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Planet 3438
Steady restoration progress is being made.
Class
01 no. D2956
Winterised and in store.
Ex-Manchester Ship Canal no. 4002
Currently
stored serviceable. Requires repairs to a number of leaking cylinder liner seals.
Class
03 no. D2062
Available for traffic, Castlecroft shed pilot. The
cab interior has been repainted. The external paintwork is also looking tired,
and may be repainted if time permits.
Class 08 no. 08445
Now left ELR, located at a private site in Newton Heath, Manchester.
Class 08 no. 08479
'Tired', but available
for traffic. Steam shed pilot.
Class 08 no. D3232
Available
for traffic.
Class 08 no. 08944
Available
for traffic.
Class 14 no. D9531
Good progress is being made again. Many of the ancillary items have now been refitted, and the engineroom doors are in place. The exhausters for the
vacuum brake system (ex-Class 86) have been repaired and fitted. Connecting rods have been prepared and lubricated. The cab under-floor has been repainted, and the fuel tanks bolted down. The B-end side frames have now been refitted, and the cab roof has been de-rusted and repainted.
It is now hoped that the power unit can be refitted around the end of 2007, and hopefully enable a return to traffic in time for the 2008 main July Diesel Gala.
Please visit the D9531 website for more information and photos covering the restoration project.
Class
15 no. D8233
The sole survivor from this design of Modernisation
Pilot Scheme diesels arrived at ELR on 10th February 2006, where long term restoration
will recommence.
Starting with a brief history of the class, the 15's were born during the 1955 BR Modernisation Project, and a contract was placed with the British-Thompson-Houston Company for 10 of its type 1 locos for light local freight workings, along with empty coaching stock duties. Paxman supplied the engines, Westinghouse the brake equipment, whilst BTH supplied the electrical controls. The 10 pilot scheme engines were delivered into traffic during 1957, with another 34 ordered between 1959 and 1961.
During the late 60's and early 70's, the work that they were designed for had all but dried up, and the end came swiftly, with all of the class being withdrawn.
Fortunately, four locos were taken into BR's Departmental Division, and were converted into carriage heating units. This involved the removal of non-essential equipment, which included the traction motors. Of these four, three were cut up, leaving D8233 as the sole survivor to enter preservation in the early eighties.
Restoration of the class 15 at ELR will be a long-term project, and it will be stored down at the loco works for the time being, so as not to jump the current restoration queue. Its previous owner, the Waterman Trust, did a great job in securing many spare parts, including the traction motors. There are still many parts that still need sourcing, which includes the two control desks, which many years ago went for restoration, and have since been lost – if anyone reading this knows their whereabouts, then please let us know. Long term, the loco is a great asset for the ELR, as we now have two unique pioneer diesels in the fleet.
The locomotive passed into ownership of the Class 15 Preservation Society in early 2006, an organisation with charitable status. For further information about the locomotive, restoration plans, photos and details of how to join the group, please visit the C15PS website.
Class 20 no. D8087 / 20087
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| D8087 no. 2 end during repainting work in April 2007 |
The loco was taken out of traffic during December 2003 for attention to a leaking cylinder liner seals, but a subsequent decision was made to carry out extensive bodywork restoration.
What was scheduled to be a straightforward repair job on the engine, i.e. replace a few leaking cylinder liners, had taken a turn for the worse: one of the pistons was cracked, and some of the rods were damaged. The loco was restarted successfully on 14th April 2007, and successfully re-entered traffic in summer 2007.
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| D8087 engine repairs being completed in April 2007 |
D8087 restarted successfully on 14th April 2007 |
Investigations into a coolant leak during April 2008 revealed engine oil contamination, so the loco will be out of traffic while the investigation continues and repairs are carried out.
Class
24 no. D5054
Available for traffic. The steam heat generator was re-certified for use in the winter 2007/2008 season. Requires fuel pumps and injectors overhauling in early 2008.
Class
28 'Co-Bo' D5705
Restoration work on this unique pioneer diesel
loco was planned to start in early 2006, but has only progressed very slowly due to the pressure of other commitments on the resources. The loco attended 'The Great Gathering' at Crewe Works on September 10th
& 11th 2005, along with several other ELR-based locos. An agreement was reached
with the organisers to lift the loco from its bogies during the event. This was
to provide public interest in the form of a demonstration lift, and also allow
the ELR team to inspect the bogies, traction motors and loco underside etc. prior
to the body lift proper. In the event, the loco was demonstration-lifted several
times during the weekend!
From the examination, most parts seemed to be in a better condition than originally first thought, although the traction motors will still need a light overhaul. While the body was off its bogies, a gang set about oiling and freeing off nuts and bolts for the traction motors and gear cases - everything was undoing as if it had only been tightened up the week before! One thing we did find out was that the middle traction motor on the 'Co' bogie has a definite problem, and this was confirmed when we were told that 5705 ran on 4 instead of 5 motors, whilst it was based at Derby, in BR days. The loco is now back in store in the museum, and work will start in earnest in the new year.
A V12 Crossley engine has been acquired which will allow the original V8 engine to be rebuilt, together with providing additional spares. Other spares and documentation have been obtained ready for the eventual full restoration, which will take place during the next 3 to 5 years.
Parts restoration has now commenced, with the radiator cooler groups being needle-gunned, and repainted, prior to fitting of the radiator elements for pressure testing. Most parts on the cooler unit frame that were being overhauled seemed to be in good condition, but unfortunately when we needle- gunned the bottom section to remove rust, it was found that some of the metal had wasted away, and will need replacing.
Due to the forthcoming restoration of Bury Transport Museum, D5705 will move from its current storage location to Castlecroft Yard until shed space can be made available.
For more details about the loco's history and restoration, please visit the Co-Bo World website.
Class 31 News
D5600
/ 31435
The loco has now relocated to Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.
31467, 31556
Locos stored.
Class 33 no. 33109
'Captain Bill Smith RNR'
The loco entered its new preservation home in December 2007, a welcome addition to the ELR diesel fleet, having midrange power and electric train heating. The cooler group has received attention, and power unit re-commissioning, and refitting of various air system components and batteries will use 33117 as a donor while undergoing restoration.
Class 33 no. 6536 (33117)
The 'Crompton' is now withdrawn to allow a 5-year overhaul. A good start has been made on the extensive bodywork
restoration, as the dreaded tinworm has taken
its toll over the years. Amongst the worst affected areas are the cab window frames.
The turbo also required attention, and this was removed from the loco during February
2006, for repair at an outside specialist.
Class 35 Hymek
no. D7076
Currently 'winterised' and awaiting attention to a coolant leak.
Class 37 no. 37109
Another welcome addition to the ELR diesel fleet, the loco arrived at its new preservation home w/e 30th November 2007. Initial inspections showed a return to traffic would be a straightforward job for the team, as the loco seemed to be in excellent condition. This was indeed the case, and the loco ran loaded test trials in February 2008. The loco still retains it's Clayton steam heat generator, which can hopefully be fully restored.
Class
40 News
40135 (D335, 97406)
Available for traffic.
See the CFPS website
for further details.
40145 (D345)
Available for traffic, 'No
heat'. Certified for use on mainline passenger work. The inaugural D345 mainline
railtour ran on November 30th 2002 and the loco has since worked a number of successful
tours.
A replacement Clayton steam heat generator will be refitted to the loco shortly.
Please visit the CFPS website for other news and railtour details.
Class
42 no. 832 'ONSLAUGHT'
A cylinder head is now 'blowing' and requires attention, and an injector overhaul is required. Loco winterised.
Class
45 no. 45135 '3RD CARABINIER'
The loco was taken out of traffic in 2007 - the power unit overhaul has turned into a major job due to the wear found in various components. The loco will hopefully be back in traffic towards the end of 2008.
Class
47 no. 1501 / 47402 'Gateshead'
Fully operational, available for traffic. The loco
returned to traffic on Saturday 7th May 2005. "Gateshead" has performed
well since its return to traffic, and is a welcome addition to the ELR fleet. A repaint will be required in 2008.
Class 50 no. 50015 'Valiant'
Available for traffic. Finally bought by a new consortium, The Bury Valiant Group, 50015 was been re-commissioned in time for the 2007 Santa Special season. Several air brake cylinders needed replacing, and the traction systems have been checked over thoroughly following a long period out of traffic. The loco completed a successful loaded test run during w/e 30th November 2007. Following a thorough clean of the electrical cubicle and freeing off a seized reverser mechanism, a traction motor swap will no longer required. A few traction problems have since arisen but these are thought to be due to damp conditions. The bodywork and is in need of restoration and a repaint, however the loco looks far better after a quick polish before working a wedding special for working members Matt and Jane Jackson on Easter Saturday.
Class
52 no. D1041 'WESTERN PRINCE'
Bodywork repairs are ongoing. A repaint,
plus inspection and repairs to the transmission and reversers, are jobs to be prioritised and carried out before the loco can return to traffic. The faulty gearbox has been partially dismantled for assessment of the shaft seizure.
The cooler group is being stripped for restoration, and the cooling fans will also be removed for overhaul.
Class
55 no. 55022 (D9000) 'ROYAL SCOTS GREY'
The Deltic had been stored since 23rd September 2002 awaiting repairs. Following
purchase by Martin Walker, 40145 towed the loco to the Deltic Preservation Society's
facilities at Barrow Hill. The commercial arm of the DPS were employed to carry out
extensive repairs, which included
The Deltic's arrival at its new home on the ELR was further delayed due to problems with one of the generators, which needed a new commutator to be made. Mainline running problems were encountered when one power unit threw a 'leg out of bed'. A replacement power unit was fitted to the loco in late May 2007.
Please visit www.royalscotsgrey.com for further information on the loco and planned railtours.
DMU Class 101 Metro-Cammell nos. 51192 / 54352
This unit is part of the National Collection, and arrived at ELR in early August 2005, where it will remain on long-term loan. Remedial work was carried out to get the power car operational. The official handover took place on the ELR during October 2005, with its first service run taking place on the 5th November 2005. A gear box has been changed. Problems are being experienced with the heater units, and a replacement heater has been installed on the power car.
Further heater unit repairs were needed in time for the winter 2007 / 2008 season. The second car repaint has been deferred until early 2008.
DMU Class 105 Cravens nos. E56121
/ SC51485
Since the Power Car's arrival in Buckley Wells shed, all the rust-affected bodywork
has been removed and replaced with new metal. Work has also progressed on the wiring
and electrical systems. Recent progress has covered such tasks as protection-painting of new bodyside paneling, installing fibreglass insulation, refitting ceiling panels, formica interior panels and saloon windows. Regular
attention is given to the power units and battery charging systems while the unit
is undergoing restoration.
The trailer car has had new step boards made, and the seat frames have been powder coated and refitted. New lino has been fitted on the floor, and a new set of batteries has been installed. Gangway frames from the corridor connections have been removed, and the trailer car frame has been renovated, painted and returned. The roof has been repainted, and the bodysides have received their first Brunswick Green topcoat. The bogies and frames have also been painted gloss black. Seat back cushions have arrived back after re-upholstering, and the seat tops have been re-chromed.
Great progress is being made, and the unit will be a welcome addition to the ELR fleet once operational.
DEMU Class 207 3-DEL 'Thumper' Unit no.
1305 (207 202)
The cooling fan gearbox operation is noisy, so may require attention. Various bodywork items also require attention.
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