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.............

12 July 2025

Wheelsets on!

 On the 9th and 10th July 2025, Austerity No 9 (Works no 7097) was reunited with her wheelsets. On Wednesday her frame was moved from 2 road in the Engine Shed to the C&W shed and raised on the jacks with sufficient clearance to allow the wheels to be rolled under. On Thursday the horn guides and brake hangers were oiled and greased.The wheels were delivered by the Plasser & Theurer crane to the doorway and each set rolled under the frame. Lots of checking by Nathan to make sure everything was in the correct position prior to lowering the chassis. Each axle had a person checking to make sure that it correctly slotted into the horn guide. Keith Holyland was in charge of the jacks and the process was completed smoothly. The rolling chassis was then moved back to the Engine Shed, paying particular attention as she rolled over points. One comment was overheard "she's running very smoothly". More work will continue allowing the coupling rods to be attached.  See video page for movements to and from the work. Huge thanks to all involved both on the day and in the preparation. A timelapse video has been added.

The space No 9 has occupied for sometime - empty!

 
Frame raised - bogies and chain pull still in place.

Ready for her wheelsets.

Wheelsets in place. Photo from Nick Thompson.

Nathan checking everything is ready - Shed Dog Nigel checking on Dad!

Down & free of the jacks.

Wheelsets back in place and ready to roll!



Outside C&W.

The crew! Brian Thomson, Nick Thompson, Nathan Lightowler and Nigel, John Bratchell-Hunt, Roddie McRae, Alan French, Keith Holyland, Brian Warrender and Colin Boyd.

Alan French keeping an eye on the movement over points.

4 July 2025

Preparation for re-wheeling

 One of the last things that we want to do once the wheelsets are back on No 9 is to paint the frames behind them! This is awkward to say the least and near impossible to do it properly so all frame surfaces and any that face the frames have been given the top coat of midnignt blue. All the steps are ready to go back on and the sandboxes are already on, again with the facing surfaces finished. We also have white metalled the big ends, brake cylinder attached to shaft, primed the original cab sides and put a top coat of signal red on the coupling rods which will go on at the same time as the wheels. Again thanks to all who helped. The next post will hopefully see a running chassis!

Left hand cab side primed.

 
Alan & Nick examining the old bunker angle - to be replaced!

New bunker angle.

Brake cylinder attached to brake shaft.

Left and right leading coupling rods - of course!

Heating the big end bearing so that the new white metal will bond.

Big end bearings white metalled.

Left hand frame with top coat and sandbox. Ready for wheelsets!

2nd coat of signal red on driving coupling rods on the 3rd of July.