back issues
ISSUE 84 - FEBRUARY 2003
Saturday 15th March is the deadline for Issue 85 of The Railcar. Submissions to editor@railcar.co.uk.
TRA
NIR 1491 - TORQUE ARM REACTION LINK DEFECT
On a Network Rail 101 the torque arm, the arm that connects the final drive casing to the bogie chassis, became detached. The failure was of the reaction link, the india rubber mounting that absorbs any reaction/movement of the final drive (torque arm).
The link is basically an india rubber buffer (x 2) mounted between two cups held in place by a steel pin at one end and by a castellated and split pinned nut at the other.
The fault in this case was that the split pin had either broken or was not in place, such that the castellated nut fretted along the threads and finally allowed the threaded shaft to pull through. The torque arm collapsed and, on a Class 101 only, came to rest on the brake rigging. If the drive had been reversed the torque arm would have swing upwards and, most probably, gone through the floor!!
The most common way to see if there is play in the torque arm is to listen when either forward or reverse drive is selected. If a distinct thump is noticed chances are that there is wear in the torque arm steel pin. These do wear after a certain time. Similarly the india rubber bushes do also wear after a time.
I would suggest that VMI job 252 should be carried out on all torque arms ASAP, especially on in service vehicles.
The pins can be made by any competent engineering firm, Brett Rogers of TMA Engineering on 0121 328 1908, is a good start.
The india rubber buffers I have not had the need to purchase any, yet.
Ian McDonald, W55003 Group
SUPPLIERS
CARDAN SHAFTS Kevin Dowd has told us that "GKN" in Leek, Staffordshire (Sorry, no contact details) will make brand new cardan shafts (Freewheel to G/Box input) for £318:41. They are fully tested/certified to GO/RT standards. Last year Railpart in their "super discount sale" last year were after in the region of £600 for these!
HEATERS I've come across a couple of heaters that have had to have the little flexible cardan shaft between the motor and fuel pump replaced lately. Does anyone know of a source for these? Stuart Mackay
THROTTLE MOTOR SPRINGS There is interest in getting a batch of these nine-inch springs made, at a cost of approx. £4.50 each. Are any groups interested in purchasing these? Contact Stuart Mackay for details, 07974 565 243.
PRESERVATION
WICKHAM Wall panels are now being fitted to the power car, including the guards van which is painted alloy sheets. New heater ducting has been made and fitted to this vehicle.
In five hours one Sunday two engines, two gearboxes, two radiators, two fuel tanks and three air tanks were fitted! Work has progressed connecting up all there items.
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The No.1 engine being ratcheted up on the fitting chain. This engine came of the vehicle and has been fully overhauled, the No.2 engine has been acquired from Shoeburyness. |
Almost all the new wiring is in place, just awaiting joining at the four junction boxes. The fifty through wires and all jumper and heater wires replaced.
The reupholstered first class seat bases / backs have been delivered, in original pattern moquette. A sample casting for a luggage rack bracket has been received, the racks are all being made from scratch.
- If you can help any of the following groups with their needs or information, please e-mail us at editor@railcar.co.uk
FOR SALE
Pressed Steel Heritage have surplus items for disposal -Four AC203 alternators - £100 each or swap for AC8s. Two ex-Class 116 vertical silencers, £50 each. Contact Mervyn Rogers 01277 623141
Injectors - New injectors for Leyland 680 engines. BR part no. 15-77004. £18 each plus postage/carriage. Contact David Aldridge (55000) 01626 879453.
Class 121 DTS 56285 - The body and running gear are in good order but the brake cylinders are missing and the inside needs the fittout completing. Contact Chris Osborne at c_osborneuk@yahoo.co.uk
WANTED
Heater control boxes - some 'all in one' large control boxes required for the cabs of the Wickham unit. Evan Green-Hughes evangreenhughes@ic24.net