169 overhaul gets serious (again!)

As the original thread appears to have disappeared into the ether along with my original name I will start again.

Auto 169 is currently on a hurridly arranged visit to the SDR's Buckfastleigh workshops where work is progressing well on the renewal work and general frame cleaning and painting. As yet we have uncovered no unforseen 'nasties' and it is expected that work will be completed within the original 10/12 week timescale in order for it to return to The WSR to allow the first section to be rebuilt on the frames over the coming Autumn and Winter. Further updates and pictures are on www.auto169.co.uk.

John

 

Work on the frames continues to progress well (as do most things at Buckfastleigh these days) and as some work has not proven quite so onerous as originally expected we will probably have the opportunity to look at some other ancillary work during the brief stay. There are some recent pictures of the work on the revamped 169 website www.auto169.co.uk along with news of recent 'hardware' aquisitions and continued work on rebuilding the bodywork.

John

 

Further progress this week is reported with pictures at www.auto169.co.uk with frame repair work at the driving end almost complete.

John

 

nice to see the progress coming on .

just a question do u use laser alinment when fitting new frame parts and do u check frame twist aswell ???

 

Thanks for your interest.

I'll check with our engineers (I'm just the dogsbody and fund raiser) and let you know. I think its done via a series of measurements and datum points but I will confirm later.

Cheers, John

 

thanks it would be nice to compare how things are done on preserved lines as apposed to the mainline like im used to

garath

P.S. if u ever need a good mobile welder who specialise in railway vechiles i can get u a very good company that has coded welders

 

Gareth,
The frame work repairs/ renewals on 169 have been completed using a combination of accurate measuring, careful dismantling of old platework and experience in undertaking similar work, remembering that in 1927 and before, when these vehicles were originally constructed 'high tech' meant a 'sharp' pencil and a decent ruler.

Further good progress has been made today with the remaining wooden bodywork moved forward on the frames allowing the 'Luggage End' framework to be exposed and revealing no major problems. There should be some further pics on the 169 site later this weekend.

Now all we need is some more cash to allow the recent good progress to continue!

John

 

Just remembered, one thing we are trying to locate is a pair of coupling hooks off of an item of G.W.R coaching stock.(an isolated vehicle somewhere perhaps?) This will allow us to replace the 'standard' lightweight ones usually on autotrailers so that the carriage can run with other stock without the need to marshall as the last vehicle of a formation, making positioning moves more practical.

John

 

Nearly there

Most of the major repair work on the chassis is now completed. We will use any 'spare' time completing some of the brake gear bearings and cleaning down as much of the frames as possible along with possibly some painting. We will then return our attentions to producing the remaining major wooden components that we have set uorselves a 2 year target for production and assembly. To aid our production schedule in that department we are in the process of setting up a dedicated joinery shop close to the WSR at Williton.

There are a few more pictures of progress on the 169 website. Link below.

John

 

Isn't this another WSR project? It seems it is certainly going to be another triumphant one for the railway!! And alongside Prairie 5542 will be great to see!!

 

....... but 5542 hardly ever runs on the WSR these days, it spends most of its time hired out. Presumably the autcoach will normally accompany it.

 

There are no specific plans for 169 to accompany 5542 although when the day arrives with both items fully operational then of course we would be keen to see them working together. However the locomotive is now approaching its 10 year boiler overhaul which is planned/booked for late 2011/12 and, excepting major unforeseen problems, is financed, and once completed starts a new 'era' for us. The loco was originally restored with WSR supporters money for use on the WSR and subject to suitable demand, they will normally get first refusal on it's services. We hope the Auto when completed will find regular operation in one way or another at the WSR but if or when it is not required will also be offered for use elsewhere. We still have a considerable way to go with the 169 project but the excellent progress made recently has given us huge motivation to ensure it continues steadily to fruition. More news on that front in the next few weeks. Meanwhile keep you eye on our website for all the latest news.

Thanks for your interest

John (Chairman5542/169)

 

Latest news: The frames have returned to the WSR today (05/11/09) from the SDR. A few hurridly posted pics on www.auto169.co.uk look at the last page of 'Frames Update'

Cheers,

John

 

After the exitement of the frame repair work we are now settling back down to bodywork production with more work recently on the waist,top window and cant rail on 'Section2'. We are also starting to install ourselves in our new joinery shop. The first job we are intending to undertake there is the production of new 'steamed' roof hoops. We are constructing a container for steaming and we are hoping to be able to experiment with the process early in the new year before actual production starts a little later. To operate in a warm(ish) and draught free environment over the winter months is something we are all looking forward to.

John

 

Steam bending

Had our first experiment with steam bending today, ahead of producing our replacement roof 'hoops', and the initial results appear quire promising. We are laminating them in ash and have obtained a sample pack of 'West' glue which comes recommended and is used for laminating yacht keels. I wonder if anyone out there has had experience of that system, or has any other recommendations in the 'glue' department? I shall be adding some pics from today to our website in the next few days. Any observations or advice most welcome.

John

 

Glass Specification Information required

As we try to get out heads around the glazing requirements of our carriage is there someone out there who can tell us the appropriate glass specification the we should be using please? Any information gratefully received.

Thanks in advance

John

 

169 At the WSR Spring Gala

If you're visiting the WSR over the next 2 weekends please find a few minutes to visit us at the Williton Works , Minehead end, (Saturdays an Sundays) where we will have a major piece of our 'handywork' on display and will be pleased to show you around the project. We look forward to seeing you there.

John

 

Steam bending for real

Having sucessfully 'tested the water' or should it be steam, back in January on Saturday last we had our first go 'for real' and managed to produce the 4 laminate components' for our first roof hoop. We hope to glue it in the next couple of weeks so we can then step up production to allow us to produce all the hoops required over the summer months. The Auto 169 website should have an update in the next few days but some pictures are now available on www.wsr.org.uk.

John

 

The 5542/169 Group will be in attendence at the WSRA Steam Fayre held on the 'Triangle site' at Norton Fitzwarren this coming weekend 7th/8th August, where we will be on hand to update those interested on our recent progress and activity both on the 169 restoration work and on our loco. We will have on display our recently constructed, steamed and glued carriage roof hoops along with other items currently receiving attention and manufacture. If you are visiting please call in and see us for a chat and some refreshments at our 'famous' Tea Bar. We look forward to seeing you there.

John

 

Re: GWR Autotrailer 169

Time to revive this thread. Steady progress continues and we will be pleased to see any visitors and update you during the WSR Spring Gala at Williton. We will be in attendence on Saturdays and Sundays only,so please drop in or see our website for recent news.

John