Author: Dave Bower

As we look forward to our Open Weekend next week, the team have been busy making preparations as well as an opportunity to relax a little before a full on week of further prep.

We started by re-arranging some of the theatrical van contents to ensure things were in the right place for our event, and make better use of space, with a 4th theatrical van now available.

Matt & Ross then headed to Lincoln to attend Wilbur, topping up the essentials and fitting a new fan belt followed by the customary test drive to free up any sticky or stiff items.

Myself and Richard concentrated on getting Test Car 2 ready, tidying, cleaning and ensuring things are all ready to receive visitors next weekend.

Ross and Matt then attended a Timeline events photo charter at East Kirkby, both suitably attired as RAF ground crew, however it would have been remiss to leave Jerry out. So Jerry got to meet Jane.

Sunday, Jerry visited the Chasewater Coal train day.

Richard, Ross and Matt enjoying the day behind a selection of industrial traction. The guys extend their thanks to all at Chasewater for making them feel welcome.

Jerry apologies for his pretend “Coal sector manager”

All that is left to be said is come and see us next week.

We have tanks, opens, vans, amongst others on display, as well as the Heavy Tractor Group and West Hill Wagon works supporting us. With a 1960s goods yard and 1980s freight test scene too see, Test Car 2 open. Our road vehicles as well as some others setting the atmosphere.
With the real ale bar open, if you like wagons it may be of interest to you.

Welcome to this week’s update from the Autumn Diesel Running and Quorn Swapmeet Weekend; joining the event was Iris, a single unit Derby Lightweight DMU that spent many years with the Research Division of BR as RDB975010, so will undoubtedly have rubbed shoulders with our Test Car 2 whilst working out of the Railway Technical Centre in Derby during the 1980s and 90s.

Another busy weekend for Nick, Matt, Ross and myself we have made good progress with work on Hector, two Vans & our new arrival.

Hector‘s steering wheel was smartened up with a replacement for the missing centre boss which I had 3d-printed using Matt’s drawing of the Lancing emblem as a template. A revised tow hitch arrangement was fabricated and fitted slightly lower to allow us to haul the Brute trolleys.

Hector has also received some more attention to tidy-up his wiring and had a cab interior front panel made and fitted. New brake pipes were flared and fitted, although some work is still needed to bleed and get the rear ones working properly. Matt was keen to show off his working flashing roof beacon.

Danny, Hector and the Brush Electric Vehicles have become very useful for transporting tools, equipment and us around the site; however the stone chippings that were spread over the yard at Quorn earlier in the year sometimes pose a challenge causing the single front drive wheel of the BEVs to loose traction and quickly become stuck in the deeper chipping ruts. On this occasion Danny came to the rescue.

The main announcement this week is the arrival of what is our eighth tank wagon; 5209 is a Norbrit Pickering 1964 built TSV 24T capacity Class A tank purchased from the Nottingham Heritage Railway who had used it as a water carrier.

The wagon fairies getting to work quickly to give the tank a clean-up so we could inspect and decide what, if any work was required to allow it to be moved safely.

The initial inspection went quite well however all four buffers were not good, three had loose heads and one was stuck compressed in.

The first task therefore was to remove all four buffers and fit serviceable ones.

Once the vacuum hoses on both ends of the wagon had been replaced, a brake system test was carried out using the vacuum rig and test gauges .

Although we could get the brakes to apply, the operation was not consistent and there were a few leaks. The DA valve was by-passed and branch-pipe hoses tightened to try and eliminate the problem, but it became clear than a full system overhaul will be required at some point.

After inspecting inside the tank we found that it was over half full of clean water, so with the wagon positioned alongside a yard drain, we set about trying to empty this out. Despite the use of a very large bar we were unable to shift either of the drain valves, which is probably why the tank had not been drained prior to transportation.

One of the valves therefore had to be removed, which got the water flowing.

It took some 25 minutes to drain the tank.

Work also continued with the two vans roof recovering. A coat of quick drying sealer/primer was applied followed by a coat of Bitumen paint to both 765272 and 786348.

The completion of the roof work on both 765272 and 786348 means these are now finished and looking a great deal smarter.

Matt has also been giving a couple of BR (M) lamps a spruce-up for a friend.

We then got out the pressure washer and made a start on the Hurst Nelson tank 3711 that has been patiently awaiting our attention for some time.

Although we were making good progress removing many years of grime, Ross found some snow-foam which has helped really clean up the west side of the tank nicely.

So to sum-up the weekend: Smart Vans and Lamps, Clean & Empty Tanks, and a happy Hector.

Join us again next week for (hopefully) some news of an upcoming event.
All the best, Dave

Welcome to this week’s super-hot update from Quorn, with Nick, Matt, Ross and myself on-site.

Ross changed Hectors inverter, which after a little hesitance brought the 12v side alive. Although faults remain with the rear lights and indicators it does mean the main isolator now operates properly and he can see in the dark; the remaining faults are likely to be wiring as a fault is apparent.

New battery leads were also fitted to the jury rigged battery system and the image below serves as an example of up-to date electronic miniaturisation.

Matt woke Madge up giving her a wash before Ross and Matt loaded her with our bulk load for display.

I used Test Car 2’s compressor to pump up Madge’s tyres; I then joined Matt in the ‘office’ to prepare the signwriting templates for our Most Important Van.

Madge was joined in the yard by Jerry, my Stag, Nicks Morris Minor, Danny, Hector and our Tug, making quite a colourful line-up from our group to support the GCR’s Summer Classic and Vintage Vehicle Festival.

Matt and I continued with the work on the van, yellow and black panels being applied.

Ross and Nick attended to the sleeper crossing that was very much in need of attention.

I made a start with some signwriting on the van, applying the ZQO TOPS code to the chalkboards.

Test Car 2’s compressor was called upon again to assist with air for the tyres of a 125cc BSA Bantam from the TPO Museum in the LNER Postal set.

Ross then assisted getting it going, providing a customary ride-test.

Some late evening floodlit striping was carried out by Matt on the west side van doors, the livery really beginning to take shape.

The focus for Sunday was again on the van, Matt working at the south end marking out and applying the wasp stripes.

I got the signwriting brushes out and made a start on the west side number panel using the templates we had prepared on Saturday. First chalking up, then working bottom-up with the white paint.

Madge was joined again in the yard by Nick’s Morris Minor and my Stag. In order to prepare for the unloading of Madge’s trailer later in the day, Ross and Matt took the pick-up to unload a few parcels from one of the vans to make space for the bulk load. The pick-up was however out of gauge to pass under the gazebo, so rather than take it down the two-stage lift and drive-through method was used.

As the sun came round the west side of the van in the afternoon we had to put up some shade to allow us to work safely in the heat. An old gazebo cover was spread over the end of the van and the tank wagon which was coupled to it providing a good amount of shade for Matt.

I used our new gazebo positioned to give me some shade to continue with the signwriting.

By the end of the day we had completed the west side & south end wasp stripes, and the west side number panel.

As Matt said last week, we intended to reveal the final livery for our Most Important Van this week; unfortunately due to late delivery of the paint we have not been able to reveal the actual body colour, so here it is on the diagram; BR Engineers Olive BS381C 220, commonly known as Olive Green which was introduced by BR in 1967.

Hopefully the Olive Green paint will be here before next weekend so we can reveal the colour actually on the van; tune in to see how we get on.

All the best, Dave

We start this update with the announcement that we have reached 100 rail vehicles. Number 100 has been on the railway for a number of years and was transferred to us earlier this year. Currently carrying the number 771908 the vehicle is in fact 781908, a 1960 Wolverton build diagram 1/211 Palvan from lot 3310.

On to the update, it has been another busy one for us, with Dave carrying out some midweek work, applying primer and undercoat to B765272’s east side. Followed by a touch of gloss the day after.

Dave and I popped to Rothley to complete the east side of our little Mineral Project. Our thanks not only to C&W for asking us to do something unusual but to the Windcutter Group for giving permission to do that unusual thing to one of their vehicles.

Not content with signwriting one vehicle we headed to Quorn and the west side of 765272. Dave applying the left hand details whilst I applied the right and XP square.

So why this hybrid scheme I hear you say. Well quite simply thats what was applied to the vehicle. Looking through Paul Bartlett’s excellent site we come across the following image of the vehicle in 1979, removing the metric and condemned markings results in the steam era appropriate scheme above.

Next task on the list, application of underframe black, yes you guessed it, to the underframe. Jake and Dave doing the honours, between spots of rain.

I also applied matt black to the west side data panel in preparation for dates to be applied.

I then completed Dannys repaint. Rear axle, steering arms, inner chassis and some detailing, including the inside of the front wheels.

That was until the curse of the Green paint came back to haunt us. After completion of work mentioned below the new replacement tin, for the one that got thrown over me a few weeks ago, was squashed into the ground. We shall no longer be attempting to paint anything in that shade of green again.

So what squashed the paint?
I am pleased to say Hector did.

Ross spending the day looking at the original batteries, this confirms 3 dead cells as advised by the previous owner. Whilst we look at replacements for these, Ross jury rigged a temporary solution to begin bringing Hector to life.

With 51 volts available nothing seemed to be working until the key is physically held in the on position. This allows you to motor the vehicle.

What is missing however is the 12v supplies and the ability for the key to latch. This has been found to be a faulty inverter, which takes the incoming supply and drops it to 12v, a new and a spare have been ordered.

But that did not stop us having a little bit of fun.

We took Hector to the station after getting the handbrake to work on the left hand wheel, this is temporary until we look into the Hydraulic brakes in more depth.

Next task was to sand down the ends of 765272, New volunteer Steve having the honours with air supplied from the test car.

I applied the details to the data panel and painted the brake cylinder.

Whilst Dave started the sole bar signwriting.

After Steve had worked his magic, I followed up with primer on the bare areas. This included etch primer for the south end vent, which we took back to bare metal due to the paint condition.

It was then on to glossing the ends. the majority of the gloss and undercoat was intact and with the surfaced keyed Steve went for it.

Dave and I began the east side signwriting. Same order as the west side.

This was followed up by a re-coat of the head stocks. Painting the north swan neck and refitting the Instanter couplings.

There was also time to fit a notice to the other tug, this is a replica of those applied to BR platform tugs and was kindly sent to us. Thank you Andy.

Only a few finishing touches to apply next week. We will let you know if we are able to manage them.

Welcome to this week’s update from Quorn; and welcome to Steve who joined Nick, Ross, Matt, Richard and myself over the weekend.

We start by reporting some progress along with the Carriage & Wagon team at Rothley during the week, with a new livery and identity being given to a Mineral wagon which is currently out of use due to structural issues. It is being cosmetically restored to compliment the Class 10’s new livery which will be revealed by GCR (C&W Rothley) in due course.

B765272 which had been progressed last weekend, received undercoat and Gloss from the wagon fairies to its west side during the week.

On Saturday Nick and Steve made a start on the east side of the van, erecting the scaffolding then re-bolting the north end panels.

Next the replacement doors were finished off and fitted to the east side. These had been started by the previous owner and came with the van when it was transferred to us last year.

Matt and Dave got their signwriting brushes out to put the finishing touches to the corporate branding and identity onto Danny. Matt did the number plate.

Whilst Dave applied the ‘British Rail’ legend and Danny’s name.

After last week’s clutch failure on Danny, Ross made a start removing the stubborn flexible drive coupling so that the gearbox could be taken out to get to the clutch.

With the gearbox out it became very clear what the problem was, the clutch release bearing and operating fork had disintegrated into many pieces. New parts will have to be ordered including a new clutch assembly. Dave then took the opportunity to clean up the gearbox whilst it was out ready for a lick of paint.

Matt and Dave took a trip to Rothley in Jerry to apply a couple more items of signwriting to the Mineral Wagon. Matt painted the STOVE lettering whilst Dave attended to the north end NCB legend.

Matt also found time in between other jobs to apply a grey panel to Nicks’ box storage trailer, followed by marking out ready for the next stage; all will be revealed next week!

Sunday saw further progress with the east side doors on van B765272, the door locking bar & respective P-brackets were fitted, and the doors adjusted slightly to close neatly. Any bare wood was then treated.

Underframe and headstock scraping was also progressed in readiness for painting.

The protection plates were then fitted to the lower corners of the doors and undercoated. This side of the van is now ready for a repaint at some point.

Whilst Dave, Ross, Steve and Richard progressed the van, Nick and Matt made a trip up the motorway to a farm in Tupton near Chesterfield to collect our new acquisition, Hector; with thanks once again to Kenway Construction for the loan of the truck.

So lets meet Hector, he’s a 1988 built Lansing battery powered 3-wheel tug, F729CUA.

He was unloaded along with battery pack & charger with the help of the Volvo and our Brush Tractor and trailer.

We didn’t waste much time in getting to know Hector, firstly putting some air in the tyres, the tipping him up to remove the quantities of farm related muck and foliage that he’d acquired in his time at the farm.

We then tried giving him a tug with the Brush Tractor to try and free off the seized brakes.

Unfortunately this didn’t work so Hector was tipped up again to remove the wheels so the drums could be attended to.

With Hector back on his wheels and movable it was time for his first spin around the yard, although he needed a little help from our Brush tractor because his power equipment and batteries need some attention.

Thanks for reading, join us next week to see what we have in store next for Hector.

Welcome to this weeks’ update from the team at Quorn with Matt, Nick, Ross, Jake, Richard and myself all around during the weekend. The first job was admiring our superb new team flag that Matt had sourced.

Saturday, and we can report the completion of two box vans, being B784409 and B777171, receiving final signwriting after bodyside door & panel replacements and repairs.

Progress was also made with the signwriting on B783082, the right hand panel detail and Circuit Symbol yellow circle being applied.

Nick made a start on the next van needing attention, B763305. The bodyside panels were scraped to remove the distressed and loose paint.

The Volvo received some attention, pumping up a tyre that appeared to have deflated due to a sticky valve which was probably disturbed when we checked the tyre pressures last week. Ross also took a look at the hydraulic lift locking pin mechanism which was being temperamental, an actuator split pin had come adrift causing the pin to drop out; replacements fixed the problem.

The Bogie Bolster D B928135 also received our attention this weekend; after purchasing some more Lithium EP3 grease for the axle bearings, the east side axleboxes of the wagon could be dealt with.

In turn I removed the axlebox covers, and as we found on the west side, the insides of the covers had been painted; therefore the covers were thoroughly cleaned and all traces of paint removed before refitting and the pumping in of some new grease. By the end of Saturday the north end bogie was completed.

The group had a new arrival on Saturday, a 3T Brush Electric Pony. This was quickly trialled by hauling the recently refurbished Brutes.

Making the most of Sunday mornings’ sunshine, Nick & Ross progressed with the body side panels of B763305. Applying a coat of 50/50 PVA sealer, then allowing to dry before a coat of white primer.

Matt continued signwriting with the number panel and Circuit Symbol on B783082, this completes another box van.

I carried on with the south end axleboxes of the Bogie Bolster D B928135; Jake had also popped in and lent a hand with a bit of grease pumping. Once the axlebox covers were refitted, a white undercoat was applied.

Whilst the primer was drying on the bodysides of B763305 Nick turned his attention to scraping down the bodyside panels and doors of the next van, B786348, then applying a coat of PVA sealer before the white primer.

With the Bogie Bolster D B928135 nearing completion we decided it was time to do a full vehicle inspection and brake test. The old Vacuum Brake test rig was awoken and coupled to the wagon, then full brake operation and leakage tests were completed. A few items were noted including a missing axle upkeep split pin, a dry coupling, a missing vacuum pipe dummy seal and a small leak from a vacuum branch-pipe, all of which were attended to.

Whilst the coupling was being oiled, Matt applied the No.1 wheel identification arrow.

With the white undercoat drying quickly I was able to apply the yellow gloss to the axleboxes. The final item to be completed next week will be the red bands on the east side axleboxes before the wagon can be signed-off to go back into traffic.

A busy weekend with a number of wagons reaching completion helped boost team spirit and the sense of achievement, so we celebrated by raising 3-flags for the 3 completed box-vans.

Thanks for reading, all the best, Dave.

Welcome to this weeks update from the team at Quorn. Thanks to the operations team for the shunt movement during the week, the Bogie Bolster D is now out of the dock and coupled to Test Car 2 which will allow us to finish off the east side of the wagon.

Tank 3711 taking its place in the dock road ready for us to make a start on its restoration.

Saturday saw Matt, Michelle, Ross, Nick and myself on site, taking a look at our new gazebo.

Matt then continued with some finishing touches to Jerry, removing the door trim cards and painting the inner edges of the front doors; whilst Nick attended to a troublesome sliding door in the Mess coach before heading off to a Scout camp.

Ross and myself made a start on axlebox/bearing maintenance on the Bogie Bolster D, starting on the west side removing the axlebox covers for inspection.

We were a bit surprised to find that the insides of the covers had been painted, probably during the wagons’ last general repair in 1976. Therefore the covers were thoroughly cleaned out. New grease was pumped into each axlebox in accordance with the BR maintenance instructions. Unfortunately we ran out of bearing grease so the east side axleboxes will have to wait until next weekend.

Matt completed an overdue task, fitting the Limited Clearance signs to the east side of the shed and garage.

Sunday started with Ross and Matt taking a look at what appeared to be a slight dragging brake on Jerry. Luckily it was found to be a sticky brake piston which was freed off.

Matt also re-fitted the front door cards.

It was a busy morning in Quorn yard with a Ford RS Owners Club regional show day. Jerry being a Ford just had to join-in, an received much attention on his travels around the yard.

I continued with the Bogie Bolster D, de-greasing and cleaning the west side axlebox covers, then applied a coat of white undercoat. This paint dries really quickly so I was able to follow up with the yellow quite soon afterwards.

Next the handbrake levers, all four of them, were undercoated and white glossed.

Ross took a look at an outstanding job on the vacuum brake system, the blanking off of the south end DA valve. The DA (direct admission) valves only have real advantages for longer trains of similarly fitted vehicles. As neither will apply to the operation of this wagon at the GCR we’d decided to blank-off and seal the DA valve rather than spend the time and money overhauling the unit.

Matt then joined me in applying underframe black to the east side of the bogie frames.

On their way home with Jerry, Matt & Michelle visited Lincoln station, parking in front of what was the old Red Star parcels office, re-creating a scene reminiscent of a picture taken by Brian Simmons in 1989, Red Star Parcels Ford Escort 1989.

That concludes what was an enjoyable and productive weekend, thanks for reading; join us again next week; all the best, Dave