IDRS considers fast track to rolling chassis option

THE Ivatt Diesel Re-creation Society is considering using a contractor to adapt and restore the Class 58 frame that will be used as the basis of its newbuild Class 16/1 (LMS ‘Twin’) loco. This would significantly accelerate progress towards having a rolling chassis, but also add to the cost of the original plan.

The frame is ready to be profiled from that of a Class 58 to the less angular shape of a ‘D16/1’. It also needs new bogie mounts to accept EM2 (Class 77)-type bogie pivots and to transfer body weight and traction loads via traditional bogie bolster pads.

The Co-Co EM2 bogie design was derived from those of the original LMS ‘Twins’. Work on these has focused on removing the braking system and traction motors. The axles have been ultrasonically tested, and next the wheelsets need to be removed to be reprofiled from that of their former use in the Netherlands. A revised braking system will be fitted on the finished locomotive based on the Westinghouse system.

The bogies were stored unprotected for many years and the traction motor in the poorest visual condition has been taken apart for evaluation. This will enable the Society to better estimate the cost to refurbish all of the traction motors. This motor is currently being dried out in a bespoke traction motor oven prior to electrical testing.

The Society is based at the Centenary Works, Wirksworth, adjacent to the Ecclesbourne

Valley Railway station. To donate towards the cause, visit lms10000.co.uk for more details.

ABOVE: Bogie 139 undergoing brake tests at Centenary Works in July 2023.