News, 10 November 2023
News, 10 November 2023
Essential parts for driving the loco, these two master controllers have been cleaned and prepared for painting. Absolutely standard EECo KM26 controllers these will go back on the loco unmodified once complete. One has had all the cable removed and one has it still to be removed. There is no point in leaving any old cable in place for any component or equipment - it's completely useless, except for weighing in to go towards the cost of new cable.
The upper, longer handle is the power handle which sets driver demand by setting air pressure via a regulator valve fitted to the lower part of the assembly. No pressure = 0 power demand, engine idle. Full pressure (3bar, 45psi) is full demand, full engine speed. The lower, shorter handle is the master switch which is locked at 'Off' by a key. The master switch has three operational positions, Reverse (go backwards), Forward (yup, you guessed) and Engine Only. Engine Only energises the circuits necessary to start the engine, prime the oil system and hold the DSD ('deadman') live so that you can take your foot off the DSD pedal.
A new arrival (from our stores) is this compressor mounting stand. There are two compressors for the loco, one mounts direct to the floor and one mounts on top of this stand. Originally fitted in the nose end of the donor loco, this will go at no. 1 end of the loco between the cooler group and the cab. There are no modifications to be made to this; clean; paint; install.
The penultimate large hole in the bodyside has now been cut, this is for the dummy boiler water tank filler cover. The other side was done weeks ago and the installation of this now leaves only this side (B side, not A side, you can stop emailing me now - you know who you are) engine room door to go in next week.
