Update Summer 04
With the roof hoisted up our local yard shunter Mavis was summonsed to tow 149 under the gantry. Our thanks to George Forest, and his mates in the loco department, for their co-operation.
Eventually on the 25th April 2004 the skies were clear and we were in business to place the roof back onto the loco.
After an extended period of non activity on the loco due to not being able to work within the confines of the shed the loco was removed from on 18th April 2004 along with the roof panel, as seen in the photo ready for replacing on loco the following day. However, due to weather conditions this was postponed and work resumed inside the loco.
With the roof finally in position this view shows Matt Thomas releasing the straps with the roof home and dry. However, this view doesn’t tell the full story as we cannot secure the roof down until we have sourced a field divert resistor frame which needs to go above the electrical cubical. We also need a resistor to complete resistor frame no.1. When these are resolved we will secure the roof down and declare the ETH section finished. If anyone can help with these components please could they get in touch with us via the email link on this site?
We had promised, in our last up-date, to bring views of our completed cab but as mentioned elsewhere the work on this was postponed due to the loco being caught up in the shed problem so work on the cab isn't quite finished. We probably won't be showing views of the cab for some time, as it is our intention to hopefully allow visitors to see it during one of our forthcoming diesel galas.
This view shows some of the restoration team preparing for the removal of the pistons and liners on one bank. We now have six overhauled cylinder heads and it is our intention is to pull six pistons and liners from the side you are looking at during August. The pushrod tubes and associated equipment have now all been removed in preparation for this. Many engine components have been cleaned up and are now stored prior to being refitted.
This is now the last big project on 45149, if anyone would like to get involved and help out to get the loco running quicker please contact the group via the link on this site. Alternatively you could make a donation or become a member of the group, as this project requires a significant cash injection.
Mike Pember
After an extended period of non activity on the loco due to not being able to work within the confines of the shed the loco was removed from on 18th April 2004 along with the roof panel, as seen in the photo ready for replacing on loco the following day. However, due to weather conditions this was postponed and work resumed inside the loco.
