Other Work Spring/Summer 2004, updated 28/08/2004
Although most of the work this winter/spring has concentrated on the electrical cubicle, stripping of number 1 end cab is also being undertaken.
On Saturday 24th April the main spring and the "spider" where refitted to no.2 bogie. Although the "spider" will need to be removed to fit the traction motors it was decided to put it back on the bogie temporarily to save space in the shed.
click on photo to enlarge
3rd June 2004
The bogie dampers were delivered to Wabtec today for overhaul.
10th June 2004
The final wheelset has returned from Hunslet-Barclay complete with new axle bearing.
26th June 2004
The last few weeks have seen major work start on the six traction motors for 50026. The loco still has her original motors under her so the "new" bogies are being fitted with six other motors, four from 50001 and two from 50045. All these motors mega test well but are very dirty. We have therefore stripped them down for overhaul. Over the last week all six armatures have been removed and will be on their way to Dowding & Mills next week for full overhaul. The motor cases will now be shot-blasted and repainted and the motor windings will be cleaned, dried and re-varnished ready for the return of the armatures. The brush gear has already been overhauled. It is hoped to have all the motors reassembled and fitted back on the "new" bogies before the end of the summer. The overhauled oil-filled dampers can then be refitted and we will then have two complete and overhauled bogies.
2nd July 2004
Traction motor armatures left Bicester today for overhaul at Dowding & Mills in Birmingham (also traction motor for 50015).
This armature also proves that some parts were interchangeable between Deltics and 50s....Do the NRM know??
(armature is marked FOR 55002)
3rd July 2004
If you need to move a 117 ton loco but don't have another loco or shunter what do you do? Easy call in a vintage ex-Russian army Kraz truck. No problem!
4th August 2004
In the last few weeks work has continued on the overhaul of the six traction motors (ex 50001/45) for fitting to the overhauled bogies. The windings have been steam cleaned, dried and re-varnished and the cases sealed up ready for shotblasting.
Overhauled traction motor armatures arrived back from Dowding and Mills today. Here is a picture of one of the overhauled armatures. Compare this to the pre-overhaul photos above.
We also have an enquiry in with James Walker Co Ltd for the supply of new bellows for the traction motors (these take cooling air from the blower ducting to the motors).
28th August 2004
Work over the last few weeks has concentrated on the traction motors. The motor cases, with bearings and armatures removed, have been sealed up and were today (28th) shotblasted to remove 30 years of rust and grime. The cases wre then spray painted with red oxide, then black undercoat and will receive top coat black later this week:
6 x overhauled motor cases in red oxide primer
The clamp caps which fit round the "cannon tube"
More of the traction motor gear cases were also cleaned and painted today:
Work is also taking place to repaint 26 to protect her for this coming winter. She was last painted in September 1999.
'26' half out of loco shed at Arncott