Today saw the final push to get 714 back together, First job saw all the relays and contactors get a good clean and spray of magic electrical stuff apparently. The old oil and filters removed and new oil put in after a good check around to make sure nothing was amiss. Then the moment of truth a start! She started cleanly and ran like a dream, took power in both directions, the aux system worked as advertised, as did the brake system. She moved under her own power around Lough

A dry day and with good numbers meant a big day was ahead of us! The water pump was put on, the coolant topped up and some good old oil put in to test the system and flush various pipes. The oil system was primed, air removed after pipes had been taken off, oil pressure was good. The water level was holding so we pressed start! All was good she started, a few niggles after 4 damp months so we shut down, cleaned up a few contractors and tried again. This time the aux system ki

So in unusually dry conditions for a change albeit a bit chilly, work continued on the water and oil systems! The overhauled oil cooler was refitted along with its associated pipework, the overhauled water pump was put on the loco ready for next Saturdays working party, the contaminated oil was removed as well. During a small few breaks, 714 got a bit of a clean, you can clearly see by looking at the nose end what's clean and what isn't... Next week, the water pump will be re

Weekend Update D6700 has been the main focus this weekend, still undercover at Swithland, her B exam was successfully started. A lot of progress was made, such as the checking over of electrical components, oil and coolant level checks, lighting checks and so on. So far all good! Regarding 37714, she remains up at Loughborough with the rest of the diesel fleet. We are hoping to start putting her back together now the overhauled oil cooler and water pump are back at base this

Next week we go and collect the overhauled water pumps and oil cooler, once they're back at Loughborough they will be refitted. The contaminated oil will be drained and everything cleaned. Some old but good oil will be used to run up the engine and confirm all is well. This will then be drained, new oil filters fitted and new oil put in. Then we will disconnect everything ready for the 714 to go to Loram for its traction motor change! 6700 is the focus with the start of its B