Work is proceeding at a steady pace. The majority of the bodywork repairs are now completed with just the No.1 end nose section and a few other areas still outstanding. In addition extensive repairs have been made to corroded pipework and electrical conduit, also the Radiator Compartment has been cleaned and painted with equipment repaired as necessary.
Attention is now moving onto other areas of the locomotive. Earlier this year the buffers were removed and sent back to the manufacturer (Oleo) for refurbishment. These have now returned and been refitted.
Bogie brake cylinders have been removed and refurbished. The final three refurbished cylinders are on hand but remain to be fitted in due course.
The No.2 nose end has been stripped out and necessary repairs have been made. It is currently being thoroughly cleaned before being repainted. In addition all the machinery which is normally found in this compartment (Two Vacuum Exhausters, Traction Motor Blower) has been removed, stripped down and cleaned along with two fire bottles which have been weighed. These machines are now being painted and reassembled ready for installation once the nose itself has been repainted.
Many of the valves associated with the braking system are also located at No.2 nose end. These have all been removed and are in the process of being cleaned, painted and repaired as necessary before refitting.
Once the bodywork has been completed, the electrical control cubical, engine compartment and No.1 nose will be similarly dealt with, after which attention will turn to bogies and traction motors which will be thoroughly cleaned, inspected and repaired as necessary along with all the brake rigging.
Once all repairs are completed, a new set of batteries will be procured and the locomotive will undergo thorough testing before painting into final livery. This will ensure that after release into traffic, the North Norfolk Railway will be able to enjoy the services of the machine for many years to come.