October

M50455 & M50517

M50455/M50517 were in service operating passenger trains (on two engines) down the closed Oakamoor section on the 10th October. This was a late decision which was unfortunately unable to be advertised on the web. M50455 has received some repairs including sealing a leaking roof vent and patch painting a section of interior ceiling that had been water damaged as a result. Some external painting has also been done to both vehicles to cover some paintwork that has flaked off this year. The guards have wasted no time in recording said paintwork in the fault books this season! The set is due in traffic for the last time for 2009 on the weekend of 14th/15th November for the railway's "Anything Goes" gala (more details on the CVR Website).

Engine Rebuild

After two months work, the end would appear to be sight for the M50517 No1 engine saga! Rebuilding work is now well advanced with all components and associated pipe work now fitted to the engine on its pallet. Towards the end of the most recent working day the engine was turned over and oil pressure recorded but due to issues with fuel a start-up was not possible. Our aim remains to have the engine fitted in time for the railway's "Anything Goes" gala, therefore returning the set to three engines. It is hoped to test and then fit the engine over the next two weeks.

M59137

Work on the centre car remains "relaxed" as the team are currently divided over the engine rebuild and G.U.V. W86500. However big visual changes have taken place most notably the application of the first coat of varnish on the interior bulkheads which has transformed their appearance. The images really don't do them justice.

The heater ducting has now been riveted together into their final sections and the holes cut where the hot air will be blasted into the saloons. We made use of the original "lips" that went around the holes, attaching them to the front of the new ducting. They have been placed in their final positions (loosely) as they cannot be secured in place until insulation has been fitted behind them. However excepting this final sealing into place, these ducts are now complete.

The alloy luggage rack backing has also been fitted the full length of the vehicle. Although pristine when refurbished in April a few months stacked on top of each other has resulted in some fresh marks. However they will be polished up at a later date and still look good in position.

Both of the heaters are now fitted to the vehicle after returning from refurbishment. They will hopefully be seen "in action" once the wiring has been put back together next year.