Lockdown!

As we all have probably heard the country is pretty much on lockdown and this is, sadly, no different now at the GWsR. Not only have all services been cancelled but access is now restricted and so no work can be conducted on the locos until furhter notice.

Lucky, then, that the last weekend was captured in some form. Special thanks goes to Alex Raybould who provided a brief overview and a number of pics to mark the last working day before shutdown.

First up, work was continuing on Class 26, D5343 and its leaking engine components. Having had the cylinders removed earlier in the month it was now the time to park the McRat under the gantry crane and lift out the liners. In a 12 or 16 cylinder loco this can be a really difficult task due to the clearances involved but the Class 26 has a 6 cylinder engine and a large roof hatch. This gives a reasonable amount of space to work in.

Andy, with the aid of the overhead gantry, eases a cylinder liner out of the Sulzer 6LDA28-A engine. (Courtesy of Alex Raybould) 

 Outside the loco the conditions were much more inviting!

Under a watchful gaze, and in some nice spring sunshine, Tony eases another liner to earth. Simon casts a quick glance over the first two to be removed. (Courtesy of Alex Raybould)

Elsewhere, the ongoing restoration and overhaul on Class 47, 1693 passed a major milestone. After putting bits and pieces back together you always wonder whether it will still work. I remember the anticipation and nervousness of watching D6948 fire up for the first time after its resotration! 1693 was also dragged out into the sunshine so that this could happen (hopefully the vid works! Courtesy of Alex, again).....

1693 is allowed outside to enjoy the sun. (Courtesy of Alex Raybould)

According to Alex this was the 3rd start up for 1693 and, judging by the video, everything has gone to plan. Certainly sounds like a Class 47! For Alex, it wasn't all photos and videos. He, along with Harrison (another graduate from our Youth Group), got to clean some of the older rocker heads. A great job when the weather is warm but not so much if its chilly!

(Both courtesy of Alex Raybould)

What will happen from here is anyone's guess. Hopefully things will rectify quickly and we can get back to maintaining nd running these fine locos.

As an aside, the enforced shutdown means that some of our capital projects have had to be put on hold. One of the major works ongoing through the shutdown is the repair to the major slip at Gotherington. With no money being generated it means that the railway is short of the final sum to complete the work. An emergency appeal has been put out on the GWSR web page and on social media asking for help. You can get more information of the appeal here. Every little helps, as they say!