August 2004

The underframe of bogie coach 4149 has been found to have excessive corrosion at critical parts of the structure. A detailed survey of one end was recently carried out with the bogie removed. It revealed weaknesses in the main longitudinals that can't be ignored, so the vehicle remains out of service pending repairs.

The new brake cylinder in position under LCDR 2515

Back on track?s

A detailed survey of all the passenger stock underframes is being undertaken by Bob Millard, with a view to starting a refurbishment programme, to ensure the future serviceability of our historic vehicles. A review of the facilities available to do the necessary underframe work all year round has identified the need for an additional pit, long enough to work on bogie vehicles. The proposed location of the pit is on the wheel-drop road adjacent to the new C&W workshop. Currently the standard examinations which take up to three months to complete, are carried out in the winter / spring, on the down sidings, effectively halting all locomotive work and causing endless hours of shunting.

Helping hand?

The new full-time position for a C&W underframe Chargehand fitter, identified last year, has be filled by Rick Corbin, who has been involved with the railway for many years as a volunteer and contractor. We wish him the best of luck!

On his first duty after passing out as a Fireman, Mike Lightbown cleans the cab of WD198 'Royal Engineer'.

'AJAX'

The Westinghouse pump and mechanical lubrictor in position.

An air reservoir has been located between the frames behind the smokebox saddle.

The Driver's Brake Valve has been mounted on the cab side sheet in a similar position to the O2's. The firemans side regulator handle extension has been removed to avoid bruised heads!

Two bogie coaches, 2416 and 4149 were stopped pending further investigation on the 'A' exams this year. Concerns were raised about the integrity of the main frames. A lift off the bogie for one end of 2416, and plenty of cleaning off and re-painting has since revealed the extent of the problem. Localised corrosion and a bent headstock are the main concerns, and provision has been made for monitoring the defects whilst the vehicle is returned to service for this season. The other bogie brake, 4149, has yet to be investigated.

LB&SCR 2416 outside the C&W Workshop.

The two latest four-wheelers, 2343 and 2515 have been found to have defective brake cylinders. 'Wrong side' air leaks showed up the problems, which were caused by badly pitted internal walls of the cylinders. Replacements have been purchased and will be fitted as soon as possible, allowing one of the vehicles to form part of the forthcoming Royal train.

W37 alongside the rebuilt coal stage.

Royal Engineer
VP exam over runs

The valves and pistons examination of 198 was commenced directly after the New Year, and identified the need for new slide valves. Phosphor bronze valves replaced the worn out cast iron ones. The ports were trued up and new metallic packing was fitted to piston and spindle glands. The slide bars were adjusted to compensate for wear on the crossheads.

Although this work took longer than expected, the engine was ready for a bit of running in on ballast trains before taking the first passenger trains of the season. The characteristic squealing of new valves has almost disappeared now, as has most of the rattling from the motion.

WD198 and W37 in the loco yard at Havenstreet.

Ajax
Looks like it's nearly finished?

One day's break from underframe work in March meant a fitting of five items onto the ever-progressing locomotive. It's surprising what difference two tanks, two sandboxes and a cab makes to an engine. Now Harry has something to get his teeth into on the painting front.

The livery chosen for Ajax is black with red bands and white lines, in the style of the Isle of Wight Central Railway.