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1st February 2012
News Release....
The Northampton Type 2 Group are pleased to announce that our Class 27 D5401 has been requested to attend the Swanage Railway 7th Annual diesel event on May 11th - 13th 2012. We are greatful to the Swanage Railway for the invitation and hope we that can help be part of this amazing event which in recent years has become one of the corner stones in the diesel preservation events circuit held at various private railways around the country.
The Swanage railway website to their diesel event page - Link All updates regarding this years event are posted on this page.
10th January 2012
Happy New Year to you, we hope 2012 brings you luck and good fortune.
Another brief round up of goings-on in the NT2G since the last update.
D5185 (25035) Castell Dinas Bran
Yet more disconnection work has been undertaken in the engine room and more pipework and smaller fixtures and fitting taken home with a view to degrease, inspection and paint before storage ready to be fitted one day. The storage/workshop has required more work than originally hoped so this is taking longer than expected, however progress is still being made with a view to removing the aux machines in the next few months and these items will be inspected/cleaned/serviced/painted in our storage/workshop container.
D5401 (27056)
During December 2011 the Cl27 successfully completed 3 days on Santa Special services (TnT with steam) without fault. Since adjustments were made to the govenor/load regulator before the Xmas period the performace of this machine has had a noticable improvement, with the output power hunting only noted past 3/4 handle to FULL. Plans are still afoot for the spare govenor to be inspected and repaired once our groups storage/workshop container is up and running.
Cab No2 is finally beginning to receive some long overdue TLC from one of our groups members, it was last painted in 1993 so it is well overdue.
January 15th sees the Cl27 out on service trains once again to join the celebration of the GCR resident Cl31 reach its 50th birthday, our Cl27 is also 50 years old during 2012 but it is hoped this date will be marked with a small event later this year with the GCRs blessing.
7th November 2011
Another few months have flown by again and its time for another update of progress on the groups steeds.
D5185 (25035) Castell Dinas Bran
As mentioned before in the last update plans were being put together to form our "attack" on this loco. One pivot action needed to be in place before we started any major work and this is one of storage. With so many large items to remove from the loco for attention/overhaul we required some undercover accomdation of these parts so they can be worked on. To this end discussions took place with the CME of the GCR and an agreement has been reached where our group have been given use of some storage/workshop space belonging to the GCR until such time as space is made avaliable for our own purchase workshop/storage building. But in the mean time this "new" storage space requires some tender loving care before we move in. Hopefully this should be done by Xmas
However some progress has still been happening on the Cl25, the spare combined pump pulled from our spares pool has been fully overhauled to a high standard and awaiting fitment (pictures on gallery) also a day has been spent on disconnecting and labelling wiring on the aux machines that are due to be lifted early in the new year. More disconnecting/ unbolting work will take place before any lifting of parts will commence.
D5401 (27056)
Since the last update a test run was completed on August 20th and confirmed the overhauled generator and the assembling work taken place was sound with no signs of leaks/vibrations so this another job off the list.
The loco re-entered service prior to the September diesel gala event, to date the loco has been operated on passenger services on 6 days with some 3/4 days of Xmas running booked as well. A upto date list of work has been drawn up and we have started to attend to these outstanding jobs required to make the loco essentially "fault free"
One of the major jobs are to trace this long known about power hunting issue, after some extensive research it has been discovered the govenor currently fitted to the Cl27 is the incorrect type, coded 2A which is meant for Series A engines (ie Cl24 & Cl26 power units) while the power unit in 27056 is a B series production. Attention was given to our spare govenor (coded 2B for Cl25 & Cl27 power units) which received a inspection and minor cleaning work prior to installation. The replacement govenor was fitted and the loco fired up on Saturday 29th October, initial testing showed it appeared to be a good unit. The following day a test run was organised with the resident Cl20 as insurance, sadly the "good unit" proved to be troublesome and the test run was cut short. To enable the Cl27 to keep to its booked running over Xmas the original 2A unit has been refitted until some investigation on the 2B with possible repair where required.
Another job on the list is a brake cylinder seal has also started to "blow by" so a spare seal obtained and some proper Artic Pargon grease sourced (couresty of the SDDT at Soth Devon Rly) this unit will have a new seal fitted in the next week or so once again making the loco fully serviceable again.
A few more cab items have been removed for renovation at home over the winter with a view of fitting them early in the new year.
13th August 2011
Well its been a while since this website was last updated so it was felt it was about right to keep you good folk informed of the recent goings-on with our groups locos
D5185 (25035) Castell Dinas Bran
This loco is now offically stored after further investigation work to find the electrical fault initially pointed to TM No1 being very poorly. Suitable electrical cleaner was purchased and the motor brushboxes removed for cleaning with the TM then receiving a good wash out. This produced one shiny traction motor insides and the electrical meter was once again poked about and sadly the readings didn't change (hard down to earth) thoughts were then turned to looking at the cable run from the electrical cubicle to TM No1, after the floor panels were removed in the engine room we believe to have found the source of the electrical faults. A failed flexible water hose that runs over the top of the conduit run to Cab No1 and TM No1 & 2 appears to have filled up the conduit with coolant and with our current run of luck it is in a very difficult place to reach without considerable dismantling of the vacuum exhauster pumps and radiator group.
Once the GCR September diesel event (2011) is out of the way and sufficent storage space has been found we shall embark upon a "aux machines and traction motor deep clean and rewiring to Cab No1 " project. It is hoped once this is started it "should" take around 12-18 months to complete this project where the vacuum exhausters, combined pump and the Traction motor blower shall all be removed and serviced along with all four traction motors deep cleaned and serviced, which we hope once done this shall not have to receive any major attention for some years afterwards.
D5401 (27056)
After knowing the full extent of D5185 woes it was decided to return D5401 to serviceble condition first as it would be the "easiest" to achieve. By mid July several more days spent aligning the generator finally greeted us with success and the carcass was finally tightened down and deflection reading showed we have got the alignment within 1/2 thou on a complete rotation of the crankshaft. A few days later the turbocharger and intercooler were dug out of storage and fettled before refitting to the Class 27 in late July. Final pipework was refitted along with yet more new gaskets along with the anitfreeze refilling the coolant system. A battery charge later the combined pump was run to checks for leaks (the odd minor jubliee clip tightened as required), oil pressure reached 10PSI and all was looking good. John P finished the outstanding wiring jobs on the generator with a late sunday afternoon attempt to spin over the engine with the fuel rack shut was successful on 24th July.
Two weeks later the date had been set for a start of the power unit (7th August 2011) the aim was to start the power unit, conduct 2,5,10 minute bearing checks to see if they got warm or any signs of distress. So with all owners and group members present, cameras pointing at the loco and the oil,water, fuel pressures at the correct level the start button was pressed around 12noon with the power unit coughed into life like it was shut down the day before with little clag. Careful attention was paid to the generator and bearings. After 2 minutes the engine was stopped and an inspection of the bearings showed all was well, another start and ran the engine for 5 minutes with the same and then again with 10 minutes once more the same results.
Attention was turned to getting the loco to move, this wasn't quite so easy.... The day before (6th August) each relay was cleaned and checked to ensure little or no problems would occur, eventually sticky PC relay was found to be source of our problems (blue fault light when the power handle was moved to the On position) with a heathly but very high 2000Amps on the cab gauge....Hmmm....... a quick scan of the wiring diagram and a phone call to the home of baby Sulzers.. the SRPS soon traced the fault to the load regulator. Another start-up later and the power handle to the On position showed 300Amps..... Much better...... the loco then moved for the first time in 11 months around loughborough yard with a small amount of shunting aswell.
A well deserved beer (or two) was had last sunday night. Thoughts now are turned to a loaded test run on Saturday 20th August, we will let you know how it goes.
29th May 2011
D5185 (25035) Castell Dinas Bran
Sadly more detailed inspections of the power circuits to find this persistant electrical fault has found that Traction Motor No1 has "flashed over" but initial fault finding didn't suggest this was the cause so at this point no further tests done has shown any other fault. TM No1 has had the inspection cover removed and poking a meter about suggests we can savage the motor and conduct repairs in situ, to this end the brushboxes has been removed for cleaning and the cables from the cubicle disconnected ready for testing. Also the decision has been made that detailed inspections/cleaning of the three remaining TMs will also be conducted as part of this repair
This is a time consuming process for a small group and will take time to complete so any booked running in the short term is highly unlikely.
D5401 (27056)
Some more work has been spent on aligning the overhauled generator with the view that hopefully we can get this process finished soon and to be honest nothing worth taking a picture of as it looks the same at present. Other work hasn't stopped completely as the cab No1 repaint/repairs continue where various parts have been removed and taken home for renovation and refitted, pictures have been added to the above gallery to demonstrate what has been achieved in recent months with this project.
20th April 2011
D5185 (25035) Castell Dinas Bran
Unfortunately after some investigation and a test run last weekend it has been found the electrical fault is still present and it appears it will take some time to resolve. So the GCR has been advised D5185 is currently stood down from active service while we fix this problem.
D5401 (27056)
The generator re-alignment process still continues slowly, final adjustments are still required and then it is hoped to "bolt down" the generator and the next phase of re-assembly can start, but due to external circumstances work is slow and likely the entire re-assembly process to the point the Class 27 can be started will take some months yet, it is not wise to advertise a completion date as man power/time has been re-directed on to getting the Class 25 fully serviceable again.
2nd March 2011
D5185 (25035) Castell Dinas Bran
The loco remains in storage until the warmer weather is with us for a longer length of time, we have purchased a space heater recently and this is hoped to be used to enable the electrics to be dried out long enough for some testing to commence to recitify the electrical problem that plauges this loco. Assuming no major nasties are found the loco is hoped to be in service for the May GGCR diesel event.
D5401 (27056)
The generator overhaul was completed mid February and delivered/craned back into the loco on Feb 21st 2011, time is now being spent on re-aligning the generator and reconnecting all the electrics and so on. Also assuming we don't encounter any major stumbling blocks this is also hoped the class 27 "could" be returned to service by the May GGCR diesel event.
Please note neither of the locos are currently rostered for any running at the GCR yet as we are unable to confirm their fitness to run at this time.
18th January 2011
D5185 (25035) Castell Dinas Bran
Recently the locomotive was called to work two Santa Special trains mid-December, unfortunately during the first trip on the first day the Earth Fault Relay EFR decided to keep tripping and the loco lost power. The loco was failed by the crew and parked up at Loughborough for an inspection to find this fault a week later when people were avaliable. Due to the considerably harsh weather and cold conditions this made this task considerably hardwork and no motors or electrical equipment would give an accurate reading so it was decided to leave it until the warmer weather is with us again. It is likely that D5185 will no longer be a winter diesel in future as this is the second time this type of issue has plauged the locomotive.
D5401 (27056)
After the harsh winter conditions have left us it was a good time to have another go at cleaning the engine room where the generator use to live, many other smaller parts have been taken home and cleaned/painted ready for re-fitting. steps are now being taken to getting equipment/people ready to get the generator re-fitted during mid-February provided the overhaul work is completed. Recent progress on the generator is noted on the Overhaul Page
21st November 2010
D5185 (25035) Castell Dinas Bran
The locomotive has run only once or twice since the GCR September diesel event has passed. But the Class 25 remains fully serviceable and is avaliable for Winter running when required. Today the locomotive was taken to the shed area so the Anti-freeze can be topped up and a general examination of the underframe and other sundry items to ensure good running.
D5401 (27056)
The Class 27 is currently stood down from active service for a Generator Overhaul, and progress on the initial strip down and upcoming lift and overhaul is all recorded on the Class 27s overhaul page HERE . The batteries have been receiving the occasional charging session to keep some life in them while the are not required.
21st September 2010
A quieter time has been enjoyed by the group during the late part of the summer. Minor jobs have been filling our time lately to ensure the fleet stays in good health into the winter season (which unfortuately isn't too far away again!!!)
D5185 (25035) Castell Dinas Bran
The loco continues to enjoy trouble free running and has been used a fair amount this season. John Pepper has finally been able to replace the extremely worn-out headcode glass rubber on Cab No1 end which had been letting in rain water for sometime. The loco has been over a pit at regular intervals this season as the opportunity allows and as a result an agreement has been reached where the Class 25 has been deemed mechanically fit for 45mph workings on some external railway contracts which usually require mileage accumlation running on various wagons. Another two GCR diesel drivers have been qualified to drive the Class 25 during the September diesel gala so this makes the loco the most likely to be used out of our fleet.
D5401 (27056)
The Class 27 returned to traffic for the Mixed Traffic Event during August after much time was spent tracing an oil pressure fault, which turned out to the pressure reflief valve being stuck open. Also a Water Pump Contractor was borrowed from the SRPS diesel team and this mean't John Pepper (our resident electrical bloke) wasn't under a large amount of pressure to repair the failed coil. I can successfully now say the repair work done is superb and the original contactor refitted and tested. I also spent a couple of days sitting on the roof removing corrosion and rubbing down the roof ready for a repaint, which was completed before the diesel event. It now looks considerably improved and painted into the correct Rail Grey spec.
The loco ran the August Mixed Traffic event fault free and three days of the September diesel gala also fault free.
Some months ago the group had an expert conduct a indepth inspection of the locomotives generator to determine a plan to best clean and ensure trouble free-running. This unfortunately threw up a couple of unexpected surprises for us as we thought the generator was in reasonably good condition just a bit dirty inside. However it was soon pointed out various work would be required and this meant lifting the unit out and sending it away for overhaul. Once again quite a blow for the group and as a result we decided to continue running the loco until after the September diesel event and then stop the loco until this overhaul is done. We feel the work may take upto 12 months and completely clear-out our account but at least the generator will be in sound condition for many years to come.
So the loco has been stood down from active service for 12 months and work has started on dismantling the intercooler and turbocharger ready to be lifted and stored. I have started a webpage which will show progress as it happens and regular updates are hoped to be posted to keep you informed, the link is on the frontpage.
11th July 2010
Well what a busy month we have had..... trips to Yorkshire and Kent with both of our groups fleet. They were both extremely successful events but times change and move on so they are both back at the GCR and we have gone straight into their events, much running still to be had by both machines in the coming months.
D5185 (25035) Castell Dinas Bran
The trip to the KWVR in early June was by all accounts an excellent event, part of the ELR diesel fleet were also guest locos and together it some spectacular workings. 25035 and 25059 was a main highlight of the event also 25035-37901 and 25035-33109, the loco held its own (certainly cleaned out a cobweb or two with their steep gradients) and pretty much completed its hire stint with no faults to hinder in service. Although it has been notice the wheelslip detection system stopped working during the event but it didn't cause any headaches. This has been looked at and minor repairs done so all is well again, the roof paint is looking quite tired now so time is going to be spent preparing and giving it a fresh coat of BR rail grey during this summer period. The loco has just completed another two days of running at the GCR type 2 weekend with no problems so on to the next event.....!!!!!
D5401 (27056)
Two weeks later and the Class 27 was also on a lorry heading south to deepest darkest Kent. I am to believe the KESR don't really hold diesel events to often so this was a real honour for our group to be requested for a short hire stint to their railway. Very much a "light railway" and much time has been spent by the volunteers/paid staff to ensure its exactly the way it was when in BR days, an amazing place to visit. The 27 was the star guest and the recent turbocharger change was very much a good move from our groups point of view, mainly the 1in39 gradient into Tenterden station with 5 coaches (about 170 tons) in tow also cleaned out any cobwebs in that
locos exhaust. Unfortunately on the sunday of that event the loco unexpectly shutdown at the top of Tenterden bank, it was successfully restarted and ran the remainder of the event as expected. Once back at the GCR time was spent investigating the shutdown and it has been traced to a faulty water pump contactor coil, another blow for the group was when we discovered we don't have any replacement parts for that type of contactor so the loco has been rendered unserviceable until this coil is repaired which is going to take a week or two. This meant the loco missed it booked running at the GCR type 2 event, can't win them all........ hopefully the loco will be back up and running by the next event in two weeks time.
9th June 2010
As you can see the website that held 27056 (D5401) lastest "goings on" has under gone a temporary change to the Northampton Type 2 Group website. This will remain the same until such time a brand new website have been created.
But this seems unlikely to happen in the short term future as there is much happening within the group this month
D5185 (25035) Castell Dinas Bran
Lately the locomotive has put in some sterling performances at the GCR and out of the groups two locomotives it certainly is the loudest!!
Time has also been spent in cosemtic repairs and add ons. Most noticeable is the application is minature yellow warning panels, these have been done in ready for its short vacation to the Keighley Worth Valley Railway over the weekend of 11th - 13th June 2010. As I write this the Class 25 has been loaded onto a lorry and is making the journey northwards up the M1 motorway. Other work is the continuing comestic overhaul of Cab No1, this hasn't been touched since the early 1990s and the decision was taken to go back to bare metal and start again. As you can guess this is a vaery time consuming job and is difficult while the locomotive is still in active service.
D5401 (27056)
Today finally all the relevant folk were on site and a gap in the GCRs extremely busy timetable was taken advantage, so a test run was arranged to see if the replacement turbocharger has cured the low power fault affecting the locomotive since its private ownership in 1987....... I can report it we had a very successful test run light engine movements to Rothley and back, Once various shunting duties were preformed to ensure D5185 was safely at the low loading point. Unfortunately the earlier mentioned flexible water hose pipe that was suspect starting leaking a little too much for our liking so this needs replacement before the locomotives "holiday" to the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Other items include the continuing overhaul of Cab No1 fixture and fittings, the secondman desk is now back in one piece and looking the part, there certainly is a big difference in looks between cabs at present (Cab No2 completely untouched at present). The external yellow warning panels will under go a repaint shortly as they were applied quickly 3 years ago for a photo charter and since have faded quite nicely.