Abbey Light blog

Today it was pouring down with rain, so we didn't rush about getting the train out, as there simply was nobody about. at about 2 'o'clock the rain eased, and some trains were ran. Druid was the motive power, and ran without faults.
Last Monday Atlas suffered a hot axlebox. Today we set about fixing it. This involved jacking and packing up the front end of the loco and removing all of the axlebox seen below. What had happened is the springs that hold a lubricating pad against the bottom of the axle had broken with age. Luckily, we had a brand new one to hand and the axlebox was cleaned out and the replacement fitted. We put Atlas on the passenger train at the end of the day and it seems OK now. It still runs a little warmer then the other 3 axleboxes, but apparently this is not a problem and is because of some water damage to the end of ther axle from when it was stored out of use at Alne tile works.

Atlas on the top end of the passenger train. It got fixed quickley because it is such a good, useful and powerful engine. It hauls the passenger train even with Druid on the rear end as though theres nothing there. It could just do with a cab on wet days like today though.

We didn't take many passengers today, as the weather was so bad. But we did take some so it was worth running.

Meanwhile, the O&K progresses. The front body section has been removed to aid the refitting of the engine oil level filler/indicator.

The new gearbox sump has recieved it's first coat of paint, and for the first time looks like part of the locomotive. It only need a small modification (i'm told) before it is complete. Then the axlebox wants taking apart and cleaning of debris from the building of the sump, and the whole thing can be assembled for good.