Stretcher removal

 An old and not original stretcher needed to be removed and will be replaced with a more substantial one. First the main part was cut out using the plasma cutter and the 8 nuts & bolts, some of which needed heat to be released, were removed. Where the stretcher was attached to the frame there was signs of corrosion and this was needle gunned, ground clean and given the red oxide treatment. A couple of bolts had to be heated and hammered out.

Nick applying heat to a stubborn nut. Nuts were removed before we cut the stretcher out. My instrument of removal on stretcher.

 

The stretcher lying in the pit.

LH side with some corrosion to be dealt with.

Outside LH with bolts removed and cleaned.

Another stubborn bolt!

Bolts on RH side with corrosion still to be addressed.

RH side cleaned with flap disc. Alan, Keith and Nick in conversation.

I bet you couldn't do that again - wedge stuck in waybeam!

Buffers and hooks

 Good progress was made removing the buffers and draw hooks for examination and any repair work required. Slight damage to one buffer inner housing and a broken spring which will need replacing. Otherwise everything looks good. One bolt was reluctant to be freed and required heat and the rivet gun.

 

The one bolt that required heat, cutting off and the rivet gun teatment - bottom left!

Buffers at front of locomotive removed.

Front end - draw hook still to be removed.

Nick Thompson removing nut on draw hook.

After grit blasting old weld appeared.

Front end cleaned and protected.

Cleaned and protected.

Hooks, eccentrics, spring and buffers.

Buffers with spring - one waiting for a new one!