Another milestone achieved with the successful lift and removal of the loco's bogies. They didn't want to give up without a fight as the axle underkeep bolts were rusted solid and a few were cut free. The loco is now sat on bogies lent to us by the Bury DMU group (cheers chaps). Adaptor plates were made especially for the operation, so the loco can be attached securely to the ex-DMU bogies bolster. The ex-DMU bogies are also fitted with heavier type springs and when the loco was lowered on to them there was no drama.

To get to this stage has taken a while to achieve (and a lot of brain power, something I don't excel at - Ed) and would not be possible without the time, dedication and generosity of our working members. We would also like to thank the ELR works team for their assistance with the shunting the loco, craning various bits around and the lift itself.

On to the next stage which includes stripping the bogies down to the frames, removing the axles, overhauling the springs, overhauling the brake cylinders and associated pipework, traction motor overhaul, manufacture new traction motor linkages and the list goes on. Your support is paramount to complete this extensive overhaul on this very unique locomotive, as without our members we wouldn't be as far along as we are … but there is still a long way to go.

We also have facebook pages too, where we update regular progress - www.facebook.com/d8233

If you are interested in helping out please contact Rob Mason