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Restoration diary

Reports of restoration work on 50029 and 50030.

Compressors update

Compressors update

Our medium term goal is to restore 50030 to a state where the Diesel engine can be started up and the locomotive's systems checked. To this end we are concentrating on both the power unit and generators plus the air and vacuum systems. We already have an overhauled vacuum exhauster in secure, heated storage off site and we have a number of compressors in our spares stock. A Class 50 has two compressors: one supplies the compressed air to operate the switchgear in the locomotive's electrical cubicle and the air brakes on the locomotive itself. The other supplies air to the train brakes if hauling air braked stock. As part of the process of getting 50030 to a state where it can be fired up we recently took two of our compressors to our electrical contractor for examination and overhaul. This is part of our longstanding policy of putting completely reconditioned or brand new components into 50030 such that Repulse will be a reliable long term performer on the preserved line gala scene for many years to come. Progress at our contractors with the initial overhaul has been rapid and we expect to have an overhauled machine to remove to our secure storage very soon. Unfortunately the initial investigation revealed that one of the compressors we had chosen for overhaul had suffered water ingress damage which will make it very expensive to repair and we are in the process of working through our spares to find a replacement machine to submit for refurbishment. Click on any image for an enlarged view.

The main block of a class 50 air compressor, stripped down and partially overhauled.
The motor end of the compressor, as the overhaul progresses.
The compressor crankshaft. Note the surface rust from water ingress.
The electrical machine end of the compressor.
The compressor body. This particular example has suffered water ingress over the years and we will probably use it only for parts to repair another of our compressors as it will be expensive to repair.
The compressor motor field windings overhauled.
Another view of the field windings of the compressor; the electrical end of the machine has been refurbished.
Another view of the refurbished electrical motor field windings of the compressor.
The compressor fan housing.
The compressor motor armature in the process of receiving overhaul.
Air compressor cylinder heads. Note the one on the left shows signs of water damage.
Work party report 10 March 2019
Work party report 21st April 2019

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Thursday, 14 November 2024

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