A fantastic week at the SGLR with many milestones reached.
Hibberd 4008 reborn, and the completion of the loop above Recreation Ground
Station to name a few.
News from the Permanent Way team, after much planning and
work the passing loop near Sandy Lane Crossing, yet to be named was completed
at long last. A test with ZM32 this afternoon proved whether it could work with
the heaviest locomotive currently on our books – passing with flying colours.
After the hammer was let off completing the loop, it was ploughed back on down
the branch, levelling irregularities in the track bed and track height.
More news from the front, this time from Motive Power. With
only two guys in working on 4008 (Rob and Joe), pressure was on to get 4008 fit
for its first run in more than 40 years – no mean feat for the lads. With the
little niggles with pipe work they soon became proficient in the art of dealing
with leaks, small and large, good and bad. Finally by lunchtime, with all leaks
sorted, fuelled, watered and oiled up, it was ready for the first trial. System
bled – or what was thought, it turned out, pointed out by the ZM32 team, the
fuel pump bleed screw was yet to be bled, and the decompression lever bedded
down. Back in the shed she went, finally, after a two hour struggle, the moment
of truth, was all the hard work over the past day and 5 months going to have
been worth it? Cranking handle at the ready, the engine was turned over and as
if like magic, the single cylinder started to fire and take hold! After many tweaks
the engine was running at its tick over speed, purring and thumping away. Now,
about that gearbox and clutch, perhaps some brakes as well! The inaugural
running of the engine was applauded by all!
Although a mainly damp day, much satisfying work was
completed, as has been shown. In the world of the SGLR anything is possible!
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| Best ideas come when drinking tea! |
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| The inaugural test |
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| ZM32 at the loop |
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| 4008 running at Steeplehouse |
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