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Saturday 16 November 2013

345 work 16.11.13

Hello everyone ....

Today I have been working solo on the snagging list on 345 here is the work completed.

1) completed fitting turbo charger storm drains this will enable rain water to drain from the bottom of turbo and not collect in exhaust system this will prevent any corrosion from taking place on the turbo impellers and nozzle rings. Excessive water in exhaust system can lead to hydraulic lock when trying to start.

2) A number of cab doors have been fettled as they were binding in frames making them difficult to open and close.

3) No1 end screen washers have been repaired and are now working the fault was traced to intermittent switch contact on drivers desk, switch has been replaced. No2 end washers have been checked and fault traced to faulty washer pump. I think a trip to local scrap yard will be needed for a replacement pump.

Our next working date for our team is the 7/12/13 there's a lot to do on both locos if you wish to get involved on the engineering team please contact me on engineering@cfps.co.uk. As they many hands make light work. 

Cheers Lee





Tuesday 12 November 2013

More work on 345

 

This evening I have spent a few hours on 345.

The loco coolant system has been drained and the correct length sight glass  fitted and system refilled with anti freeze. 

I also fitted new turbo charger storm drains to A2 and B2 turbo charger.

I will continue this job on Saturday.

There's still a lot of jobs to complete on 345 to get her 100 % fit.


That's all for now

Night all.

Lee

Friday 8 November 2013

345 goes home

Today 345 (40145 )  and of course D335 returns home to the East Lancs Railway I from Tyseley TMD. 

Both locos have arrived safely back at the ELR with no issues either.

Tyseley TMD staff have been brilliant and a pleasure to work with. Once again thanks chaps.
 
Thank you to Mervyn Allcock at Barrowhill for making us welcome as always.

Also thanks Shaun Wright and the 40013 gang for all their help and support.

And Finally Harry Needles for his assistance and use of his facilities at Barrowhill.

I am somewhat relieved and pleased it all went well and also to give our members a taster of the healthy 345.

I'm pooped so I will say good night all.
 
Cheers

Lee



Wednesday 6 November 2013

D335 goes to Tyseley & 345 returns to mainline action!!!

Hello everyone .............

I am sure you've heard by now that on Monday 4th November 345 returned to service back on the mainline working 13:40 0Z41 from Barrowhill to Tyseley.

The loco performed well just a couple of niggles to iron out these being an minor oil leak on B5 cylinder head and No.2 cab main generator ammeter is sticking.

The loco also hauled D9009 and D335 from Barrowhill to Tyseley for tyre turning. As I write this 345's tyres are being turned and the other loco's have been completed.

A big thank you to London Midland at Tyseley for accommodating us and make us welcome when we arrived.  A huge thanks to the lads at HNRC who have helped us through our difficult time with both locomotives and putting up with us for so long!!

On Friday 8th November 345 will once again haul D9009 and D335 back to Barrowhill this time dropping of D9009 before continuing home to the East Lancs Railway.

345's first passenger working for 3 years.

345 will be hauling the ELR Saturday diesel diagram departing Bury at 09:30 to Rawtenstall. As it is now heat season Class 47 D1501 will also be attached to the train for heating purposes. It is also the CFPS Annual General Meeting which is being held at the Grants Arms in Ramsbottom starting at 12:30 prompt.

I am sure many of you will be asking when will be the next railtour?? We are looking at running our first tour in over 3 years during spring of 2014 and details will be announced when we have finalized the itinerary.

We have a number of jobs still outstanding on both locomotives that need attending to during the winter and I am hoping to have one of our locos ready to work Saturday diesel diagrams with working steam heat boiler.

Much of the work requires money to spent on parts and equipment to help us extend life of components such as batteries. Its been on the cards for last 3 years to install battery chargers on both 335 and 345 to ensure batteries remain in good condition as a new set of batteries costs over £5000 pounds.

So we do still need your help with donations and items we can flog on our sales stands to help me and my team on the engineering side to continue to make the improvements to both locomotives and help to finance long overdue repaint of D335.

To all of you that have donated and supported our cause over the last 3 years with 345's repairs a big thank you.

Finally I personally would like to say thanks to our excellent engineering team over last 3 years on 345 its been a long slog but we got there in the end!

Cheers for now...

Lee

p.s anyone who has any pictures of 345 from Monday's jaunt or Fridays returning working I would be much obliged if you could send me a copy for inclusion onto the blog.  



 

Tuesday 29 October 2013

345/ 335 update and more good news...........

Evening everyone ..........

I have some more good news to report and another step forward to 345 returning to the mainline once again. 

345

Firstly progress over the last week on list of work has been greatly progressed, with only low priority jobs now remaining thanks to the efforts of James Bottomley, Seton Spencer, Carl Holt, Mark Jopson, John Stephens and myself.

Last Sunday the gang got together and tackled the following:

  • Loco was re brake blocked ready for tyre turning.
  • Traction motor gearcases all checked and topped up as required.
  • All traction motors checked again prior to running, all were in good order.
  • Calibrated Ammeters were refitted to both cab desks.
  • Air leak on engine compartment air tank on A side cured.
  • Brake test and OTMR test fully completed.
  • Missing cab safety signs installed.
  • Underframe exam and final inspection done.  


Today our Vehicle Acceptance Body has carried out an engineering inspection on 345 at Barrowhill and I am pleased to report the loco flew through the inspection with only 2 minor corrective actions which will be attended to this Saturday along with Fitness to Run exam for movement this Monday coming. 

After the inspection the loco was positioned ready for a delivery of fuel by road tanker due Weds or Thurs. A big thanks to East Lancs Railway in particular Paul Bonello and David Layland for arranging it. 

D335

Last week D335 was put over the pit at the Carriage Works at Bury and the loco was fully re-blocked and all underframe levels checked and topped up as needed. Under frame inspection which revealed two body to bogie air hoses were defective and required replacement. These were replaced next day. 

All the bogies were greased and FTR completed ready for movement to the wheel lathe. 
My next job after completing the blog update is to complete the necessary paperwork for D335 to be given a transit move certificate to allow movement over Network Rail. 

Thanks to Seton Spencer and Rory Lushman for there help

I can now present the full picture to you what will be happening and when.

Monday 4th November 2013  
(note its just short of 3 years by only 7 days since 345 arrived at Barrowhill for repairs)

D9009 will haul D335 from Bury to Barrowhill on arrival 345 will be attached to the consist. 345 will then  haul D9009 and D335 from Barrowhill to Tyseley TMD.


The consist will remain there to allow all three locomotives to be tyre turned and the necessary checks after tyre turning to be undertaken. These being as follows:

  • Speedometer re-calibration.
  • AWS/ TPWS aerial/ receiver height check.
  • Brake adjustment.
  • Safety Guard height check.
  • Buffer heights check. 

Friday the 8th November 2013 

345 will haul D9009 and D335 back to Barrowhill dropping D9009 off at home base then continuing on home to the East Lancs Railway. 

Saturday 8th November 2013

I am hopefully going to arrange for 345 to work one or two trains on Saturday 9th November 2013 as part of the CFPS annual general meeting I will let you all know if this is going to happen next week.

There are few outstanding items of repairs to do on 345 but these will attended to over the winter but I for one will be glad to see her back home. 

Timings are below for loco moves next week.
0Z40

Castleton Hopwood Gf 0800
Castleton North Jn 0803-0813
Castleton 0840-0842
Rochdale 0844
Rochdale East Jn 0845
Littleborough 0853
Hall Royd Jn 0903
Hebden Bridge 0907
Milner Royd Jn 0917
Greetland Jn 0919
Bradley Wood Jn 0924
Heaton Lodge East Jn 0926
Mirfield East Jn 0928
Thornhill L.N.W. Jn. 0929
Horbury Jn 0940
Wakefield Kirkgate 0943
Calder Bridge Jn 0944
Crofton West Jn 0946
Hare Park Junction 0949
South Kirkby Jn 0957
Moorthorpe 0957
Swinton (S.Yorks) 1013
Aldwarke Jn 1015
Masborough Jn 1018
Treeton Jn 1022
Beighton Jn 1024
Barrow Hill North Jn 1032
Barrow Hill South Jn. 1034-1038
Barrow Hill L.I.P. 1052
0Z41

Barrow Hill L.I.P. 1340
Barrow Hill South Jn. 1347-1352
Barrow Hill North Jn 1355-1359
Tapton Jn 1411
Chesterfield 1411
Chesterfield South Jn 1412
Clay Cross North Jn 1414
Ambergate Jn 1431
Derby 1443-1445
Sunnyhill 1448-1516
Stenson Jn 1519
North Stafford Jn 1520
Clay Mills Jn 1524
Burton-on-trent 1533-1541
Wichnor Jn 1548
Tamworth 1556
Kingsbury Jn 1602
Water Orton 1608
Water Orton West Jn 1610
Castle Bromwich Jn 1612
Washwood Heath West Jn 1626
Landor Street Jn 1629
St Andrews Jn (West Mids) 1631
Bordesley Jn 1635
Small Heath South Jn 1638
Tyseley T.M.D. 1640
08/11/13 Loco Transfer - Tyseley to Barrow Hill (55009 40135 40145)0Z43

Tyseley T.M.D. 1026
Small Heath South Jn 1028
Bordesley Jn 1033
St Andrews Jn (West Mids) 1034
Landor Street Jn 1036
Castle Bromwich Jn 1043
Water Orton West Jn 1045
Water Orton 1046
Kingsbury Jn 1051
Tamworth 1056
Wichnor Jn 1103
Burton-on-trent 1109
Clay Mills Jn 1115
North Stafford Jn 1118
Stenson Jn 1119
Derby 1125-1131
Ambergate Jn 1143
Clay Cross North Jn 1154
Chesterfield South Jn 1154
Chesterfield 1155
Tapton Jn 1156
Barrow Hill South Jn. 1201-1205
Barrow Hill L.I.P. 1219
08/11/13 Loco Transfer - Barrow Hill to ELR (40135 40145)
0Z44

Barrow Hill L.I.P. 1350
Barrow Hill South Jn. 1355-1400
Barrow Hill North Jn 1402
Beighton Jn 1407
Treeton Jn 1408
Masborough Jn 1412
Aldwarke Jn 1415
Swinton (S.Yorks) 1420
Moorthorpe 1427
South Kirkby Jn 1428
Hare Park Junction 1435
Crofton West Jn 1438
Calder Bridge Jn 1439
Wakefield Kirkgate 1441-1447
Horbury Jn 1459
Mirfield East Jn 1526
Heaton Lodge Jn 1532
Huddersfield 1537-1550
Marsden 1558
Diggle Jn 1604
Greenfield 1607
Stalybridge 1613
Ashton Moss North Jn 1617
Baguley Fold Jn 1621
Philips Park West Jn 1627
Brewery Junction 1637
Thorpes Bridge Jn 1640
Vitriol Works 1642
Castleton East Jn 1650
Castleton 1651-1655
Castleton East Jn 1707-1712
Castleton North Jn 1724-1729
Castleton Hopwood Gf 1733




Thanks to West Coast Railway Company for organizing and arranging the moves.  

We still need your continued support to help achieve getting both loco's in to tip top condition. 

More news soon.....

Cheers
Lee


Friday 18 October 2013

335 and 345 News update.

Evening everyone ......

Here is an update on progress on 335/345 front.

Last weekend myself, Mark Hornby, Mark Jopson, John Stephens and James Bottomley were working on 345 progressing through a list of 50 items of repairs and testing prior to a visit by our VAB inspector now scheduled for 29th October where he will undertake inspection on 345 so she can re-gain her mainline certification.

Work last weekend comprised off the following:

  • Steam cleaning and refitting rocker covers and fuel pump covers after fuel pump and injector overhauls.
  • Control cubicle checking over and cleaning.
  • Repairs to faulty OTMR pressure sensor.
  • Testing of GSMR radio after replacing faulty speaker.
  • Testing of NRN equipment.
  • Continuation of exam work.
  • Investigation into faulty screen washers. 
  • Removal of main generator ammeters for Calibration as they were both reading low during load bank tests.
  • Load regulator resistors checked and cleaned.
  • Various small jobs like securing loose engine room door handles and freeing off radiator shutters. 


This Saturday another work party is scheduled to attend Barrowhill to continue with work on 345.

Items we are looking at this week are:

  • Full brake test
  • OTMR test and data analysis.
  • TPWS test.
  • Continuation of repair work including window washer repairs.
  • Refitting of floor panels near to main generator.
  • Re-labeling cab desk and controls
  • Cab signage.  
It does not seem much when you read this but I can assure you its a long and laborious jobs completing these tests but they are part of routine safety tests to ensure safety of the people who travel behind the loco.

I am also pleased to inform you that moves are booked with WCRC to transport D335 and 345 to London Midland depot at Tyseley for tyre turning the moves are booked to take place on Monday 4th November. This will be confirmed nearer the time and timings will be posted. 

Here's the bad news!!!! and we need your help.

Costings:
345 certification for mainline running : £1500.00
Fuel for the moves: £1400.00
Movement costs:£ 2000.00
UAT costs for D335: £650.00
Tyre Turning costs: £5500.00
Speedo re-calibration after Tyre turning: £250

Grand Total: £11,300.00
 
 As you can see by the costings above to keep our machines running costs a great deal of money and effort. Our sales team does a sterling job raising funds to help our cause as do many of our members by donation of money or items we can sell. 

I am appealing to you all to dig deep in your pockets and assist us in anyway with donations big or small to achieve our target to get 335 working again and 345 fighting fit for CFPS charter work. We are so close to achieving it after a three year slog of bad news and set backs.......

Finally a big thanks to John Stephens, Mark Hornby, James Bottomley, Mark Jopson for their assistance last weekend. John and James have both been busy all this week as well, James has continued the exam and repair work on 345 after finishing work with HNRC working well after 9 pm some nights.

 John has been picking up parts and materials we require to get 345 finished off as well as sorting out Whistler mags, sorting the accounts out for the AGM, organizing and collecting sales stand stock for the CFPS sales stand at ELR's steam gala this weekend as well as day to day running of our society.  

Further update next week.

Thanks for your support so far.............!!

Cheers

Lee


Saturday 5 October 2013

345 load bank tests and hectic few weeks to come.

Hello again........

Unfortunately I have been unable to upload the video foot from Thursday's load bank trials with 345 after several attempts the video refuses to play.

We now have a few hectic weeks ahead finishing off maintenance work and iron out a few niggling issues.

Today - James Bottomley has spent the day re-connecting traction cables after load banking and the loco can now be moved under its own power again.

Work still to complete is as follows:

  • No.2 end straight air brake valve to replace as blowing through.
  • No.1 end NRN aerial base to replace.
  • Brake pressure transducer part of the OTMR system requires repair / replacement.
  • Maintenance exam to complete around 60% completed.
  • Mainline re-registration examination and certification.
  • Loco to re-block after tyre turning.
  • Speedo Calibration after tyre turning.
Tyre turning plans.................

It is hoped that week commencing 14/10/2013 D9009 which going back home to Barrowhill will haul D335 from the East Lancs Railway to Barrowhill where it will stable for around 14 days whilst repairs and maintenance work is completed. 

D9009 also requires tyre turning so once 345 is fully fit it will haul D9009 and 335 to the wheel lathe facility which will act as loaded test run. 

Once turning is completed and necessary inspections and tests after tyre turning, its then planned for 345 to haul the three loco's back to Barrowhill dropping off D9009 and then 335 and 345 will return home to the ELR. 

Thank you to the Deltic Preservation Society for their help and support.

There is a possibility that we will not be able to have one of our loco's running for the CFPS Annual General Meeting on 9th November. But it would be great if they are both home by then so 345 can run with another loco for heat and show our members how the dosh or goods  they have donated have been put to good use. 

If you wish to get involved with the CFPS as we desperately need more help and support in both the engineering teams and sales teams please get in touch by email using the addresses below.



Finally Thank you James for your efforts today on 345. 

Cheers
Lee

 


Thursday 3 October 2013

345 Update ...... Good News!!!!!

Evening All

Having only just got home this evening from Barrowhill I have good news to report........

Due to some swift planning by the staff at HNRC yesterday tonight we have been able to load bank 345.
I am pleased to report that the low power issue has been resolved due to installation of overhauled pumps and injectors.

The loco is now developing 1800 horsepower to the rail which is slightly up from the workshop overhaul spec of 1765 horsepower.  The loco performed at full power for over 30 minutes and the results were getting better as time went on.

A few minor fuel leaks need to resolved and work can now turn to the completion of the maintenance examination and VAB inspection for mainline certification.

We do need to get the thermostatic bypass valves overhauled but these can be attended to on the Loco's return to the ELR.

I will upload onto the blog tomorrow evening some footage of the loco being put through her paces.

Thanks to the staff at HNRC, Shaun Wright, James Bottomley and John Stephens for their assistance....

Cheers for now

Lee

Monday 30 September 2013

D335 FXP

Hello again

Just a quick post to inform you that the CFPS had intended to run a further driver experience course with D335 during October but unfortunately the wear on the wheel flanges has reached a stage were we can no longer permit the loco to run till the tyres have been turned.

Further use could jeopardize hauling D335 over Network Rail to a wheel lathe facility and land us with a hefty cost of road transport to the lathe.

More news soon .....

Cheers
Lee

Friday 27 September 2013

D335 and 345 Update

Hello All

Sorry its been a while since my last post this due to pressures of work and trying to take a bit of break from the hectic workload I have.

I am pleased to report of a few developments with both of our loco's.

D335

I am pleased to report that 335 this evening is hauling the second diesel hauled diner and the train is sold out. Both of the diesel diners that have run at the ELR have been a success and will be repeated again next year with 345 at the helm.

The loco will also be working a couple of services this weekend see the ELR website for details. This will be 335 definite last working until  tyre turning is completed.

There is currently plans a foot to haul 335 for tyre turning in the next few weeks and I will advise you all when these are firmed up.

D335 steam heat generator is currently out of commission awaiting some modifications to satisfy the railways insurance company. The mods will be high on the priority list once tyre turning has been completed.

345

Since my last post the pumps and injectors have returned from Colchester fuel injection and we managed to raise the funds needed to pay them but only just. I would like to thank all who dug into their pockets to assist us with the cost of overhaul of these parts.

Over last couple of weekends and some late night working by James Bottomley the pumps and injectors have now been refitted to the power unit. The low water level switch has been refitted and system has been refilled with coolant.

The next phase is load bank the power unit again and set up load control system to gain the correct horsepower output. We may have to wait a week or two for this to happen due to the workload at Harry Needles workshop. As ever we are very grateful for Harry and his staff for their continued support to the CFPS.

I would also like to thank Mark Jopson ,John Stephens and James Bottomley for their valued help to refit the parts back on the power unit.

Once load banking is completed and we are happy with the loco, we shall seek to regain re-certification for mainline running which should take a couple of weeks to complete.

Her first job will be to haul 335 to the wheel lathe as both locomotives require tyre turning which is our next major expense and is projected to cost around £10K inclusive of movement costs.

Sales Stands and annual raffle.

The CFPS this weekend have two sales stands at two different locations, these being the ELR Diesel Gala and Barrowhill for their Model railway exhibition.

The annual CFPS raffle will also be drawn at the ELR on Sunday 29th 2013.

If your attending any of these events please do come and have a mooch at our stand and say hello. Our sales team needs your support to keep these money hungry beasts in good fettle.

I would also like to thank our sales team for their continued efforts in raising the funds we desperately need. Hats off to you good folk!!!

I will post again next week once we have confirmed load bank trials with HNRC.

Cheers Folks

Lee






Wednesday 21 August 2013

345 Update

Evening All.

Here is an update with work ongoing on 345.

Firstly Colchester fuel injection reported that all 16 fuel pumps from 345's engine were worn out and required mainly new pump elements to be installed and 3 new delivery valves.

It was a relief that they found these issues with the pumps which is likely cause of the low horsepower issue we have experienced during recent load bank trials.

We expect the pumps and injectors will be returned to us within next week or so, however the cost of overhauling the pumps and testing the injectors is in the region of £5000 that we need to find. So if you can spare a few quid please donate it to our loco fund as it would help us out greatly and would be very much appreciated.

Our preservation officer James Bottomley found a fractured bedplate drain pipe which was causing leakage of oil and fuel onto the bogies, this pipe has been re-welded and now free of leaks. Thanks James for sorting this out.

GSMR

The GSMR system has now been fully approved by the ORR (Office of Rail Regulator) which means the loco once full re-certification is granted to run on Network Rail the loco is free to operate in GSMR and non GSMR area's.

A new software update has also been installed to the system in last few days.

The next step.....

Once the pumps and injectors arrive back we shall arrange a working party to re-fit them, run loco up and check for any fuel leaks, check each cylinder is firing etc;

We will then book a further load bank trial with HNRC to check the engine output and re-check engine is cooling correctly. We also need to check traction motor overloads and power earth fault circuits are working as per specification to ensure 345's major electrical equipment is protected.

I suspect when the loco is first load banked its likely that it will be producing too much power and will need to be adjusted down to 1780 HP at the rail as per specification in BR workshop overhaul manual.

Once we are happy with the results we will conclude final exam items and then book for the mainline registration exam to be undertaken and any subsequent corrective actions are completed.

More news soon.....

Cheers

Lee

D335 Update.

Hello again.

Sorry for lack of reports for last couple of weeks its been a hectic couple of weeks for me. 

Today I and Seton have carried out some work on D335 ready for the weekend. I began some of the work and Saturday and got it finished off today.

1)    Wheel slip indicator light fault, after some tracing through we found the fault to be No.1 end multiple working jumper cable  wire 21 within the cable of socket end is life expired or dirty soldered contacts are causing tracking across the socket. For now the wire has been disconnected from the cab gate and taped up.
2)    No.1 end bogie proportional valve slow release, fault traced to blocked up ports within relay valve manifold, these have been cleared for now but the manifold needs to be removed and cleaned out as there’s still rust inside which will probably cause issues in the future. This will need to be dealt with before loco moves on national network to the wheel lathe, hopefully in October.
3)    No.1 end bogie straight air brake proportional valve, this valve again gave trouble during 1T57 gala, after stripping again it was found that signal ports where obstructed with rust as per item 2 and will require the same treatment.
4)    No.1 end driver’s door which kept jamming shut has been dealt with today now opens and closes easily thanks to Seton’s efforts.
5)    Loco has been serviced ready for Saturday.


Andy Hardman’s Saturday gang are on with painting No.2 cab at present and doing a sterling job to, already looks cleaner and brighter.

Huge thanks to Seton Spencer for travelling down from Edinburgh to assist me with the work. 

If your not aware D335 is booked to work this weekend in lieu of 345 which was penciled in originally for its return to service. The tyre profiles have been checked again and I have given the green light on the loco's use providing that use is restricted and a re-check of the profiles is made regularly. 

Further to this D335 will be working our second diesel hauled dining training on 27th September 2013 use link details below for further details on this special working. 

CFPS website: www.cfps.co.uk/news/

I will post an update on 345 to follow shortly.

Cheers

Lee


Sunday 21 July 2013

345 update as of 21.07.13

Evening everyone......

Today I have carried out borescope examination on 345's engine and I am pleased to report no issues were found other than general wear and tear.

I noted that some of the piston crowns have distinct signs of poor combustion due to poor injection which usually indicates injectors and pumps are worn out.

Colchester fuel injection who are currently overhauling 345's fuel pumps and testing the injectors reported on Thursday that out of the 4 pumps they have stripped down they have found they are very worn and their operating efficiency was far down from specified output from the pumps.

This was also good news as this confirms that the pumps are the likely cause to the low horsepower issues we experienced when the loco was load bank tested in June,

I am now awaiting an indicative price for the fuel pump overhaul which is likely to be around the £4000 pound mark. The overhaul is likely to take a further week or two to complete.

I was hoping to be able to show you some footage from the borescope checks but unfortunately the LED light on the borescope malfunctioned.

We ended up driving to Mansfield to pick up a replacement unit from Maplins to complete the checks.

A big thanks to John Stephens for his assistance, transport to and from Barrowhill and sorting out the replacement unit

A reminder that D335 will be running at the ELR next weekend taking part in the 45th Anniversary to end of steam (1T57 Gala) Featuring : D9009, D1501, D335 - Steam locomotives - 49395 (Super D) , 80080 (Standard 4 tank), 45407 (Black 5), 44871 (Black 5) & 70013 (Oliver Cromwell).

Follow this link:  http://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/whats-on/elr-events/end-of-steam-festival/

This is very likely be D335 last passenger working until the loco has been tyre turned so please attend and show your support. The timetable with locomotive workings is yet to be released so keep and eye on ELR website.

The CFPS will also be having a sales stand present during the event so please feel free and pop down and say hello and buy something from our fine sales stock.

More news to follow soon.........

Cheers

Lee

Monday 15 July 2013

This weekend ...... 335 and 345.

Hi everyone.....

Following a re-measure of the tyres on D335 with thin flanges I am allowing 335 a further outing this weekend to work diesel diagram on both Saturday and Sunday at the ELR.

The turn was originally booked for 20087 but unfortunately the 20 is stopped with electrical fault at present.

On Sunday Its intended to carry out the borescope exam on 345's engine whilst the injectors are out being refurbished. A bore scope is a small camera with an LED which allows inspection of the engine internals by putting camera down the injector pocket I am hoping I will be able to record and capture some of the footage and place on the blog page early next week for those interested.

More news soon......

Cheers

Lee

Wednesday 10 July 2013

Diesel Gala and D335

Evening everyone......

I am pleased to report D335 ran very well over diesel gala and sounded absolutely superb when she hauled the beerex up the bank to Heywood with 6 coaches and two class 50's dead on the rear and did not miss a beat.

D335 also covered a footplate experience course the Tuesday before the gala due to problems with 37324's radiators.

The CFPS sales team did well also over the 3 days bringing in some £1200 into society coffers and we also did well with raffle ticket launch over the weekend too. Well done gang ................

Saturday 13th July.

D335 will be moved to Castlecroft depot this week for the cabs and engine room to be repainted by diesel group volunteers if you wish to assist with this please let me know so I can advise Andy Hardman to expect  .
A big thanks to Andy and diesel group volunteers for their kind offer of help.

Saturday / Sunday 20th/21st July

Next weekend after society committee meeting  I will be continuing maintenance work on D335 and prepping loco ready for 1T57 event at the end of July. Again if your free and wish to help please advise me so I know who is coming and I can allocate work accordingly.

Drop me an email on email address below if you wish to help out on the locos.

I hope you enjoyed the ELR diesel event as much as I did it was an excellent run event and well praised by visiting loco owners, crews and passengers.

If anyone has any photos of D335 from last weekend please feel free to send them to me.

Please feel free to comment on the event if you wish I will pass any comments and improvement ideas onto event organizer.

Cheers
email address : engineering@cfps.co.uk

Lee








Wednesday 3 July 2013

345 update.

Evening All .......

Another update on 345 progress.

The fuel pumps and injectors have been dispatched today to Colchester Fuel Injection for overhaul and should take around 3 - 4 weeks to complete then another week to refit the to power unit. The loco will then go back on the load bank for further testing and setting up.

The cost for overhaul and repair of fuel pumps and injectors will be around £4500 - £5000 pounds.

During the few weeks whilst injectors and fuel pumps are away I intend to bore scope the cylinder lines to check for any damage or distress on piston crowns and liners and carry out assessment on the wear on the engine.

On Sunday I stripped and repaired the low water level switch and wiring to the switch which was causing WTR relay to remain energized even when coolant header tank was empty. The wiring issue was also probably causing the high water temperature switch not to function correctly as its operated via the same relay I will test this next time I am at Barrowhill.

I will keep you posted as further news come in on 345.

Reminder to everyone D335 will be operating during the diesel gala this weekend check the ELR website for further details.

Cheers

Lee

Tuesday 2 July 2013

CFPS Engineering Blog picture page added

Evening all ...................

I have started to receive a number of pictures from our engineering team but there's not a lot of room on the blog page to fit them all in so I have created a Flickr page for pictures that have been sent.

I hope you enjoy the new addition to our new blog page.

Click link on the blog or use this one - http://www.flickr.com/photos/98322611@N02/

Cheers

Lee

Saturday 29 June 2013

A Further Blow!!

Hello everyone again ..........................

News from engineering team work today.

D335

Today we started the 6M/C1 exam on D335 and completed all the bogie lubrication work and tyre gauging and general underframe exam.

Items checked today are as follows:


  • General bogie exam and fracture check - none found.
  • All grease points on bogies lubricated and axlebox roller bearings.
  • Traction motor suspension tube and gearcase motak levels checked.
  • Blower and exhauster motors checked and cleaned.
  • Wheel profiles checked and gauged. 
  • All fluid levels checked and topped up.
  • Generator end turbo chargers -oil drained and refilled with fresh oil. 
  • One body side even got a polish too.
Now here come's the bad news during tyre gauging it was discovered that axles 3 is on 24mm flange height limit and axle 4 is the same which means D335 will require tyre turning ASAP. I estimate it will cost the CFPS a further £6000 pounds for the associated rail moves and tyre turning even if we use 345 to haul D335 to a wheel lathe. 

The loco will run on ELR diesel gala and the ELR's 1T57 (Fifteen Guinea Special) end of steam weekend at the end of July as planned but after that the loco will be stopped to prevent further wear on the flanges and preventing us from moving loco by rail on a one journey only arrangement.

 We have very little money in our coffers as all recent income has been spent on paying for 345's main generator and repair work at Barrowhill. 

We shall continue to carry out the exam work and keep loco in running order even just for shunting moves to prevent electrical equipment becoming damp.

This another setback we really could have done without and I once again appeal to you to support our society with financial donations or second hand books, model railway stock and magazines. 

A huge thank you to Eric Davies, Richard Clayton, Rob Purcell, Stuart Cawthray and our newest member of the team Joe Chester for their time today as always its very much appreciated. 

345

I am pleased to report that Mark Jopson and Seton Spencer have toiled away on 345 today and removed all the fuel pumps and injectors from 345's power unit so they can be sent to Colchester fuel injection as planned on Tuesday. 

Big thank you to Mark and Seton for their valiant efforts which enable me to carry out some of the other repairs on 345 tomorrow.

Richard and Rob Purcell at Bury also cleaned up and anti corrosive painted 4 cylinder liners in preparation for being installed into 345's engine during winter months.

John Stephens our stalwart chairman has also been at Barrowhill today running the society's sales stand.

 A Big thanks to John to for not only manning sales stand but taking Mark to Barrowhill so he could help Seton. 

New pictures added on today's activities on D335 at the bottom of the blog. 

Thanks for reading and more news soon.

Cheers

Lee


Thursday 27 June 2013

Engineering Work this weekend

Hello again....

This weekend work will be carried out on both locomotives at Bury and Barrowhill.

Saturday.

Team 1 led by myself will be carrying out service check exam on D335 and hopefully if a pit is available underframe greasing and traction motor inspection. (Start of 6M/C1/C2 exam)

Team 2 - comprising of Seton Spencer and Mark Jopson

Will be working on 345 removing injectors and fuel pumps so they can be sent away to Colchester diesel injection. The injectors are being tested and checked over and fuel pumps are going for long overdue overhaul.

This is the most cost effective way of hopefully sorting low horsepower issue out without resorting to pulling engine apart. During last load banking session the exhaust temperatures where checked and they were found to be very inconsistent across each cylinder which generally indicates issues with fuel injection / pumps.

Sunday

I will be attending Barrowhill to finish off removing fuel pumps and injectors on 345 if the team on Saturday do not manage to finish the work. I will hopefully have time to sorting out stuck low water level switch and replacing defective high water temperature Teddington probe switch.

The CFPS sales stand will be at Barrowhill on Saturday and Sunday as they are holding a family open day so if your near by please feel free and come and see us and hopefully one or two of our fine sales stand items may be of interest to you.

The fuel pump overhaul is likely to set the Society back a further £4,000 pounds so please donate anything you can spare to our cause as we really...... really need your support to get 345 fighting fit again.

Anyone interested please note D335 is rostered to work the Beer-ex on the Saturday 6th July of the ELR Diesel Gala departing Bury at 19:25. 50026 is on the other end.

Thanks in advance to Mark, Seton, Eric Davies & Richard Clayton for giving up their weekend at short notice.

Thank you in advance and more news soon.

Cheers

Lee.

Monday 24 June 2013

More news on 345

Hello everyone........ today further checks and tests have been carried out on 345 to determine cause of low engine output.

The peak compression tests have revealed that at least 5 cylinder lines have failed the peak compression test and will likely require to be stripped down and assessed.

With these faults there,s a number of small issues that can mount up into causing loss of engine output. It would seem that the engine fuel pumps may also be causing the issue as these have not been overhauled since the power units last works overhaul in 1980/81.

We will of course examine all possible causes before committing to stripping the engine down.

Another issue was found that low water level mobary switch has failed so this will require removal and repair to ensure this protective device works correctly.

A team will be working at the ELR this weekend for the following work:


  • Prepare D335 for Diesel Gala (Carry out Service Check Exam)
  • Cleaning and preparing engine components to give usable spares on shelf should we need them.
If you wish to get involved with our engineering team contact myself  by email at engineering@cfps.co.uk or engineeringsupport@cfps.co.uk.

More news soon.

Cheers

Lee

Extra workings for D335

D335 was called into action on both Saturday and Sunday 22nd/ 23rd June to cover for loco failures. On Saturday 335 covered remainder of the steam diagram covering for Super D Loco 49395 which was taken out of service with hot running bearing.

On Sunday class 20 20 087 found itself in trouble with loss of power and 335 finished off the diesel diagram.

Seton Spencer carried out a drop light window repair that had become jammed and changed the oil on free end turbo's before it was called in to action.

Thanks for your efforts Seton.

Mark Jopson spent Sunday cleaning up some pistons and fitting new rings in preparation for the possible engine work that may be required on 345.

D335 next working on the ELR will be the railway's diesel gala on 5,6,7th July check ELR website for details.

Thanks All

Lee

Sunday 23 June 2013

345 (40145) Update 23.6.13

As some of you may have seen from the main website that 345 is currently suffering some technical problems following the load bank tests carried out on Thursday and Friday of last week. 

The problems encountered were:

  • Overheating of coolant.
  • Low horsepower output from the engine. (Only 1400 HP - Instead of 1785 HP to rail head)
The overheating needs further investigation however cooling systems on these locomotives have always been very marginal due to small capacity of the coolant header tanks they were well know in BR days for flash boiling header tanks after prolonged periods of heavy work and it was hot day when loco was being tested. 

Following further tests on Friday evening by Shaun it appears that 4 cylinder lines may have problems with compression being low as evident when the de-compression screws where opened with engine running showed 4 cylinders with poor compression.

Further tests and checks will be made over next few days to determine whether these cylinders will have to be stripped down and assessed to cause of the low compression. 

These will include internal cylinder bore inspection by use of bore scope with the fuel injector removed.

Peak compression tests on each cylinder to determine which cylinders are effected. 

I will post further updates as new information becomes known.

Cheers

Lee Kenny

Introductory blog

Hello Everyone, ......... welcome to the new Class 40 Preservation Society engineering blog. 

This blog has been created for all those who love British Rail class 40 locomotives and who like to be kept informed about the work being done on CFPS owned locomotives D335 (40135) and 345 (40145). 

If you are not aware the CFPS is registered charity with the sole aim to keep these magnificent locomotives up and running for current and future generations to enjoy. 

We are actively raising funds to keep our locomotives in the best condition possible.

 If you can help in anyway please do donate to our cause whether this be with a monetary donation or by donating railwayana, model railway items, magazines or books.
 We can sell these on our sales stands.

Your help would be greatly appreciated. 

For further info please visit our main website page at.... www.cfps.co.uk

Thank you.

Lee Kenny
(Engineering Officer)