History Pages from website

During August, September and October 2009 Auto 169 was moved to Buckfastleigh on the South Devon Railway for work on the overhaul of the underframe, this page records the progress that we made.

26/08/2009

We have already undertaken several work days on 169 since its arrival at Buckfastleigh and the pictures below taken by Tony Brooks, illustrate some of the work already underway. These show progress up until Friday 21st with the removal of some plate work on the frames which so far has not revealed any underlying problems. A good start has also been accomplished with the general restoration of the framework and this should be complete and painted prior to returning to the WSR. Whilst the SDR work goes on we also continue to progress at Williton with work on the next section of flooring now being tackled

        

   

The framework under restoration at Buckfastleigh  21/08/2009 ( images © Tony Brooks)

07/09/09

Work being undertaken included replacement of the 'U' shaped gussets that support the front (cab end) buffer beam, the mainframe extensions between the front bogie pivot and the buffer beam. There is a strengthening plate along the outer frame in the area of the front bogie which is being replaced on the Left Side but is remarkably good on the Right side so will be virtually untouched.

The angled support brackets will be closely inspected and replaced as necessary and if time permits the 'Luggage end' framework will also receive attention. The tyre profiles were recently checked and were found to be virtually 'as new' so will probably not receive any attention at this time. A number of recent images are shown below of the work underway (07/09/2009)

  

                                                   New Bufferbeam Support Gussets

  

    L:Main frame replacement channel                                     R: General fame cleaning and painting

  

      L: Bufferbeam refitted and riveted                                    R:  Close up of riveting and Buffer fitting area

  

  L: Replacing rivets after checking for frame wastage       R: Inside frame following checking

© Tony Brooks

19/09/09 Frame Overhaul South Devon Railway

Today's work program included completing the 'Driving end' riveting work and continuing with the 'needle gunning' of the remaining frames in the front half of the vehicle. Painting of the cleaned steelwork continued along with some of the soon to be fitted steel floor support plates. The images below show some of the work in progress today.

  

  L: Rivet heating, James in charge                                        R: Riveting stuff, Ray Lee and Ian Salt 

  

   L: Tony Brooks sits and paints                                             R: New riveting work is  discussed

  

   L: Newly painted Front buffer beam awaits it buffers              R: Riveting and first paint completed

  

L: James Auton at work welding the frames                R: James stops to acknowledge the crowds 

© John Wood/Raymond Lee 

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