Welcome to this weeks update from Quorn, we gave a talk, had two new arrivals, a celebration and some much needed warmth in a brake van.
Progress on the NVR trailer continues with Matt removing the brake cable, cleaning and lubricating before refitting and adjusting.
Followed by a quick test.
A bonus quick video of the trailer uncoupling
His main task was the fitment of a new floor, using some of the reclaimed wood from Loughborough loco shed. 20 planks used for 30 spaces, utilising off cuts to make up full planks.
The two tank wagons 3711 and 5209 headed off to Rothley along with brake van B954268 and the spare brake van chassis which is to donate its wheelsets to go under B954268 whilst its own are away for their long awaited repairs.
In return brake van B954546 was brought from Rothley to Quorn so we could attend to the final items of interior work and get it ready for release to traffic.
Next a little admin, with thanks to the Killamarsh loco works and James Littlewood, Matt took delivery of the remains of a 15ft Scammell trailer. Originally from the former Manchester, Sheffield & Lincolnshire Station of Killamarsh, later named Killamarsh Central by BR. A genuine GCR connection.
As well as the trailer a former Great Western Railway Dray has joined the fleet, BR number 2901 W originally allocated to Wolverhampton Lowlevel station part of a batch of 3.
The intention being once restored to be loaded on the Single Bolster and also be available for Railways at Work.
On Friday evening along with the Windcutter group, we were invited to go along to the Friends of the Great Central Main Line, Leicester Area group monthly meeting to talk to them about Quorn Wagon & Wagon. Matt and myself prepared a presentation and took it turns to share some of our history and achievements with the group. Thanks Colin, a very enjoyable evening.
Saturday, and Matt made more progress fitting some new mudguards to the NVR trailer, followed by an assessment of the rear tailgate.
Then repaired one of the kerb rail supports that had a little oxidation
Myself and Ross turned our attention to brake van B954546, this vehicle was externally restored whilst at Rothley 2 years ago; however the interior had not been completed. We set about removing the very damaged stove, its stove base tray and baseplate; then cleaned the inside of the van.
The stove mountings on the baseplate had wasted badly and needed replacing, which meant the stove base had to be separated from the main baseplate. Once free we tried to remove the remnants of the old bolts, unfortunately these all sheared and the mounts needed grinding off. New mounts were made from sections of 2″ pipe cut to length.
The baseplate and stove base were cleaned and re-assembled with a replacement stove from the spares stock. Once this was nurtured back into place the stove pipe was fitted and secured by the clamp bolt on the roof.
Grate plated were installed and the whole installation looking very presentable.
To protect the top of the stovepipe Ross fabricated a cowl cap which was secured in place as the light faded.
Sunday was a celebration day for Nick, 60 years young ! Many Happy Returns Nick.
Despite being full of cake we still cracked on with the brake van; the stove had to be tested. The fire was lit and soon warmed the brake van up nicely. An infra-red thermometer was used to check temperatures around the stove, stovepipe and mounting plate.
The brake gauges & windows were cleaned up, and the first aid box fitted along with the track circuit clips.
The air brake handle, main reservoir & brake pipes were painted along with the vacuum brake application valve.
It was then time for a vacuum brake test; the test rig was coaxed into life however an initial leakage test highlighted a leak somewhere on the brake van that needed attention.
The vacuum brake application valve inside the brake van was found to be leaking slightly, so the valve was dismantled, cleaned and the worn seal replaced. After re-fitting the fresh red paint did need touching up .
Other leaks were found in the south end brake pipe and also at the vacuum branch pipe connection to the cylinder, both being replaced before retesting and obtaining an acceptable brake pipe leakage rate. The brake cylinder leakage was then checked, this was also acceptable; the brake still remaining fully applied 2 hours afterwards.
This completes the work on brake van B954546 which will now be available for operational use once signed off by the C&W department.
Thanks for reading, all the best, Dave
Quorn Wagon & Wagon 
All this with minus temperatures over the weekend. The fire looka absolutely fantastic and the timing of ‘testing’ was highly appropriate. Best wishes to you all. Cheers.
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