D1048 Update

With D1013 and D1062 receiving most of the attention and focus during the year, a small group of WLA volunteers have been carrying out some initial assessments on D1048. Whilst most of this work has focussed on the electrical side, there is still a mechanical assessment to be carried out, where D1048 waits patiently for a space inside Kidderminster TMD. Until this happens, the WLA will not know for sure to what extent D1048 can be made to be operational again - and indeed, whether the Members will support (and fund) any plans to make this happen.

The work carried out so far has shown that "A" end Smiths overspeed box is corroded and is need of replacement and that there's a reasonable amount of brake pipework that is completely corroded and in need of replacement too. The condition of both "A" end engine and transmission is unknown and that the condition of the final drive which ran hot years ago on its trip to Cornwall is also unknown.

On the positive side, the initial electrical assessment has shown that “so far, so good” with no major concerns and that the known fault that caused an electrical issue some while back had been fixed. Testing had been done at 110 volts and out of 30 main wires, 5 were found to be faulty. The locomotive was safe to use on shore supply and the internal lighting circuits were operational. Some warning lights are now operating and also the fire bell. Further tests are due on the big cables leading to the BIS, which has required the cables to be disconnected from the batteries. It was recently noted that the fuel gauge was working and that the locomotive had 650 gallons of fuel.

One of the short-term objectives will be to try and get “B” end engine oil priming pump operational which would benefit the engine with lubrication, if working.

A new web site for D1048 is in the process of being developed, which should be up and running in the New Year, where further updates will be made.

A video showing D1048 coming back to life with warning lights and fire bell operational, can be seen below....!

Photo and video courtesy of Mike Tromans.