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Re-metalling of 47493's Eccentric Straps

Whilst 47493 visited the Mid Hants Railway, the Ropley works carried out the re-metalling of the locomotives eccentric straps prior to its spring gala appearance. Here are the pictures of the work being undertaken. 

6th February

The locomotive's eccentrics were delivered to Ropley two weeks before the engine. 47493 then followed on the 6th February. - Photo D. Skinner

8th February

The straps had the old white metal run out and were then placed in caustic soda and heated in it. The soda degreased and removed any remaining oil within the straps which would have prevented the new white metal sticking to them. - Photo www.watercressline.co.uk 

16th February

Here is a picture of 47493's cab in Ropley yard. The red bar on the reverser caused a fair amount of curiosity at Ropley MPD. It's used as a reminder for the loco crew when the driver is oiling up in between the frames or people are working around the engine. The reason for it being wired around the handle was due to the eccentrics still being removed. 

The straps were tinned in preparation for the white-metalling stage. - Photo www.watercressline.co.uk 

18th February

One of 47493's eccentric strap halves is seen following the pouring of the white metal into the chill. The process involved the use of a number of burners to ensure that the whole strap was kept at a regular temperature. Following this the metal was poured and then the burners were turned off. The strap was then cooled slowly, ensuring the white metal surface remained molten until last.

The second photo shows a close up of the strap and the chill. - Both photos Ray Sully - MHR

The same process was repeated for the remaining straps.

28th February

The following two pictures show one of the straps being machined to the final finish prior to fitting on the engine. The second picture shows one of the completed straps. - Photo www.watercressline.co.uk

After fitting to the engine, 47493 will undergo running in to ensure that everything is alright prior to its' gala appearance. This is scheduled for Monday 7th March.

Left:- And this is where the eccentric straps are located. One of the eccentrics can be seen just beyond the reversing shaft counterweight, as the shiny metal. - Photo www.watercressline.co.uk

7th March

47493 completed a number of test runs today from Ropley, first of all travelling towards Medstead and then down to Alresford. Reports suggest that everything was fine. A movie of its' first moves is available from the Mid Hants loco shed site or by clicking here.

Many of the pictures on this website supplied by Tony Wood - Mid Hants Railway Webmaster.

Last Updated 15th March 2005. ©M. Dives