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Our 0-6-0ST No.3, R
H Smyth (known to friends as 'Harvey') has been very busy recently
hauling ballast wagons during the relay of the Bleach Green - Whitehead
section of the Larne railway line. On this day she was jacked up so her
front leaf springs could be replaced.
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One of the old springs after it was
removed from the engine. The leaves lose their temper over time and with
use, and part of one leaf has broken.
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The two new springs which are about
to be fitted lying in a wheelbarrow. "R H Smyth" may be a small engine
but these components are a considerable weight!
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Volunteer Irwin grinds the end caps
of the springs to accept a securing screw fitted to the engine's spring
hangers.
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Ben has climbed in between the frames
of "R H Smyth" and is seen offering up one of the end caps to the spring
hanger. Just to the left of his head you can see where the axle goes into
the axlebox, and on the top left is one of the engine's two steam chests.
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Over in the Locomotive Workshop, the
overhaul of 2-6-0 No.461 was continuing.
Much of this engine's outer firebox is being replaced as part of its overhaul.
The new backhead has been welded into position, and the square hole where
the old throatplate was can be seen in the centre of the picture.
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A new throatplate was being prepared
on the radial arm drill. There are numerous stay holes and holes for washout
plugs to be made. No.461's frames can be seen on stands in the background.
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A view between the frames of No.461
looking forwards from below the cab.
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The electrical gang were also at work
in the locomotive workshop, installing a three phase cable to bring power
to the rear of the site. James, on the ladder, is feeding the cable through
to Tony, who is pushing it through a duct into the old shed. Foreman Edward
observes closely the work in progress.
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Once the cable was routed along the
wall of the old shed it could be wired into the fuseboards. Here Tony is
seen discussing a technical point with qualified electrician Johnny.
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Meanwhile, Chris was bringing some
of the older wiring on the yard lights up to the lastest safety standards.
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In the carriage shed work was continuing
on our "new" dining car, No.547. The exterior of the vehicle is now in
a green undercoat.
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Inside the dining area of the coach
joiner Ernie has the panels refitted ready for varnishing.
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At the other end of the coach the
new bar is under construction, and fibreglass insulation is being fitted
to the walls.
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One of the RPSI's vintage six-wheeled
coaches, No.62M, is being overhauled before it goes on loan to the Downpatrick
and County Down Railway. This coach was built in 1892 for the Midland
Great Western Railway. It had seats for 60 people.
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The six wheels of the coach had been
removed so their journals could be skimmed in the wheel lathe. These wheelsets
have steel axles but wooden "Mansell" wheel centres, which were supposed
to give quieter riding than all-metal wheels. The tyres are made from steel.
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