test run report 15th April 2008

Brief report of the of the loaded test runs of 5029 Nunney Castle - 15th & 24th April 2008

The first trip scheduled to leave Tyseley at 11.00am for Stratford, with just the support coach, was cancelled owing to problems with the air compressor. The fault was eventually traced to a problem with the compressor lubricating system which resulted in two broken piston rings in the shuttle valve that controls the main compressor piston.

The support crew carried out temporary repairs, which enabled the train to take the afternoon path from Tyseley with the class 47 and five coaches.

Regulation slow progress was made via Bordesely and Castle Bromwich. 5029 was inspected at Water Orton and found to be OK for the faster and longer run to Derby. A fast run then followed via the Midland main line between Tamworth and Burton, which had the locomotive running at its maximum speed of 75 mph most of the route.

Following this 5029 went into the loop at Burton, as planned, where it was inspected once again. The inspection showed that there was a slight pickup of white metal on the LH outside piston, this wasn’t a major problem and would not hinder the remainder of the trip. However the support crew and Tyseley engineers also discovered an overheated tender axle bearing which required attention, thus effectively bringing to an end the test run. Repairs were made on site - and the train arrived back at Tyseley at approx. 10.00pm.

The Crew and VAB inspector on the trip were very pleased with the performance of 5029 up to Burton, with the engine steaming and riding very well with the only fault on his list being that the AWS siren was too quiet! This has already been rectified.

Apart from the above, there are inevitably a few items of snagging to take care of, none of which are likely to cause any major problems.

Following correction of various items, left from the previous run, the second test run took place on the afternoon of Thursday 24th April .Once again the locomotive performed extremely well with no further problems. At the conclusion of the test the locomotive was finally signed off for main line duties. The paintwork and lining out has still to be completed.

Below are some images of the test run.

5029 overhaul -