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Since it entered traffic 45305 has operated approximately 70 days in service on the GCR. Along with several other resident locomotives at the GCR the five suddenly developed a considerable number of leaking tubes, side stays, and crown stays which is most likely to have been caused by a change of water treatmentl.
This has resulted in an ongoing battle to repair the damage done by caulking the leaking stays and re-expanding the tubes. Mechanically the five has performed impeccably so far, and appears to be popular with passengers in its smart shiny BR lined black livery.
New front piston relief valves have been obtained of the correct pattern to replace the existing ones which were temporarily fitted over 30 years ago when it was first restored.
The TPWS fitment project started in earnest in June with the arrival of the TPWS equipment from Tyseley works. This consists of a large IP rated enclosure to contain the control unit power supply, and a few extra relays required to interface to the extra equipment fitted on steam engines. The other main components are the TPWS aerial assembly to detect the trackside transmitters, and a few extra indicators and controls to be fitted in the cab.
The new equipment will interface to the original AWS driver’s console and vacuum brake application circuit. The original bell is retained, while a DMU horn operated by a new EP valve is to be used. Most of the new conduit runs have been fitted to the locomotive, while several brackets have been manufactured for the new equipment. It is hoped that the metal work will be completed in the next few weeks, leaving the wiring and testing to complete. The five will also require through air brake pipes fitting before it is ready to venture out onto the 21st century rail network.
This has resulted in an ongoing battle to repair the damage done by caulking the leaking stays and re-expanding the tubes. Mechanically the five has performed impeccably so far, and appears to be popular with passengers in its smart shiny BR lined black livery.
New front piston relief valves have been obtained of the correct pattern to replace the existing ones which were temporarily fitted over 30 years ago when it was first restored.
The TPWS fitment project started in earnest in June with the arrival of the TPWS equipment from Tyseley works. This consists of a large IP rated enclosure to contain the control unit power supply, and a few extra relays required to interface to the extra equipment fitted on steam engines. The other main components are the TPWS aerial assembly to detect the trackside transmitters, and a few extra indicators and controls to be fitted in the cab.
The new equipment will interface to the original AWS driver’s console and vacuum brake application circuit. The original bell is retained, while a DMU horn operated by a new EP valve is to be used. Most of the new conduit runs have been fitted to the locomotive, while several brackets have been manufactured for the new equipment. It is hoped that the metal work will be completed in the next few weeks, leaving the wiring and testing to complete. The five will also require through air brake pipes fitting before it is ready to venture out onto the 21st century rail network.
By Info | Sunday, August 1, 2004 | Tags : 45305