50030 restoration work advances
THE RESTORATION of 50030 Repulse by the Renown Repulse Restoration Group continues, with extensive welding and re-plating of corroded metalwork carried out to make the locomotive watertight.
It is now approaching 30 years since 50030 was withdrawn by British Rail and next year marks the 20th anniversary of the formation of RRRG to buy and restore 50030 and 50029 Renown for use on Peak Rail, where the group has been based since 2002. Contractor Ian Williams, who has prior experience in Class 50 bodywork repairs, has been employed to address large amounts of corrosion that has built up as a result of the prolonged period the locomotive has been stored outdoors out of use. With the engine now removed from 50030, attention has also recently focused on repairs and restoration of the engine room. After the engine had been removed, a hole was discovered in the floor below where the generator sits, and also the lower half of the two bodyside grilles were completely wasted. The necessary repairs to the floor and grilles have now been completed.
A significant amount of re-plating work was required on the engine room roof, which was heavily corroded.
The centre section between the roof hatch hinges has been completely replaced and all of the hatch guttering between the hinges reinstated.
The roof-mounted handles were also removed, serviced and refitted. Replacement roof hatches were obtained and fitted to 50030 some years ago as part of a deal arranged by the owner of 50026, Paul Spracklen. Once all bodywork repairs are done, the 50 will be repainted to make it more presentable, as it's over 17 years since RRRG first painted it into Large Logo livery.
Most of the electrical components required have been overhauled, awaiting re-fitting, while an overhauled power unit has been prepared for installation inside 50030 and an extensive electrical rewire has also been carried out.