After the huge push to get as much work done under the loco before it being reunited with its bogies at the beginning of the year, work has calmed down to a steadier pace.

The air pipes that were taken off to be restored are now waiting to refitted to the loco after assessment, cleaning and repainting. One of the main supply air pipes that runs from the compressor to the long nose end has had to be replaced completely, we’ve managed to get galvanised pipe of the correct diameter and associated fittings too. All these pipes will be refitted once the loco is lifted again.

Work also continues on the bogies, with the finishing touches to the sanding pipes and fitting the sanding heads.
The plan to fit the traction motors has taken a back step, as the ELR has had some unplanned work come in that required the not only the lifting jacks but also the engineers time. The plain bearings are in a queue to be machined back to the correct size after white-metalling the inside surface. There is good news, only half of the bearing required this work, as the others are within tolerance and can be fitted as they are. We have been making preparations to get the traction motors ready for fitting when the time comes, with sourcing bolts for the brackets, pushing the new bushes into the suspension links (missing since 1969, remanufactured in 2022) and tracking down the correct oil for the bearing caps.

Volunteers have also been adding fresh paint to the bodywork while the loco is in an accessible location within the Baron Street works. The sole bar has seen new black gloss and the short nose end doors are being repainted too, to improve their appearance.

Finally, the last power controller has been stripped down to its component parts and restoration of this is in progress.

For more information and details on the work involved, please join the D8233 BTH Type 1 Facebook Group for regular depot reports - www.facebook.com/d8233

If you are interested in helping out please contact Rob Mason