New tyres for 'Thomas the Tank Engine' at the Watercress Line (2002-2003)
See how it's done
| Thomas had his wheels removed for
re-tyring
He's now fully fit and at his best at our Easter Thomas event
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31st March 2003: Thomas is "nearly" back together again after having new tyres and axleboxes fitted. A bit of white-metalling on his big-ends, blueing-in and bolting-up, and he'll be fitter than ever and ready to beat Douglas in the races* over Easter. Not to be missed! *More movies
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| 21st March 2003: Driving axle
of Thomas sinks slowly into the
wheeldrop
John Dunkerley, Clive Holliday, Neil Davis, and Frank Boait wait
Thomas was towed into place with the Class 11 shunter, and the axle was raised into position Later, with all wheels installed but without rods, Thomas was shunted up and down the yard. The bearings stayed cool
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 Keith
Hoddy outside, John Dunkerley underneath |
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| 18th March 2003:
Inside the shed, Neil Davis and Ian Kirby fit Thomas's axleboxes and springs Photos (18th March 2003): Tony Wood |
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| 12th March 2003: In final paint, with
eccentric straps assembled
Axles have had non-destructive tests by magnetic particle inspection Photo (12th March 2003): Tony Wood |
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| 24th February 2003:
Neil Davis was lining the new axleboxes. Here he's heating the 'chill' ready to pour in molten white metal Photo (24th February 2003): Tony Wood |
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| 19th February 2003:
Frank was setting up one of the new Thomas axlebox crowns on the vertical borer. The top is facing Frank Photo (19th February 2003): Tony Wood The crowns fit into the axleboxes Bubs is currently machining on the slotter |
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| 17th February 2003:
Thomas's wheels have returned, with new tyres fitted. |
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| 7th February 2003:
Eccentric straps for Thomas 's Stephenson valvegear have been re-metalled and are ready for machining. (Yes, there is another one somewhere) |
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| 4th December 2002:
Clive Meech, Neil Davis and Julie Doel were removing the axleboxes and eccentric straps |
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| Frank Boait measured and noted dimensions (The eccentrics drive Thomas's Stephenson valvegear)
Engineering Manager's illustrated report on the removal of Thomas's wheels |
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| Thomas's axleboxes and eccentric straps Photos (4th December 2002): Tony Wood |  |
| 15th November 2002:
Thomas's connecting rods have been disconnected at the big ends ready for his wheels to be removed for re-tying. This view is underneath Thomas, looking rearwards. Note the four eccentric straps (between the crankpins) for the Stephenson valvegear Photo (15th November 2002): Tony Wood
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| 28th October 2002:
You can see the difference now that Diesel (the Mid-Hants' 08) has had new tyres fitted |
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| 'Thomas' is next for the same
treatment
Two photos of wheels (28th October 2002): Tony Wood |
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Ropley MPD Engineering Manager's illustrated report on the removal of Thomas's wheels
Very
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