Hello and welcome to the news from Quorn; this week we have given the two tanks their identities back; with Test Car 2’s generator and Danny receiving some TLC.
Saturday started with Ross and Ernie drilling out the mounting holes in the two newly manufactured replacement spark guards for tank 3689. One guard also needed a small cut-out which Ernie applied.
The spark guards that were painted up previously were fitted by Nick and Ross, and the bolts painted.
Whilst the spark guards were being fitted Ross noticed one of the brake hanger brackets on tank 3689 had a bolt missing, so this was duly fitted. Ross also fitted new vacuum pipes on tank 3854.
I made a start on the signwriting on tank 3854, with Ross’s help to position the template in place (which was a bit challenging in the gusty wind), I then completed the Esso company lettering on the west side of the tank barrel.
Ross took a look at Test Car 2’s generator, replacing the top cover gasket on the fuel pump which was leaking quite badly. He then did some investigation of a small coolant leak which was found to be emanating from the middle of the radiator. For now we plan to try some K-Seal to minimise the leak although eventually the radiator may need to be replaced. Whilst we had the generator room doors open we were able to see that two of the six engine mounts have failed, so these will need to be replaced.
On Sunday Ross and Charlie concentrated on servicing Danny; the engine was warmed up, the oil was then drained from the engine, gearbox and differential. The fuel filter and fuel pump were also removed.
The front wheels were removed to check, clean and adjust the brakes. Whilst the brakes work the pads are low, and it’s clear that the brake system will need a complete overhaul at some point. Ross also attended to the fuel pump, fitting new bellows. Oils were re-filled and Danny was road tested (in the yard).
Nick gave the new spark guards a coat of red-oxide primer, which dried quickly allowing him to apply some black gloss. Nick then fitted the 3d printed previously painted owners plates to both 3854 and 3689, & the builders plates to 3689.
I applied the running number to the west side of tank 3854.
Then the running number of tank 3689.
Followed by the Commuted Charge logo box and star, undercoat then the first coat of yellow on both sides of both tanks. The lettering of the registration plate that remains on one side of tank 3854 was picked out.
That concludes our work this week, I’ll leave you with a couple of pics of the tanks; join us again soon as we progress nearer to releasing these two to traffic. All the best, Dave
Leave a Reply