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45407

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2014 9:10 pm
by Ian Riley
45407 has been 'stopped' today following the discovery of faulty stay material used in the manufacture of firebox sidestays despite there being material certification stating that the material is the desired copper grade of C107...which it evidently is not. 44871 has just had a similar examination and treatment, with all the faulty material copper side stays removed. In 44871's case, this was some seventy stays all in the backhead and accessible with the boiler in-situ, unfortunately, we have identified over 200 stays in 45407 which will require the boiler lifting from the frames to facilitate the stay replacement.
Following the revelation of this widespread problem within the industry last year, we purchased a ''Nighton'' xray machine which is calibrated to identify elements in metals....and its findings are unquestionable, our staff having been trained and certificated as competent in its operation.
We have proved that the normal hammer test examination of the side stays cannot detect when these stays are broken and it is our belief that we should not allow operation of our locomotives with sub standard materials fitted to such a safety critical component as the boiler and firebox. Indeed when the stays were being removed from 44871 is was found that many of them were broken although only fitted some four year previous.
This material is present in other locomotives, fitted by others but the authorities choose not to be worried about it themselves.
I will appeal to our works staff to deal with 45407 with the greatest of importance, and hope not to miss any pre-booked work for the locomotive.

Re: 45407

Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2014 9:25 pm
by charterboy
All the best with getting 45407 fixed and back on the rails Ian

Here's hoping it will be in fine health for the 30th Apr for the trip to Stranraer as part of GB7. 2 years ago the trip with 45407 + 44871 was very enjoyable :D

Re: 45407

Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2014 3:14 am
by TBirdFrank
That's the Riley difference - satisfy yourself don't just rely on others!

Well done that man!

Re: 45407

Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2014 7:08 pm
by Ian Riley
charterboy wrote:All the best with getting 45407 fixed and back on the rails Ian

Here's hoping it will be in fine health for the 30th Apr for the trip to Stranraer as part of GB7. 2 years ago the trip with 45407 + 44871 was very enjoyable :D
The intention is to complete all repairs and have 45407 available for its first mainline booking this year on 5th April............the works tell it can be done!.. :twisted:

Re: 45407

Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2014 8:49 pm
by andi
If anyone can......

Re: 45407

Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 8:00 pm
by charterboy
:D 8)

Look forward to stranraer then :wink: