The compressor was run from battery power on Saturday and run up to cut off at around 100psi. With help from a battery charger, the compressor was allowed to automatically cycle on and off maintaining the main reservoir pressure and allow basic checks on the air and braking system to be performed.
Leaks that had been noted the previous week on the Control Air Reducing Valve and No.1 Cab secondmans Straight Air Brake Valve have been rectified by the fitting of new seals procured during the week.
It has unfortunately not been possible to do much testing that required charging of the Air Train Pipe since the No.2 end buffer mounted valve and connecting pipe fell off during investigation into a major air blow from around the pipe last weekend! The pipe was found to be paper thin due to corrosion and will probably be subject to a contract repair.
However, it has been confirmed that the problems previously noted with the No.1 Cab drivers D&M FV3 Auto Air Brake Valve is still extant.
Advice on anyone who can repair these items or offer service exchange units would be gratefully received.
But never mind, the horns at No.1 end work so what more could you want!
There is some damaged pipework under the desk in No.2 Cab that will need to be replaced before the No.2 end horns can be tested.
Terry has managed to remove the large adjusting nut from the end of an Automatic Brake Slack Adjuster. It finally relented following attention from an angle grinder, cold chisel and large hammer! This has enabled the displaced internal circlip to be replaced and once the fine thread has been cleaned up and a new adjusting nut fitted should finally give us a full set of adjusters for the loco.
Tony T-B has now completed fitting the aluminium edging to the second set of cab floor panels.
Paul B and Dick H have been painting the inside of No.2 cab including the cubicle panels and fire bell dome!
The floor support framework has been given a coat of dark green gloss to provide extra protection and it is hoped that the new floor will be installed during the coming week to allow No.2 cab to be open to the public during the MTW.
The loco was moved into the shed on Saturday evening.
