15/01/23 – Esso Trio

We’re thankful to be out of the elements in the workshop at Rothley again this weekend. This means we have been able to progress the paintwork on 3711 and also take a look at the brakes on sister tank 3436.

3436 shunted into the workshop next to 3711.

With the shed foreman keeping a close eye on things throughout the weekend, Ross & Nick got stuck into the removal of the vacuum cylinder from 3436.

The vacuum release valve was removed and dismantled to find an amount of wet sludge inside, so Ross cleaned and rebuilt this with new seals.

The vacuum brake cylinder was dismantled and apart from cleaning this only required a new rolling ring and dome seal.

The vacuum cylinder was re-fitted and the branch pipe re-connected.

Whilst Ross and Nick were busy with 3436, I concentrated on the signwriting on the west side of 3711.

Then the tank-end numbers.

Sunday, and Ross joined me with some signwriting on 3711, finishing off the bodyside numbers and the solebar details.

Tom also helped with some detail painting, whilst Dan and Mark helped Nick with the removal of the vacuum cylinder from 3711. Although we had overhauled this cylinder a few weeks ago, when tested we found a problem with the partial brake application suggesting that the rolling ring was leaking past, therefore it was likely to need an oversize ring. An appropriate rolling ring was fitted and the cylinder re-instated under the wagon.

With the Class 10 shunting locomotive being operational today to move some grampus wagons to Swithland sidings, we took the opportunity when it returned to use its vacuum to carry out a brake test on the tank wagons.

Despite the showers the tanks were shunted out of the workshop.

5209 was also still at Rothley, so was duly coupled to 3436 and 3711 making this the first sight of our ‘TRIO’ of Esso tank wagons together.

The vacuum brake tests then being carried out successfully on all three tank wagons.

With a few small jobs still to do on 3711 before it can be released to traffic, but I think you’ll agree it does look a little different from when it arrived from Meldon Quarry in September 2021.

Join us again next week to see how we get on; all the best, Dave