The Task in hand!

Work on the overhaul of Austerity No9 started in June 2019. The blog was started in June 2021 so photos and text will be added as the work progressed through that period. Because of the Covid pandemic work was interupted during that time but the intention is to restore Austerity No9 to working condition as an N.C.B locomotive in blue. Work continues.............

30 August 2024

Brake shaft back in!

 A day to celebrate as the first major piece of the No 9 jigsaw is put back in place. The brake shaft was lanquishing in the shrubbery at the back of the Shed since its removal on the 3rd August last year. Needle gunned, primed, protected with a coat of light grey and greased up ready for its return to the frame, Alan Nick and I, with support from Rory on the telehandler, raised it up on the gantry and lowered it into place. Adjustments by podgers and the bolts were secured in place. The moment the shaft swung down on the bearings when I tightened the last nut was very pleasing and satisfying!


The brakeshaft bearing in the washer showing works number 7097 and NCB blue paint.

Nick steading the brake shaft as Alan lowers it into the frame. At this point it was the wrong way round and needed turning.


Adjustments with some podgers.

A couple of bolts in but still with support from the gantry.

The brake shaft has turned!

The reverser weigh shaft with one bearing that Robin made adjustments to.



Reaming in preparation for re-assmbly.

 The measuring continued and was completed successfully, including the axle boxes, allowing work to progress with their eventual refitting. The cylinder covers were examined and no "nasties" were found. Further cleaning, grit blasting, and painting took place and we moved on to reaming out all the holes in the frame, brake hangers, springs etc. With much appreciation from all of us Nathan produced a torque wrench with a multiplier to reduce the speed needed to reem out the 50 plus holes which was accomplished. Robin Taylor will make all the new pins as the existing ones were to say the least, loose. A couple of videos are available in this section to watch the reeming of both frame and springs.

A separate section will follow next on the re-installation of the brake shaft on the 29th August by Alan, Nick and myself, ably assisted by Rory on the Tele-handler.

Alan measuring the axle box.



No "nasties" found in the front cylinder box covers.

Cleaned out and ready for grit blasting and protecting.

Hand reaming was brutal and only 2 holes were achieved.

Reaming out spring hangers on the vertical drill.

Springs being reamed.- 15 on these alone.

Brake shaft and weight shaft needle gunned and primed. These were lying out side at the back of the Shed since being removed last August.

Cylinder and slide valve covers protected.