50026 Indomitable - Update 15th November 2002

The last few months have seen work progress on several fronts:

1. Brake Frame

This is now complete and all missing pipe work has been replaced. The next few weeks will see the wiring in of the magnet values etc.

2. Heavy Cabling

The trunking which carries these cables along the side of the engine room has been shot-blasted and enamelled in orange. The back section (which holds the traction motor cables) has been refitted.

3. No 2 Cab

This is now complete and fully rewired. Recent work has seen the fitting of new seats, rebuild of the back wall equipment and fitting of new wall panelling which is now solid replacing the old perforated coverings. This has resulted in a much light and cleaner feel to the cab. The partitions behind the driver/secondmans seats have also been refitted, complete with new safety glass. Overhauled cab heaters have now been fitted and tested.

    Click on any image to enlarge

The new drivers seat complete with recovered cushions and the reconditioned partition.

The refurbished drivers switch panel.

The back wall equipment is now back in place including AWS equipment, fault light boxes and fire bell. This has all been wired in and tested.

The AWS "Sunflower" and reset switch have been refitted on the drivers side.

The hand brake wheel has been re-enamelled and fitted.

Refurbished light switches and a new Brake Indicator box have been fitted, wired in and tested.

4. Shutter Blades

The radiator shutter blades on "B" side have been completely refurbished and refitted. The air operated mechanism has also been meticulously overhauled and is now operational.

The refitted shutter blade mechanism.

5. Engine Room

Work has continued in the engine room to refit overhauled components. These include the compressor intake filters and the surplus fuel tank.

Refitted compressor air intake.

6. General

Work continues to overhaul other components. Here is a typical picture of our "paint shop" where overhauled components receive their final top coat paint spraying:

The No.1 end blower "snail" and fan can been seen receiving their top coat prior to refitting in the loco.