was an error in the a/v mounts (ooops!). It was quickly recitified and the radiator lowered into place, with the top mounts welded in situ shortly after.
The compressor base had meanwhile been welded up, this and the compressor being added, followed by the powershift "shell" cooler (down between the engine and side frame) and finally the air cleaner.
Attention is now turning to the converter cooler (which is not to manufacturer's drawing!) and wiring and plumbing work. The instrument panel frame has been refitted and the internal electrical panel prepared. The majority of the panel wiring will be undertaken off-site.
The AFRPS diesel gala has apparently been set for May 12th and 13th and we are determined that the loco will be operable by then.
"Beverley"
HC 0-4-0DH Beverley, also at Scunthorpe, has not escaped attention. Having reassembled the oil cooler and filled the cooling system, an anxious couple of weeks ensued lest we should find water still migrating to the sump, but the test appeared succesful and so the supercharger, and starter motor (which have to be removed in order to access one of the bolts holding the oil cooler!) refitted. The locomotive will be run up shortly, but sadly the batteries seem to be "goosed".
Brush 803
Some stripping of redundant components has taken place within the cab area, and will continue in the New Year. A couple of miles of wiring was related to interoperability with Tyne & Wear Metro cars and this seems unlikely to be required again, so much simplification is planned.
"Libby"
Cosmetic work on the cab and casings continue. The front end casing section has been lifted off (again!) in order to access the front and plan installation of the air-blast converter cooler. This cooler is on site, having previously been fitted to a scrapped loco at Poole Harbour.
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