Category: Updates

As the official period of mourning for our late Queen has come to an end, we shall continue our regular updates, first a date for your diary, the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd of October we are hosting an open day at Quorn, the event is being sponsored by the West Hill Wagon Works and will see some of our fleet on display, including the Test Car, a number of visiting wagon groups as well as support from the Heavy Tractor Group with 37714 static on the Test Car and D6700 working the vans. With period vehicles and a chance to meet us and talk wagons.

So lets go back to the week commencing the 5th September. As mentioned before our intention is to build a replica Brush style body to place on Kiki. Thanks to Steve from the Ipswich Transport Museum for the invitation , with Michelle and I making the trip to measure the collection’s 1967 Brush pony built for use at St. Helen’s Hospital to move laundry.

The opportunity was also taken to view the museum and I was even allowed to drive the collections Scarab, assisting in a tricky reverse as exhibits are refreshed. The whole gang have been invited for a future follow up visit which will included the museums storage site. I send my thanks again to all those at the museum for making Michelle and I feel so welcome.

Back at base Zsa Zsa received her name, being applied by Dave.

Who also made a start with the east side lettering of the tool van.

Richard applied further Engineers Olive, with Nick applying a second coat.

Ross and I working on Hector. Brakes being the first focus. He was jacked up, packed and the rear axle dropped to improve access.

Wheels off, drums off, brakes disassembled.

The rear drum brake pistons were replaced. This required new mounting holes to be drilled as the new pistons are of a slightly different design.

With the wheels off the opertunity was taken to split the hubs and replace the aged inner tubes. .

The LED flashing beacon was also replaced with a more period correct rotating one.

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Once all was rebuilt and after a bleed and adjustment session all three brakes now work. This just leaves one hand brake cable to either repair or source and replace. However the other side is connected and operating so despite being a requirement its not at the top of the decreasing job list.

Next all removable items were then taken off, including the roof, in preparation for the next task.

Weld repairs and hole plugging. Ross carrying out the honours, cleaning to bare metal, welding then grinding flush. Including a piece of the customary reclaimed yellow drip tray.

I followed with wire wheel, sander and primer, a striking white.

Then black for the dash and floor, and yellow for the inside faces of the roof supports

Ross snuck off to give Jerry a wash and wax although I was trying to achieve a stereotypical BR patina, Oh well.

After a few moments to dry, Hector was reassembled now sporting his new white primer.

Some thin tin was then bonded to the inside of a few holes in the “clam shell” which once cured was filled sanded and primed.

Then, as we have done oh so many times before, it was out with the yellow.

All the removed components were then refitted and the all important wasp stripes, lettering and logos applied.

Michelle also assisted by preparing the wheels for paint, and I applied a Lancing Bagnall builders plate, although from a older vehicle this replaces the Lancing decals which were removed.

The next logo was then applied, this being the Red Star Parcels logo, chalked, masked and then painted.

This was applied to both sides and then the small details, tire pressure, name and gross haulage weight

Wheels were then masked primed and glossed, the fetching shade of BR Grey

Whilst I worked my magic, Ross reconnected the electrics as well as fitting the additional converter to power the new more power hungry beacon.

Final touches were then applied to the signwriting and a tax disk fitted.

After which we moved on to the trailers to fix the rear steer axles which make them so much easier to move around site. This involved removing the steering arm, and then bolting on a piece of angle iron, which was removed from the large Scammell trailer a few years ago.

With the steering fixed we set on enclosing the sides and fitting the tug chargers, this is to assist getting kit out of the garage as it now all goes in one place. Need to have a think what colour to do it!

Then a stroke of genius hit us, the removed steering arm can be used as a tow bar. So mounts drilled and fitted and Hector now has a Brute tow bar.

And it works……..

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Nick refitted 5209s valve as well as replacing life expired vacuum hoses on vans 786181, 18422 and 777728. Before a full annual exam was conducted by Nick, Richard and Thomas on the van train.

So another vehicle in corporate livery. With running maintenances carried out on a number of vehicles.

I have also treating myself to a new phone, so I had to give the night mode function a test, rather pleased with the result. More next week.

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

Another week and some more arrivals, this time the BRUTE fleet increases from 6 to 8. Many thanks to our donator, who wishes to remain anonymous. These new trollies have 3 out of the 4 side curtains in place confirming our guessed measurements by acting as templates to manufacture 16 replacements. With the originals going in to store.

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Some final touches to the visible side of the tool van, fitting the now white 3 link couplings. Why? Well why not? As well as a CR builders plate and our re-wheeled plate.

Main task however was the much needed repairs to the roof’s of 765272 and 786348, especially as it seems the much needed rain has arrived.

765272 first, removal of the felt roof and bitumasic adhesive.

This highlighted the extent of ply requiring to be replaced. New pieces were measured and cut.

Allowing these to be used as a measure to mark the area of roof to be cut, which was duly carried out.

New pieces fitted into position screwed to the existing roof hoop batons. Followed by additional supporting strips of ply and bolts were holes were available.

The end roof hoops were also scraped and primed ready for refitting.

Zsa Zsa received a 3D printed Brush plaque as fitted to vehicles sold by the Brush, we assume as an internal use vehicle these were never fitted so have added this, with Kiki receiving hers once her new body has been built.

Bolt holes were drilled and filled, then nutted. With a supporting strip added to receive staples

Whilst Nick and Richard applied a repair plate and the west side supporting strips. Ross and I removed the roof hoops and damaged felt from 786348 which highlighted some repairs required for this roof.

So the area above the east side door of 348 was in need of repair. This was cut back new ply measured and cut and this was fitted as above.

With the necessary repairs made the roof sheets were cut and rolled out on to the roof’s

A roof hoop at one end was then bolted to each vehicle.

Sheet tensioned and then the opposite hoop fitted. On Monday we also welcomed new volunteer Henry.

The sheet was then stapled down each side and trimmed.

We shall leave them for the week and hopefully if the weather holds we shall paint the sheets.

Final tasks for this bank holiday weekend, rebuild Danny’s clutch after the new components arrived. All working successfully.

This was followed by working on Hectors brakes, which resulted in a fully working front wheel and a burst pipe leading to the right hand drum. A little more to do but with the pipe clamped to the rear brakes it is now possible to stop.

As always, join us next week to see what we have been up to.

Hello everyone, welcome to another weekly update from Quorn. This week alongside Saturday’s bus rally, we’ve continued our work on the tool van and Hector.

Before I get into the meat of the update, we’ve got another new arrival to mention. We’ve taken delivery of another Brush Pony, this time a long bed variety. We have a plan for this after stumbling on a 1953 sales brochure for said Brush Pony truck. Now that we’ve got Hector, we’ve gone with other characters from ‘Hector’s House’ for the other tugs. The short bed has now become Zsa Zsa, and the new arrival, Kiki.

Matt has received the Enigneers Olive green. He’s applied it to most of the tool van, covering the west side and both ends before running out of paint on the east side. There will be some more on order. Matt also finished the West side signwriting.

I did some work on Hector, fitting the new indicator flasher unit and the new rear light clusters. This involved a bit of rewiring thanks to a previous owner hacking the wiring to bits. Hector now has a full complement of lights, with only a brake overhaul and a repaint to see him finished. Matt fitted a new seat, and as Matt says “It’s fully adjustable!”. I also drained and filled Hectors drive unit with fresh ATF.

Nick scraped down the underframe of the tool van, and I followed behind applying underframe black once finished with Hector.

Sunday saw Matt apply the wasp stripes to the north corrugated end, showing again the attention to detail and time taken to something so impactful.

Nick and I continued with the underframe paint, completeing the south end headstock and east side. Matt picked out some details in white including the drawhooks, wheels and the handbrake ends.

That about covers our work this week. next week we’re looking at doing some roof repairs on B765272 and B786348. Join us then and see what we manage.

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 with final touches being applied to 765272, South swan neck, lamp irons and a second coat of bauxite for the southern vent.

As well as the completion of the east side data panel.

This completes this vehicles repaint, with some roof repairs remaining to carry out. Just a pair of closing images of the vehicle as was and as is now.

Steve and I took a quick visit to Rothley to remove and repaint the sign on the former sheet store/goods shed. This returned to Quorn and was painted black, sign written and the frame glossed white.

Back at Quorn, and attention turning to arguably the most important van in the fleet, well to us anyhow.

Same as always, Scrape, with a little more than usual being removed.

PVA.

Prime,

Although with the additional step of fill, sand and fill. As a static van this will add a little more life to the ply which would vibrate out of an inservice vehicle.

Then the start of the undercoating, any guesses about livery?

The chalkboards were also removed, Scraped, PVA’d and primed.

Between waiting for items to dry we also applied a smart coat of black to the garage.

Followed by a trip back to Rothley to refit the now completed sign.

With Nick back from Scout camp, we trial fit two BRUTEs in his van. This is in preparation for a future road trip.

A touch of sealer was then applied to 854097.

Then once that had cured more paint, not only green but a touch of yellow too.

I’ll leave you a week to figure it out, see if you guess correctly next week.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Hi all, and welcome to another update from a rather crispy Quorn Wagon and Wagon. This week we’ve progressed the van train and yet another support vehicle. First though, the Bogie Bolster is finished! Matt had finished the red stripe on the bearing end caps last weekend, which was the last thing to do before the wagon is released to traffic. It’ll be good to see this in the next mixed freight!

Okay, and now onto Saturdays work, with Nick, Matt and I on site. Nick concentrated on scraping and then applying a coat of PVA to the next van in the rake, B765272.

Matt finished the signwriting on B777728, which completed the repaint of that van. Another few vans had their signwriting attended to as well.

Matt then went on to finish off a small pet project, a new sign for our gate.

I finished off re-assembling Danny, by putting more bolts in the panels that were re-fitted last week. I then adjusted his brakes and the brakes on the Tug. Sadly, no pictures of this!

On to Sunday, with Dave rejoining us after his holiday. Nick and Dave both started by applying primer to the panels that had been PVA’d yesterday.

Matt and I got stuck into finishing the repaint of Danny. Matt started by applying the BR Double Arrow to Danny’s skip.

I started de-greasing the engine, ready for it to be painted. This was done by Dave and myself.

Unfortunately, I also managed to apply most of the tin to Matt, his trousers and the floor. That stopped any ideas of a second coat on the engine and diff! Sorry Matt!

Once the east side of the vans was in shade, Nick and Dave took out the southmost panel on the east side. This was only held in with 5 bolts and hadn’t been sealed to the van. This has now been fully bolted and sealed.

We finished the day with the obligatory big tidy up and a small photoshoot for the 3 BR vehicles. There is still a little bit more to do on Danny, including a very new requirement to replace the clutch!

Thanks for reading and catch us next week to see what we get up to, fingers crossed it will be a bit cooler!