Our ‘new’ bogies have now been delivered to a private site away from Tunbridge Wells for a full overhaul. Chris, Dan, Rob and myself all had a week off from work last week in order to get the bogies stripped down. With the aid of a telehandler we managed to remove both spiders and all 6 traction motors, this was to prove no mean feat without a pit! I’m sure everyone will agree that they were looking forward to going back to work for a rest after this week!

Now that the bogies were partially stripped, this revealed not only years and years worth of brake dust, rust and sandite but a few cracked welds also! These were mainly on rubbing surfaces such as horn guides and side bearers, these are all made from manganese and thus will require specialist welding. We are now investigating the best methods of bogie cleaning and specialist painting. Sandblasting or high pressure water jetting are looking like good contenders at present. Once the bogies have been thoroughly cleaned a detailed inspection of all welds will be carried out before repairs take place.

We are now looking into getting all 8 dampers overhauled and all spring rubbers, bearers etc replaced. This is not to mention brake rigging overhaul, traction motor cleaning and inspection, wheelset removal and so the list goes on…

A few jobs will be carried out on 254 this week in readiness for next months bash!

Please see photographs below and keep checking back for our regular updates…