Hanging on the brakes!

Work begins on refurbishing smaller parts of the loco

Two of the brake cross members of the brake rigging - Photo: Tom Murphy

A good start was made on the parts that go to make up the brake rigging on the loco this weekend, starting with the rear cross beam.  This was thoroughly cleaned by a couple of volunteers who have worked their way through to membership of the railway via the 9F Club, our club for youngsters who want to come to the railway and get their hands dirty without Mum being too upset!  The picture above shows the beam in "before" condition waiting to be worked upon.

The brake cross beam following cleaning by Paul Booth - Photo: Tom Murphy

The surface rust and minor corrosion was removed using wire brushes and "emery" paper to produce a good bare metal surface ready for the application of a good coat of red oxide primer. this took a considerable effort and thanks must go the the lads for their hard work.

Paul applies the paint - Photo: Tom Murphy

A good coat of red primer was applied to all of the cleaned surfaces of the beam to protect it whilst it is in storage.  Nearer the time the parts are needed for erection onto the locomotives frames, a minor clean up will take place, followed by another coat or two of primer before the final paint work is done.

Finishing off - Photo: Tom Murphy

 A job well done by the lads, this sort of work can be quite tedious, but is a vital part of the restoration process which results in such splendid results turned out by the Bluebell Railway.  Without the firm foundations provided by this type of dedication, the paint jobs on the locos would be nowhere near as good as those that are turned out.

If you would like to be involved with this vital work, please drop an E Mail to thefenchurchfund@gmail.com for further information.