Review of 2009
January
25/1/09
February
15/2/09
March
22/3/09
April
12/4/09
26/4/09
May DPS
14/5/09 55002
18/5/09
19/5/09
June
16/6/09
22/6/09
23/6/09
12/1/09
Restoration
A bitterly cold weekend but this didn’t stop the usual band of volunteers progressing D9015. 20 studs have been made and welded to Tulyar’s frame, these will hold the pipe work in place for the fire system. Last week the frame that will hold the OTMR kit in place was welded to the frame of Tulyar and painted in primer. On the corner sections of the inner skin panels the light switch boxes have been pop riveted in place. In the workshop there has been more fin straightening on radiators.
During the week there has been a few changes in the depot. 42K power unit that has been sat outside the roundhouse has been moved into depot. One of the coaches owned by Barrow Hill has had a grant to have a minor overhaul and a space has been hired by Pindra to carry out the work. The cab from 55021 has also arrived onsite and is currently positioned outside the depot on a wagon, photos of it’s arrival are here. Photo's from this weekend are available here.
Restoration
A large team on site today with many projects underway. On Tulyar the inner body skins was being temporally refitted for holes to be drilled. The skins were removed during the afternoon then at the end of the day corrosion proofing wax was poured between the cable tray and the external body skin. Around the depot there was cleaning of the floor and movement of equipment to make more space. In the workshop the compressors were being drained of oil and having their internals checked. On the benches the inner body skins were being tidied up and having fresh coats of paint. The third radiator has now had all its fins straightened and the fourth is on the bench. Photo's from this weekend are available here.
1/2/09
Restoration
A big positive step forward this weekend in the major overhaul of Tulyar. The inner body skins that have been in fabrication for two years have started to be fitted for the last time on Saturday being fixed in place permanently by pop rivets. The first six panels were fitted in two hours with general ease and it is hoped to have another 12 fitted next weekend. The bottoms of these next panels were painted in gloss due to their inaccessability once fitted. In the workshop two volunteers were going through all the Deltic Deadlines the society has and cataloguing them. The compressors that were drained of oil last weekend had the internals cleaned and they are now ready to receive fresh oil. Photo's from this weekend are available here.
Restoration
A different weekend for volunteers at Barrow Hill, some of whom were working on the split power unit 417 which has a broken gear in the phasing case and is under repair by Pindari Ltd with help from DPS volunteers. Today the phasing case and inside of the generator have had a good clean which will prolong the life of the generator. Cleaning the phasing case makes sure no unwanted bits get in either the generator or engine. In D9009 a vacuum brake control handle has been removed due to a fault on it and a sticking contact that stops the loco taking power has been removed. Both items have been sent away for overhaul and we hope to receive them back shortly. An oil stain that has been down the side of Alycidon for a couple of months was washed off. In the workshop more fin straightening has been underway on radiator 4. In the museum area the recently moved power units have received a clean. Photo's from this weekend are available here.
15/3/09
Restoration
Much progress in the depot today on many projects. On D9015 filling and sanding the outer body skin has started again with the temperature being warmer. D9009 and 55019 have had their batteries topped up with deionised water. In the workshop the first side of fin straightening radiator four has been completed and turned over for work to be continued on the second side. The armature from one of the traction motor blowers has had a proper clean while the traction motor is disassembled for bearing replacement. The air filters for both the compressors have been cleaned out and the safety valves tested, adjustments made and refitted to the compressors. The depot has also been tidied. Photo's from this weekend are available here.
Restoration
Two main projects on the go today. One being to complete the inner skin on Tulyar and this was completed with exception of one panel that goes behind the OTMR bracket and this is proving a head scratcher. The other project is to wash and grease the bogies on 55019 and D9009 prior to this running season. All four bogies have been washed along with the fuel tanks on both locos and four out of the six axles and brake rigging have been greased on D9009. The depot has also been swept and started to be prepped for the Barrow Hill Steam event in two weeks time. Also some fin straightening has been done in the workshop. Photo's from this weekend are available here.
1/4/09
55002
The National Railway Museum has reached an agreement for cosmetic and mechanical restoration work to commence on 55002 Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. A working group has been formed and started during October 2008 to return KOYLI to operational condition with a possible return to the mainline. A fundraising effort has been started on the group website www.55002koyli.com and it is hoped to have the loco running within six months.
Restoration
A small band of volunteers working today on three different projects. D9015 was having more sanding, grinding, filling and painting to continue its external body work. In the workshop radiator 4 has had many more fins straightened and is not far off completion. One of the marine units was having a pressure test by filling the power unit with water to see if there were any leaks. After getting a little wet tests were successful and the power unit passed with no leaks. Photo's from this weekend are available here.
Restoration
A good number of volunteers on site today and many project progressed. D9015 was having more sanding, grinding, filling and painting to continue its external body work but this is on the second side as the first side was completed during the Easter working week. All the holes required to hold Tulyar’s window frames have been drilled and these should hopefully be refitted next week. On road 1 the war flat with the split and complete power units has been moved down the depot a few feet for better crane access. The lower crank case for the split power unit has been cleaned. From the stores the split traction motor blower has been brought out again for thorough cleaning and repaint. At the end of the day the main field cleaning was progressing well. This isn’t a quick or easy job while the guard covers have been cleaned and repainted. This unit is missing its bearings which were removed on 29/11/08 but some new ones have been purchased after much looking and are awaiting fitment. In the workshop storage area a lot of tidying and shuffling about has created more storage space which will be helpful for the volunteers in the future. During the Easter working week radiator 4 fin straightening has been completed and D9015 now has a complete set of cooling radiators which need flow testing. A photo from this weekend is available here.
6/5/09
Restoration
55002
Now KOYLI is in the workshop work has started in earnest, the traction motor blower has been removed at No2 end to enable the air receivers and fire bottles to be removed. These have all been removed along with the two receivers under the battery boxes in the engine room. The loco is due to be turned this week so No1 end can receive similar attention. Both engines have been drained of old oil and new filters fitted and samples taken. With the loco now over a pit work has started downstairs. A exam has highlighted certain parts of the bogies that need renewing and will be replaced shortly. Traction motors were in a very dirty state and a start was made to clean up them up with carbon deposits being removed. Engine room floor painting is still continuing where work on the mechanical side of things is up to schedule.
To make your contribution to getting KOYLI back in traffic please visit http://www.55002koyli.com
Pictures from this weekend are available here.
A good turn out at the depot, the difference today was it was a band of people who had responded to a request for help to do the 'B' exam on D9009 before, hopefully, its departure to a preserved line. These new volunteers responded and worked well alongside some of the long established and experienced crew. All of the static testing on the loco was successfully carried out, we could not get it outside to do the running tests, this is planned for next week. Many thanks to you all.
With the loco hopefully going away for the season we are looking to use these new people to work alongside the others to help expand the support team. We are also looking for a team of people to help on the sales stand at this venue. Contact the 'vlo' (vloATthedps.co.uk replace AT with @) for further details.
Restoration
DPS
A small band of volunteers working on two main tasks. D9009 was having its B exam and minor repairs completed. Body filling and sanding continued as per usual on D9015. A photo from this weekend is available here.
Work on KOYLI this wekend has concentrated on the No 1 nose end. The two vacuum exhausters along with their supporting table and traction motor blower along with it's stand, have been removed to enable the removal of the four large air tanks for inspection testing and recertification. The two fire bottles have also been removed for their ten yearly testing and refilling.
Restoration
DPS
A busy weekend with a number of volunteer’s onsite. D9015 was having its window frames fitted, one side was completed by the end of the day. Some more external body work was completed. D9009 has had a wash and polish ready for its visit to a preserved line. On power unit one a minor fuel leak on the fuel filter was cured and between the auxiliary generator and the drive for the radiator fans one of the donut pads has been replaced due to it being worn. In the stores area more cataloguing and arranging of the society spares was under way. A photo’s from this weekend are available here.
Restoration
55002
Koyli’s working party for the weekend included teams working in the nose’s cleaning out the floor area for a complete paint over. The walls are lovely and clean, the floors are the opposite and taking some time to do! Air receivers pipe fittings were cleaned etc and fitted back on the tanks ready for going back on the loco after being tested. The roof section from number 1 end has been removed and inspected. Repairs have already been completed with tig welding and new rivets. Some welds need tidying up but other than that ready for a good clean out and the fitting of both the coolant and oil radiators. The underneath (engine room roof) already without paint requires a quick rub down/wash before painting. Some images of the removed roof section are here and other KOYLI restoration photo's here.
7/6/09
Restoration
DPS
The normal band of volunteers on site and one new volunteer with the focus on Tulyar. Externally on D9015 further sanding and filling on the body work and during the day undercoat has been painted on to show any unevenness in the body work. Internally the rewire is in full flow with new cabling being made up with correct fittings and has started to be installed. In the workshop Tulyar’s cable trays are being repainted. D9009 No.1 power unit has been barred over to check the recently fitted donut pad and prop shafts are working ok. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
Restoration
DPS
Work has continued on the three DPS locos. D9015 has had further body work externally while internally the rewire is progressing well and Tulyar was treated to a vacuum. 55019 has had her batteries topped up with deionised water, put on charge and the engine room cleaned (how long will this clean last for?) D9009 has had the covers between auxiliary generator and the drive for the radiator fans refitted. A new cover for the exhaust to keep the rain water out has been made. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
Restoration
DPS
A good turn out at the DPS depot today with lots of progress. D9009 has been moved outside during the week ready to be moved to the Nene Valley Railway and today a tool kit and box of your donated rags were put on board. Inside the depot Keith was painting one of the traction motor blowers for D9015. Myself, Darrel, Natalie and Mike were doing body work and Graham was doing more electrical rewiring (photos in the restoration gallery prove why we are doing this). In the workshop Geoff has been painting the cable trays and compressor components for Tulyar. A new face today of Doug working with Nigel on tidying and compressing the stores as well as preserving components for future use. During the week Simon has been working on power unit 417 and the phasing case is now reattached to the power unit with just the generator to refit. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
D9009
D9009 has today been moved from Barrow Hill to the Nene Valley Railway by First Group locomotive 66722. Alycidon will stay at the railway for the rest of the summer/autumn season operating some weekends on the diesel turn, footplate experience days and the DPS members day, these dates are yet to be confirmed. Below is a photo of Alycidon passing Loughborough where the convoy briefly paused at the station.
28/6/09
Restoration
DPS
With D9009 on her holidays the main focus of the volunteers returns to D9015. Externally more sanding and body filling on one of the quarters while at the opposite corner she was being painted in undercoat, this will show any unevenness in the body. Internally the fun job of renewing old and damaged cabling continued. In the workshop gloss paint was being painted on the cable tray covers and compressor components. The stores tidy and compaction is progressing well. Number three road has been cleaned of various stains and lose sand/grit has been swept. A couple of visitors were also shown around the power units and Deltics 15/19 after they had seen the society on “Britain’s Greatest Machines” TV show. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
July
22/7/09
28/7/09
August
12/8/09
20/8/09
23/8/09
September
16/9/09
17/9/09
21/9/09 55022 on the Whitby – Battersby service
30/9/09
October
14/10/09
19/10/09 55022 ELR Diesel Gala
25/10/09
November
15/11/09
16/11/09
25/11/09
December
15/12/09
28/12/09
6/7/09
Restoration
DPS
A small group of three volunteers this week and all attention was focused on 55019 to resolve the slow vacuum brake issue. In the morning and early afternoon the air tanks were pumped up with the depot’s compressor and testing of the vacuum brake system to find the issue started. While this was happening power unit two was being topped up with coolant to the minimum level. After lunch power unit two was prepared and started and RHF was moved outside where further testing could take place on the brakes. The issue was found to be in one of the valves and it was removed, stripped down with a clogged up filter found to be at fault. Once cleaned and refitted the vacuum brakes were retested and are working much better. Some more testing will be done next week with other components possibly being removed from the vacuum system and cleaned up to see if we can get the braking application and release even quicker. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
Restoration
DPS
A good turn out this weekend to continue 55019 B exam. Under the loco it had the brake pins, brake blocks and bogies checked. Internally the bolts were check on the radiator fan shafts, gear boxes and drive shafts greased, shaft couplings checked, one of the power unit generators cleaned and hand brakes fresh grease applied plus small repair. Once outside brakes were checked and power units were checked while in a running state. D9015 had further wiring checks and plans are in place to replace more of the cabling. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
Restoration
55002
A small group working on Koyli this week but quite a few jobs progressed. Saturday morning was focused on getting ourselves reset up to work in the Flying Scotsman exhibit, i.e. lighting, tools location, components location, etc. Saturday afternoon and Sunday number one nose end painting continued and is near completion. Nose end two has been vacuum cleaned and prepped ready to be painted shortly. The engine room also received some paint attention. In the paint shop the backs of some of the floor tread plates and steps leading between the cab and engine room received different stages of painting. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
2/8/09
Restoration
DPS
A busy Saturday with final preparations for next weekend being put in place. Internally 55019 has had two injectors changed on power unit 1, the generator on power unit 2 has been cleaned and in cab one the hand brake indicator has been repaired. Externally the nameplate has changed from Pinza back to Royal Highlander Fusilier with crest, the white cabs have been repainted blue and bogie two has been washed. Underneath the traction motor brushes have been inspected. D9015 has had further body work treatment and internally further electrical work. In the workshop more of the cable trays have been painted in gloss. The depot has also been tidied in readiness for next weekend Barrow Hill type five event. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
Barrow Hill Twin Engine / Type 5 event
Another successful and entertaining weekend at Barrow Hill with their Twin Engine / Type 5 event. 55019 was doing the honours for the DPS working on Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon. RHF had no major issues and during the event a couple of electrical issues were investigated. She also did some sound recordings following a request to the society. Another Deltic operating during the event was Martin Walkers 55022 Royal Scots Grey. The train simulator in 55008 cab was open for visitors to have a go at driving a Deltic, which proved a popular attraction. Inside the DPS depot the sales stand and two other stands were busy taking visitors money while Tulyar was over the pit and visitors could see her current progress. Also on display inside the shed was unrestored 55021 which had her marker lights changed and illuminated for the weekend. Outside the DPS depot the unique baby Deltic power unit inside 37 372 was being started and revved up to an audience for the first time. Outside HNRC shed D9016 was also on display between D213 and 73 134. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
55022 power unit 413 appeal
Do you remember the 6th September 2006, 55022 was working between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh with ‘Autumn Highlander’ rail tour. All was going well until Joan Croft Junction, just north of Doncaster when power unit 413 suffered a catastrophic failure with a leg out of bed. Since then the power unit has not worked and has been in storage for a couple of years until funds were available to restore the unit to working order. The unit was moved to the North of England this year for work to begin and the engine has now been stripped down. But Martin requires your help to make the required work happen and get Royal Scots Grey on twin engines and back on the mainline hauling rail tours where she belongs. Please help by donating here and view photos of the engine rebuild here.
Restoration
DPS
The usual group of volunteers at the depot today and some good progress made. The electrical fault on 55019 that has been causing issues for a few months when power unit 2 is running and you start power unit 1, power unit 2 shuts down. This has been traced to a faulty contact, which has since been swapped out and the fault is now resolved. The injectors fitted before the Barrow Hill diesel gala have been checked and are ok. On power unit 1 a split pipe to the oil pressure gauge has been changed. While outside touch up painting was started on the bogies. The traction motors have been greased. With all this and previous weeks work it means 55019 exam has now been completed and she is ready to go to the Great Central Railway. On Tulyar prep work has began for internal painting. A member of the DPS requested to do nameplate rubbings of Royal Highlander Fusilier and of The Green Howards. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
6/9/09
55019 Great Central Railway
55019 has arrived at the Great Central Railway on Wednesday 2nd September and moved to Loughborough shortly after. She is ready to work during the railway’s diesel gala next weekend. Here are the timetables for the event Friday, Saturday and Sunday and further details on the event are here.
55019 Great Central Railway diesel gala
A successful event for 55019 who performed faultlessly throughout the 3 days of the Great Central Railway’s diesel gala. RHF worked on both power units during each turn and proved to be a very popular attraction filling the train on most of its runs and line side photographs kept happy with the smoke effects. We also had the opportunity to run The Talisman train on all three days and the Saturday night beer, fish and chips special. The sales stand was also in operation on Loughborough station everyday making more money for the society. The GCR staff were very welcoming and helpful to us during our stay at the railway so a big thanks to you all.
55019 was moved back to Barrow Hill on a low loader Monday the 14th September.
Photos from the event are available here.
Press Release
55022 mainline rail tour
Rail-Blue Charters in association with Martin Walker and West Coast Railway Company will be operating a special train on December 12th hauled by ‘Deltic’ locomotive 55 022 ‘Royal Scots Grey’. The locomotive has not operated a charter train on the main line for the last 16 months, due to it currently operating on one engine.
The repair of the locomotive’s defective engine has now commenced, but this is a costly job. To allow Deltic enthusiasts to enjoy this machine operating on two engines on the main line means that we need to raise as much money as possible to support the repair of the engine.
The charter will leave Barrow Hill around 09.00 and travels via Sheffield, Hope Valley, Chinley South Junction, Great Rocks Junction, Buxton, Dove Holes, Stockport, Denton Junction, Ashton Moss South Junction, Miles Platting, Manchester Victoria, Patricroft, Earlestown, Warrington Bank Quay, Hartford LNE Junction, Hartford CLC Junction, Altrincham, Navigation Road, Skelton Junction, Northenden Junction, Hazel Grove, New Mills Junction, Hope Valley, Sheffield and back to Barrow Hill.
As the locomotive is limited to one engine, the train will not exceed 7 coaches. 64 first class seats and 288 standard class seats are available and the stock will be the MkII air-conditioned Cargo-D rail blue and grey set. Adult fares are set at £85.00 for first class and £65.00 for standard. There are concessions for group travel and juniors. The cost of the ticket reflects the short train due to 55022 being restricted to one engine.
Martin Walker, the owner of 55 022 comments “Thousands of people have enjoyed ‘Royal Scots Grey’ in full cry, both on the train and at the lineside nationwide. To enable 55 022 to resume main line operation in full working order requires a large amount of effort and finance. This charter is a one-off and by it’s very nature, has taken delicate negotiation to allow it to be operated at all. We would ask that people please support us by travelling with us on this special day; we are reacting to the thousands of requests from people who have missed mainline Deltic passenger operation. Any profits made will go straight into the repair of the damaged engine”
Please go to Rail Blue Charter Bookings for further information and how to book or book directly with Martin Walker on the Royal Scots Grey website.
DPS Members day
The Deltic Preservation Society held its annual members day and this year D9009 was the operating loco at the Nene Valley Railway where she has been based this season. Alycidon completed 5 round trips on the railway compared to the original advertised 3 due to a failed steam locomotive. The train was fairly full with DPS members and the public who enjoyed the locomotive. As per usual the sales team were in attendance on Wansford station and on the train during 2 of the round trips there was a raffle for various prizes raising much needed funds for the society. Photos from the day are available here.
As part of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway diesel gala on Sunday 20th September Royal Scots Grey operated the Whitby to Battersby service. With the train reasonably full of Deltic enthusiasts RSG operated 2 and a bit round trips on full bore most of the day. The Royal Scots Grey sales team were also on the train raising funds for the repair and overhaul of power unit 413. Photos from the day are available here.
Restoration
DPS
After a busy few weeks for the DPS it’s back to the depot to do the proper work. 55019 is currently sheeted over because HNRC has hired a space for 47810 to be painted. This hasn’t stopped the general maintenance on 55019 and the bed plates have been drained, batteries checked and those requiring de-ionised water were topped up and items requiring attention over winter have started to be listed. Tulyar’s cable replacement continues and additional new replacement cables have been made. The tops of the cable trays have been prepped ready for repainting and the battery air vent covers were having adjustments made so they will soon be ready for fitting. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
3/10/09
Urgent KOYLI Appeal for an additional £5800
A special deal that is almost half price of the actual quote for re coring the required radiators for 55002, has been offered to the KOYLI group on a while stocks last basis. All funds on our front page have been used for other items, so we urgently require this additional money.
Without this funding, the locomotive will not be able to attend any preserved railway events, so its imperative that this cost is paid for quickly, with material prices due to raise this Autumn.
For the latest KOYLI news and to Donate please visit http://www.55002koyli.com.
D9009 Nene Valley Railway
The final running weekend this year for D9009 was during the Nene Valley Railway’s ‘1968 The Final Days’ event. Alycidon performed faultlessly throughout the weekend providing much entertainment to the visiting public. Alycidon will soon be heading back to it’s home at Barrow Hill for winter maintenance ready for next season. Photos from this weekend are available here.
Restoration
55002
No1 power unit was filled with oil and gave a pressure gauge reading 12psi and is barring over freely. The same procedure had been performed on power unit 2 a fortnight earlier with a pressure of 8psi on the oil gauge. While the crank case covers were removed an inspection on the visible internal parts took place, we could even see where a repair had taken place around A2 liner. The tread plates have started to be refitted to the floor. An inspection of the air intakes has taken place and some jobs have been identified.
55022 operated a couple of round trips during the East Lancs Railway’s Diesel Gala on the 17 and 18 October. The sales team were also in force on the Bury station. A couple of pictures from the diesel gala are available here.
Restoration
DPS
The day started with a big tidy up in the depot and move around ready for a big shunt next week. Once this was complete the work on Tulyar began. Externally further body work filling, sanding and painting has been underway while drilling has been done to refit the battery box grills. Underneath the loco disconnecting the traction motors and cables leading into loco from the cleat boxes has begun. In the workshop repainting the compressors has begun well with both being rubbed down and one in primer green. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
8/11/09
Restoration
DPS
Work today was focused mainly on Tulyar with various jobs being progressed. Inside Tulyar the battery boxes were having a clean up and once this was completed they were painted in primer paint. Outside 15. further body work treatment was underway. Underneath another cleat box was removed after a lot of trouble and an attempt was made to remove the first traction motor link cable that needs replacing, this didn’t quite go to plan but we know that the cable is now able to move. In the workshop one of Tulyar’s compressors was being painted in white undercoat. D9009 and 55019 had their bed plates drained. In the coach the sink pipe work was being repaired. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
Restoration
DPS
A tough day to get to the depot due to the local M1 junction closures but this didn’t put the volunteers off getting to the depot and work carried on as usual, when we arrived. Work was focused on Tulyar, underneath the fifth cleat box has had the cables disconnected and waits to be taken off the bogie. Two volunteers focused on body work treatment working on both sides of the body. Inside the body and more work was underway on the battery boxes. Carrying on from last week and a lot more head scratching we have managed to remove the first traction motor link cable. Once it was removed we could see the insulation was in a very poor state and we will continue to remove the other seven cables but based on this cable all the other link cables are to be retested in case they need changing. Along side the power unit on the warflat a scaffolding frame base been erected for further work and investigation on the power unit. Further paint work has been completed on one of the traction motor blowers. In the coach the sink pipe work has been having further repairs. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
Restoration
55002
Work has continued on 55002 including the fitment of the tread plates on to the engine room floor, which had been repainted earlier this year. Both the engine air intake systems have being removed for cleaning and painting. New foam will be fitted prior to refitting of the air intake system. The radiators have been cleaned and tested including 3 coolant and 1 oil having to be re cored. The loco now has a full set of radiators ready to be fitted once it returns to the workshop.
Restoration
DPS
Another day of good progress on Tulyar last Saturday. Under Tulyar the final two cleat boxes have been removed and the second traction motor link cable has been removed using a slightly different method based on what we learnt last time. Inside Tulyar the panels where the OTMR brackets are have been having trial fitments and adjustments. The body has also had further filling and sanding work. In the workshop the first compressor to receive a repaint was having its top coat while the battery box grills and vents were being painted in top coat black. In the coach the sink pipe work has been having further repairs. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
7/12/09
Restoration
DPS
A good day’s work at the depot with depot maintenance and Tulyar. The traction motor link cables that are still in situ on Tulyar have been tested and the results are being analysed for a decision on the future of those cables. The battery box grills and vents have been refitted. The final inner body skin panel that fits around the OTMR bracket has been installed, this has been cut into three sections for the best fit. Some more body work was underway. In the workshop the first compressor to be repainted has been completed and following a cup of tea the second compressor has had some components removed and all have been prepped for painting. The work benches around the depot have been tidied and some moved around to locations where they will be of better use. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
Restoration
55002
Work on Koyli is progressing well. Over the last few working weekends the tread plates in the engine room have been refitted, the air intake elbows have been removed and cleaned, the air intake itself has had the remaining foam stripped out and preparations for a repaint started. One of the scavenger blower elbows has been removed and the scavenger blower is being cleaned, the coolant and oil radiators that required flushing and recoring have been returned to the NRM and we now have a complete set ready to fit to 55002.
Last Saturday saw the first scavenger blower cleaning continuing and the elbow from the second scavenger blower removed and blower inspected. This has been found to be as mucky as the first blower. The air intakes have had further preparations for painting. The nose ends have had the floor steps refitted. Photo’s from this weekend are available here.
D9016 new owner - Press Release Martin Walker
We are delighted to announce completion of the purchase of D9016 'Gordon Highlander', the loco should be collected from the HNRC facilty at Barrow Hill early next week by 55 022 and moved to it's new home at the East Lancashire Railway. As previously announced both Deltics should operate at the Railway on Saturday 9th of January and we look forward to seeing many there for what promises to be an entertaining day.
Thanks very much to all who have made generous donations recently and purchased items from our sales department, all helps immensely returning 'Royal Scots Grey' to twin engine mainline operation. Also special thanks to HNRC and Barrow Hill staff for their co-operation, Dave Greenwood for spending all of today examining the loco and special thanks to the East Lancashire Railway for allowing us to base another locomotive there.
May I also take this opportunity to wish everyone all the best wishes for 2010.
Martin......