Tag: ADB975397

  • 10/02/2019 – QXA to QXX

    Welcome to this weekend’s update from Quorn Wagon and Wagon’s Rothley outpost. We have again been working on Test Car 2, in preparation for its move to Quorn as our temporary base.

    Work this week has concentrated around the vehicle’s vacuum system. Last week, we were able to prove that the vacuum pipe was intact as a throughpipe. We started off by digging out some spare Direct Admission (D.A) Valves and sections of specially shaped pipework out of the van train from storage. This pipework fits into the tee joint from the main vacuum train pipe and drops them down to the D.A valve bracket next to the Vacuum Cylinder.

     

    Firstly, We removed the bungs from the tee pieces in the train pipe and connected the first section of downpipe to the Crane coupler.

     

     

    One end had a frame fitted to carry a DOPLAR speed measuring system whilst it was based at the Old Dalby Test Track. Matt set about removing that frame whilst Nick and I trial fitted the down pipes to see where the bracket would sit. This would also show us modifications we’d have to make to the pipework to be able to fit with appropriate clearance for all components in the area.

     

     

    Both ends required no modification to the down pipe, but both had to have the mid section and final sections altered to allow for best positioning on the coach.

     

     

    The electric pipe threader made light work or altering the pipes and by the end of Saturday we had managed to effect a brake application on the North end of the coach.

     

     

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    We found that whilst the brake applied satisfactorily (first time since 1991) they would leak off after 5 minutes. we cleaned and exercise the release valve on the cylinder. This resulted in the cylinder holding for 3 hours, after which we lost interest. Our attention then move to the south end brake cylinder.

    The south end of the vehicle is fitted with reduced diameter cylinders on both the vacuum and the air braking system.  This means that the vehicle has a reduced brake force reducing the risk of the wheelsets locking up as this end was fitted with tacho counters for distance measuring during tests. We found that the brake cylinder again applied well, but released after only 1 minute. Initially, we suspected the release valve, so changed that for a spare. this did not rectify the issue, so we then replace the DA valve. This hasn’t rectified the issue, so no the cylinder is suspected. This will be replaced in due course. Matt remains confident in the air brakes of the coach, after its final movement to the loading pad on the Test Track.

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    Work didn’t just take place on the brakes. Matt has trimmed the buckeye chain guide to allow the Brake Pipe cock on the air system to latch shut. I reinforced the door frame around the lock I fitted last week. I also noticed whilst underneath the vehicle that the return spring for the south brake rigging had come adrift and was not in place. A spare was found and Matt wedged himself into the bogie and fitted it. The train lighting jumper blanking cover was found in the guards area, so Matt refitted it to the North end from whence it came.

     

     

    Thanks for reading this update, join us next week, when the saga of the vacuum cylinder continues!

  • 3/2/19 – Testing times ahead

    3/2/19 – Testing times ahead

    Before we move on to this weeks update, I was sent some images from James Brace who visited the railway during last weekends gala, he caught Nick, Ross and I conducting our duties as TPO Groundcrew.  Thank you James.

    This weekend we move on toa new arrival to the fleet.  Although it has been on the GCR for some time it has recently passed into our care.  ADB975397 or more commonly known as Test Car 2.  It gives me great pleasure to once again be responsible for this vehicle, it was myself that saved it from scrap in 2016 when it fell out of use on the Old Dalby Test Track.  In its glory days, it was used for the slip brake testing of rolling stock and latterly it was used for taking visitors up & down the test track.


    So this weekend our adventures take us to Rothley Carriage & Wagon.  We are preparing the vehicle before it is moved to Quorn as it will be our temporary base of operation whilst “the yellow coach” comes to Rothley for much-needed bodywork to be carried out.

    The vehicle has already had some work done by C&W staff.  The sealing of leaking windows and the refitment of Pullman gangway and matching buffers to the Generator end.  This is to enable the coach to be coupled with other coaches and increase the usability of the vehicle, most notably as an emergency brake vehicle if the need arises.

    On to this weekend and a wash and brush up to start the proceedings.  Jake took care of the interior with a hover and a wash of all surfaces,  I focused on the outside most notably the windows.

    In what can only be described as “playing”, me managed to get the lights throughout the vehicle working. Including the head and tail lamps.

    The headlight had an infestation of flies.  So this was removed for cleaning. Thankfully however the vehicle had a spare and more on that lower down this update.20190202_171223

    Between the slip end and the main saloon, there was a hole which was the location of test equipment long since removed.  This hole was filled and will help retain heat within the main saloon.

    The vehicle is laid out as follows:
    The South end has observation windows and was were the slip operation was controlled from.20190202_173213

    Next is the main saloon which held the monitoring equipment and instrumentation for recording the testing.  This would have been a hive of activity during testing.

    A small area for coats and baggage and a toilet are next.

    This is followed by a kitchen area and the Guards compartment.

    Then we have a workshop area and the main generator set. The workshop I spent Sunday tidying up.

    Looking in cupboards and behind panels, we found two noteworthy items.  A BR(M) Blanket and the original running number chalked on the back of an access panel.

    So on to Sunday and as mentioned above more time cleaning and tidying the Workshop area, before that however, I completed the installation of the replacement headlight, complete with double arrow.  The removed one will be stripped down and cleaned up and retained as a spare.

    During the tidy, the side panel for the equipment rack in the main saloon was found and duly refitted

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    Jake continued with a number of odd jobs.  Fitting the slip end microphones and refitting panels and trims that had been displaced.

    Before the vehicle left Old Dalby in 2016 I removed the owner’s plate that was located on the Kitchen Door.  This plate has been on my stairs at home for almost 3 years doing nothing but gathering dust.  I saw fit to return it to its original location after a quick polish.

    Ross fitted locks to the doors so we can secure the vehicle for our use

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    The final task for the whole weekend was to reinstate the vacuum hoses, again found in the tidy up.  Having looked under the vehicle we knew at this stage it would only be a through-pipe but the main reason for refitting the hoses was to check its integrity. With Rothley’s vacuum test rig wound up the gauges dotted around the vehicle began to raise.  As can be seen in the images below 20 inHg was attained, this was seen on all gauges. A duplex in the slip end, one in the main saloon and the Guards gauge which was installed moments before the test.

    With the integrity of the through pipe confirmed next step is to reinstate the vacuum cylinders and hopefully we will have an operational vacuum brake.  But more on that next weekend.