Engine Problems
M50455
No 2 Engine: Unfortunately M50455's right hand engine was unable to start on the morning of an Education Day special this month. Thankfully the set can still operate with two engines running (M50517's left hand engine is also currently isolated pending replacement). On further inspection the affected engine appeared seized with a very high level of oil. After removing some covers and each of the six fuel injectors there appears to be nothing wrong with the "top end" of the engine, suggesting something possibly more serious in the "bottom end". This will require the removal of the engine at some point, so the vehicle will be run on one engine for the foreseeable future.
Air Tank: A small tank that forms part of the control air system has been leaking resulting in a spare being obtained from Booth's scrapyard. The "new" tank has passed a pressure test (thanks go to Martin of the Staffordshire Type 4 group for doing this for us) and it will hopefully be fitted soon.
M50517
Replacement Engine: As reported last month the engine is nice & clean and ready for fitting, which is anticipated in early July. The "surprise" failure of M50455's engine will mean a second engine
swop in the near future. We have never needed to change an engine on the two vehicles in preservation (and 5 years service), so like busses, two appear to have come at once!
M59137
Bulkheads: The sanding has been pushed back as the recent hot weather has meant it is impossible to work inside M59137. However with major maintenance on the two power cars there has been plenty to be getting on with.
Heater Ducting: Roger (our welder) has now finished the last of the under floor ducting (an air intake box for one of the heaters), so that piece has been painted and is in the process of being fitted to the vehicle. As it is bolted on outside it is possible to fit it without being boiled by the sun!
Jumper Cables: All of these are now complete with the sprung mechanisms repaired where needed. Half sport black and half white. These have now been stored till they are fitted at the end of the restoration. At some point, miniature blue squares will be painted on them.
