PRESERVED SHUNTER NEWS
Following the end of Lockdown 2, the team restoring ex-Isle of Wight and Hornsey Class 03 03179 at Rushden were back at work on the locos’ extensive rebuild and enjoyed a productive few days. Before lockdown they had managed to get all the black gloss applied around the underframe, meaning it was possible to get the sandboxes back into place. It was also possible to repaint the final drive, gearbox and surrounding area. With this done, the team managed to put the floor back down. It had been restored more than two years ago and needed to be refitted to the loco. This team effort has made the cab feel massive and it makes movement in the cab a lot less challenging. The floor has been covered so the team can work inside without damaging it and to keep it looking mint. Volunteers have also managed to finish the door and reassemble it all except for the rear panel. After plenty of coats of paint, brand new window runners and a grease up all round, it was finally hung back in its spot. Soon the windows will be going back in and next will be to start work on the other door and get it in place. This will mean the cab will be watertight and it will be possible to put a small heater inside for working in the cold weather.
The repaint of Class 08 D3558, formerly 08443, into British Railways green at the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway is nearly complete with the BR totem applied on one battery box. The second battery box cover on the other side was not up to the required standard so it has been given an extra coat before its totem is applied. There can be no room for error in this intricate application as the transfers cost £80 a totem.
Considerable progress has been made on the restoration of Class 09 09015 at the Avon Valley Railway with the left-hand battery and exhauster boxes removed on December 3, 2020 to allow for the crash damaged running plate to be cut out and a new section made up to replace it. In addition, steelwork was formed up to finish the battery and compressor boxes.
On the electrical side of the restoration, bar dealing with the machines, the wiring is about 90% complete. All wires have now been identified and checked and the following have now been deemed completed: AVR, Auxiliary contactor box, brake cupboard, resistor bank, both exhausters, underslung compressor and compressor governor. The outstanding list of jobs is much smaller now. Regarding the heavy duty cabling, only the front traction motor requires connecting but this was delayed due to a wait for new conduit and COVID. This will hopefully be done before the end of the year, access to the pit permitting. Elsewhere, having freed up and refitted the DSD equipment, the team will be able to fit the rebuilt control cubicle board shortly.
At Kidderminster the heavy overhaul of Class 11 12099 continues and, among the jobs done, attention to the main generator has been undertaken. This component is being painstakingly overhauled to ensure it gives many years of service.