April & May Report Catch up!

Welcome to this belated Saturday Gang Report for April and May.

First of all apologies for the delay in getting this published. Our editor has been busy of late and hasn't had time to assemble all the material. However better late than never!

Even though the blog has been quiet over the last few months the Saturday Gang has been anything but! We've really got stuck into 25 Northiam over the past few months as there has been a bit less running maintenance to carry out than usual. We're pleased to say that there has been lots of progress!

Busy in Rolvenden workshop with 25's frames
and wheels on the right handside

Work continues apace on the motion reassembly. Last time round we showed you the slide bars installed, well after much work we are pleased to show you the pistons installed. The pistons are a very important part of the motion so we've reached another milestone in the overhaul. Installing the pistons into the cylinder bores requires careful alignment, otherwise potentially fatal damage could occur. The glands are currently being installed and finalising / testing the connections to the rest of the motion should occur during June. Once complete we will then fit the con rods and connect the pistons up to the crossheads, still plenty to do!

Pistons installation progressing.
Final lining will be undertaken in June

Measurements being taken to set the slide valves correctly

Beginning to set the slide valve port faces

With us looking to re-wheel 25 Northiam in the near future we turned our attention to the wheels. Like much of the loco they had years of grime, grease and previous coats of paint all mashed in. Using our steam cleaner we blasted off the surface rust (had been stored outside for a number of years) and loosened up many of the layers beneath. We then used a variety of hand tools (such as a needle gun) to strip the wheels and reveal the bear metal beneath. Although it doesn't sound much it took several days of constant effort to bring them to this state. During June the work will be completed by giving the wheels a thorough sanding, then we will crack test the wheels to ensure they're fit for service. The non destructive testing equipment we have at Rolvenden is excellent at picking up even the tiniest of cracks. If all that goes well we will paint the wheels in primer and hopefully rewheel the loco in a few months (depending on progress of the frames).

The initial steam cleaning of 25's wheels

Needlegunning the wheels down to bare metal

Going forward we are looking to refit the buffer beams and refurbish 25's axleboxes. Slowly but surely reassembly is gathering pace. The key thing of course is to do the job well and get it right.

Pistons installed into cylinder block
(refit the bufferbeam soon we hope!)

In other news:

376 Norwegian has re-entered traffic for another 10yr period (2013 - 2023). There was a slight mishap with some gauging issues at Tenterden but these have now been resolved. It's good to have her back! No doubt you will see more of 376 Norwegian during our main running season in July - August. It's really pleasing that something we worked on (the Saturday Gang overhauled and recommissioned the tender) is operational again. It really reminds us of why we volunteer and why we're not doing the other 100 things on a Saturday. Anyway, here's a few photos. The first shows the tender that we received to overhaul, the second shows it finished and coupled to the loco, the third shows the loco ready to go!

376 Norwegian's tender prior to Saturday Gang
 overhaul (note plants growing in it!)

376 Norwegian's finished tender, ready to roll! 

The completed locomotive & tender

Elsewhere in the workshop: Efforts on DS238 Wainwright's overhaul will step up now that 376 Norwegian is finished. The intention is to return this loco to service for a 5 year period to use the exisiting components to the end of their lifespan. Once the loco completes 5yrs it will be withdrawn for a full overhaul which will include fitting a new firebox.

DS238 Wainwright's overhaul progressing

So overall (no pun intended!) we have been very busy and made excellent progress. There are plenty of challenges just round the corner but we're looking forward to them. The work wouldn't be fun if it was easy!

We're now fully into the running season so there's plenty of work to come. So we're appealing for more volunteers. We really need more volunteers to continue our work and ensure the K&ESR has operational locomotives now and in the future. Its great fun and you don't need to know anything to volunteer. So why not give it a go? If you'd like to visit, even just to see what we do then please get in touch at saturdaygang@gmail.com

A video covering April and May can be found here or embedded below: Saturday Gang Video Report April - May 2013

Our photo album (to be updated soon): www.kesrloco.co.uk

If you haven't already please like us on facebook: Saturday Gang Facebook Page

Thank you for reading, please feel free to comment or send any questions you may have. 

Saturday Gang 

March 2013 Report

Welcome to the Saturday Gang's March 2013 update.

At the end of March we started our running season and as such its been busy getting everything prepared and ready. We were hoping to be able to start "de-winterising" the locos but the bitterly cold temperatures have meant that we're still using frost precautions. These frost precautions prevent damage to the many precious components on a steam locomotive.

The Saturday Gang has continued to make steps forward with 25 Northiam's overhaul. Happily during March we began the reassembly process. All of the preparatory work has come together and the first few parts of the motion have been refitted. The slide valves are now in position: reassembly is a time consuming and heavy process and has to be very accurate otherwise the loco simply won't go!

The motion reassembly literally "getting of the ground".
This is the valve gear beign lifted up onto the frames for installation

Re machined slide bars now in place

Looking in towards 25's cylinder block,
note the newly installed slide bars

The painting of the frames is finally complete, it felt a bit like the forth road bridge project at times but we got there! Only a small part round the cylinder block remains in undercoat because further works are to take place. We have also removed a considerable amount of rust from inside the footplating which was causing a bulge on both sides of the cylinders. Work like this can only take place whilst the loco is dismantled.

Much like the Forth road bridge painting project!

Further machining has been taking place and more components are being prepared for reassembly. Putting a steam locomotive back together is much like completing a jigsaw puzzle, all the various parts fit together but they will only go together properly in a certain way.

Machining works on 25's pistons continuing

Note one of 25's new pistons being skilfully machined

Elsewhere in the workshop, the overhaul of 376 Norwegian is progressing with a few of having a steam test in early - mid April. It will be very good to have Norwegian back after a 7 year absence from traffic. Not forgetting of course that the Saturday Gang overhauled Norwegian's tender (quite a novelty given she is the only tender engine we have!) and has assisted on the loco with various tasks.

376 Norwegian - due to be tested soon!

Once again the Saturday Gang has been running various training sessions on a variety of machines and equipment. Another lathe training session was run where the basics of lathe operation were explained, along with all of the calculations which is the hard bit!

Looks complicated - and it is! 

All of these training sessions are good because not only do they help to train a future generation but they also help members when applying for jobs. Another of our number found employment on the big railway the other week, with his work at the Saturday Gang making him stand out from the crowd. So if you would like to learn new skills in a fun environment why not give volunteering a try? If interested please contact us at saturdaygang@gmail.com

A video showing March's work can be found here: March 2013 Video Report

Photos as always can be found at: www.kesrloco.co.uk

If you haven't done so already please like us on facebook: Saturday Gang Facebook page

Thank you for reading, feel free to comment or send any questions you may have.

Saturday Gang

K&ESR Locomotive status

Many people often wonder what the status of the Kent & East Sussex Railway's locomotive fleet is. What is in service, what's in storage, what's under overhaul etc.

Here's an update with a photo of each of our locos in current condition.

Under overhaul / out of service

376 Norwegian - In the final stages of a 10yr overhaul.
Should be back in summer 2013

25 Northiam - Overhaul well underway,
boiler complete and frame reassembly is beginning.

DS238 Wainwright - Overhaul is underway with
works on the boiler in progress

753 P Class - Currently dismantled,
awaiting overhaul to start.

24 Rolvenden, currently in store in Sewage Works sidings.
We hope the overhaul of  24 will begin once 376 Norwegian
is complete though this is to be confirmed. 

In service

3 Bodiam - In service.
Boiler ticket expires 2016

32678 Knowle - In service.
Boiler ticket expires 2019

23 Holman F Stephens - In service.
Boiler ticket expires 2013

1638 - In service.
Boiler ticket expires 2013

6619 - In service, currently receiving minor repairs.
Boiler ticket expires 2013, though my get 1yr extension

14 Charwelton - In service. Commonly used
on the K&ESR Railway experience days.
Boiler ticket expires 2019

65 Maunsell - operational but currently on loan to the
Embasy & Bolton Abbey Railway.
Boiler ticket expires 2018

February 2013 Report

Welcome to the Saturday Gang's February 2013 update.

With the K&ESR's main running season fast approaching and time ticking on our in service locos boiler certificates we've been keeping ourselves busy! 

Our efforts have been focused on 25 Northiam's overhaul and some significant milestones have been passed. Previously we were preparing 25 for work on the cylinder block, we're pleased to report that during mid week in early February the specialist contractor arrived to carry out the works. The contractor re bored the port faces (the part of the cylinder block where the pistons rings slide backwards and forwards) to remove any ridges or wear patterns from 10 years service. As you can see this was no small job and produced plenty of swarf! 

The large boring machine inside the cylinder block

The boring machine removing ridges, note the swarf
produced by removing the high spots

So with this important milestone passed we continued with renewed enthusiasm for the tasks in hand. We mentioned in January's blogpost that the inside of the frames has been completed in red top coat. Naturally our attention has now shifted to the outside of 25's frames. Having previously been painted much of the frames in red oxide paint we have applied two layers of grey primer to the frames. Hopefully during March we will complete the process by applying a suitable black top coat! 

From red to grey, after a few coats of grey the
frames will be ready for top coat

The Saturday Gang have also been preparing and readying the frames for reassembly. To facilitate repair works on the running plate and slot for the reverser we erected some lobo access staging inside the frames. Although it seems simple, it is logistically difficult and takes some time. Much of the actual "work" we do requires far more time spent in preparation so we can ensure quality and most importantly safety. 

The access staging erected inside the frames
to allow safe access to 25's frames

Once the staging was erected we started our works on the right hand side of the frame. Interestingly a section of the running plate had not been riveted before and was loose on one side. With our access we were able to rivet the section back onto the frames. We were also carrying out minor works on the frames, more of that to come! 

Grinding out the slot in 25's frames for the reverser

All in all we continue to make steady progress on 25 Northiam's overhaul. It is getting to the stage of the overhaul where we are repairing the various components and thinking about reassembly (as opposed to dismantling!). I will caution readers though that 25 is still someway from completion.  

The Saturday Gang has also been assisting is ensuring that locomotives are ready for spring events and the summer season. We were pleased to observe our work on 23 Holman F Stephens and 1638 on the Thomas weekends. Our work varies from routine inspections, minor repairs to fault finding.

Without the K&ESR loco dept (of which the Saturday
Gang plays a big part) there wouldn't be any trains

As always the Saturday Gang has been busy with various training exercises and learning how to do various tasks. One of these was a short exercise which demonstrated how to repair lead lamps, which often in the course of duty become damaged and stop working. Instead of throwing away valuable equipment we learnt how to repair these, usually the fault lies inside the lamp's wiring. 

We have also run another session on using the oxy accetalene cutter or "gas axe". We had a ladder in stores which was identified as being life expired and dangerous. So we used it as an opportunity to practice gas cutting. Its an excellent way to do it because making mistakes on an old ladder that's scrap anyway don't matter, its a different story on a loco component or item that has to be refitted or reused! 

Gas axe practice with the pressure off

So its been another busy and productive month. The work never ends but it wouldn't be fun otherwise! The Saturday Gang is playing its part in keep the K&ESR's locomotives moving and ensuring that we have locomotives ready to replace those in service when their respective boiler tickets expire. This important, behind the scenes work is only possible because of the dedication of the K&ESR's staff (paid and volunteer). 

So if you have a spare Saturday every once in a while why not volunteer with us? No previous experience required and you will have fun (along with several cups of tea!). If you're interested or want to find out more please email saturdaygang@gmail.com. 

A video showing our work during February can be found below or here: Saturday Gang's February Video

Photos as always can be found at: www.kesrloco.co.uk

If you haven't done so already please like us at Saturday Gang Facebook page

Thank you for reading and feel free to comment!

Saturday Gang

January 2013 Report

Saturday Gang January 2013 Report

Welcome to the Saturday Gang's January 2013 update. We've been busy "behind the scenes" and have plenty to report.

Hopefully you're aware that the Saturday Gang's current main project is the 10 year overhaul of 25 Northiam. Having dismantled all of the motion and started the long process of de-rusting the frames late in 2012 it shouldn't surprise you we're still at it! However during January we have made excellent progress and have continued to plug away at this long and sometimes arduous job. However, without de-rusting and painting the frames we cannot progress with reassembly and repairs. Once the motion and frames are all reassembled it will be impossible to paint the frames again, so we need to ensure our work lasts 10 years till the next overhaul. Trying to access the frames whilst the loco is in service is quite tricky!

One of many volunteers de-rusting 25's frames

"January has been a productive month. There's something to be said for days when all volunteers, old and new, regardless of qualification just band together and power through one job. I refer to the successive weeks spent cleaning up 25's frames and painting them. People may wonder why a month's worth of the same job does not become boring or demoralising. The answer is quite simple; every Saturday morning we come into the shed and see 25 looking a certain way, and in the evening when we leave it looks a little bit newer each time. Over this month we've seen our loco's condition improve a little each week, to the extent that it now has at least one fresh coat of paint on either side. That's something to take pride in"

.J Allen

The above quote summarises the feeling of the Gang at the moment. Yes our work on 25 could be seen as repetitive (and seemingly never ending!) but we really have a strong desire to return 25 Northiam to service. Our enthusiasm and determination is stronger than various challenges and problems the overhaul throws at us.

Just to summarise all the works carried out on 25 Northiam throughout January, with a few pictures to illustrate

·       Top coat in red all of the inside of the frames

·       Derusting, cleaning and preparing the outside of the frames for painting (a massive job!)

·       First coat of red oxide applied to both sides of the frames

·       Manufacturing of new components in machine shop, through this we have provided some basic training on lathe operation.

Painting 25's frames, note them being filmed as well!

The Saturday Gang has continued to provide support and assistance on various running repairs on different locomotives. After Christmas and January is the loco dept's shutdown period where we can draw breath and catch up with running repairs and outstanding works. The locomotives are also winterised to prevent frost damage and as far as possible, protect them from the worst of the elements. We don't mind winterising the locos but if anybody has a spare £500,000 for a new loco shed then feel free to donate!

Note the blankets protecting the key components

One of our major efforts has been carrying out cleaning and some minor repairs to 1638 (Pannier) which was used quite extensively over the Christmas period. Again, not glorious work but very necessary.

1638 under repair, after a busy Christmas period

Videos from January can be found at: 

• "Work in motion" - A video show the big effort on 25's frames
• "25's frames and lathe tutorial" - Video showing the lathe in use and a bit more frame painting! 

 You can view our full photo album at: www.kesrloco.co.uk

If you haven't already, please "like" us on facebook: Saturday Gang Facebook Page

Plenty going on at at Rolvenden, 25 Northiam facing camera

We'd also like to appeal for more volunteers. A few extra people even once a month would make so much difference. No skills or experience is required and we welcome people of all ages and backgrounds. So if you're interested please get in touch.

We'll be back with February's news in early March. It should make interesting reading as work on reboring the cylinders will begin, along with repairs to the running plates and much more!

Thank you for reading,

Saturday Gang

Saturday Gang 2012 Review

 So another year passes us by and it gives us a moment to reflect on what has happened over the last year.

Work progressing on 25 Northiam

We have continued to push on with 25 Northiam's overhaul and are making good progress. Having completed the boiler late in 2011 we have switched our attention to the frames and motion (no small job). Throughout 2012 we have progressively dismantled the motion and stripped the frames down to the bare essentials. The long derusting and cleaning process is almost complete and hopefully the frames will be top coated and ready for reassembly in early 2013. Currently work is being undertaken on the various motion components, still plenty to do but to quote British Rail "we're getting there".  

376 Norwegian's overhaul progressing

We have also continued to support the other overhauls currently underway. We completed the tender's repairs and overhaul in 2011 but have also carried out various tasks on the loco itself. These tasks range from painting, to de-rusting and preparing components for fitting. We're please to say that 376 Norwegian should (all being well) be in service in 2013. When she does return to service we can look with satisfaction at the part we played in returning her to service.

DS238's painted boiler in silver aluminium paint

We have also been involved, from the beginning, in the overhaul of DS238 Wainwright. This loco, having sat outside for around six years was rather worse for wear. The Saturday Gang helped in the mammoth effort to de-rust the boiler and to paint it in protective aluminium paint. The sheer physical effort and amount of time this took cannot be understated!

The Saturday Gang has also carried out running repairs and maintenance work on all of the K&ESR's operational loco fleet. This has given a great variety of work, ranging from inspections, to dismantling and repairs. So whilst we do focus on "our" project, 25 Northiam, whenever you see a loco hauling a train on the K&ESR a little bit of the Saturday Gang is with it. Many people get caught up with the importance of overhauls and forget just how essential the running maintenance is. 

Running repairs on 65 Maunsell

I have said this before but I will repeat the point for effect! British Railways was struggling to attract people to the railways during the 1950s / 60s because there were more pleasant, better paid jobs to be found elsewhere. This was part of the reason why there was such a hurry to get rid of steam (which worked out rather well for the fledgling railway preservation movement).

It is therefore even more remarkable that people freely give up their time to come and carry out that same work that BR couldn't pay people to do!

Challenging but enjoyable and rewarding work

Working on steam locomotives is often very dirty, cramped, awkward and often very frustrating. However that illustrates the enthusiasm and passion of the Saturday Gang, that we overcome these challenges and difficulties to play our part in ensuring future generations are able to enjoy seeing working steam locomotives.  

The Saturday Gang will continue to develop and improve the way it showcases our work. This blog is, to sound sinister, just the beginning! We are of course always looking for new volunteers so if you see anything that interests you then please get in touch! We welcome all ages, skills and experience (or none!).

Please see the latest Video here: Latest Saturday Gang Video

Check our photo album at: www.kesrloco.co.uk

If you have Facebook you can keep up to date by clicking like on our page: Saturday Gang Facebook page

The Saturday Gang, wishes you a very happy and blessed New Year.

Hello & Welcome

Hello people!

This is a first post for the Saturday Gang so a few introductions / explanations are probably a good place to start.

As mentioned, we're the Saturday Gang - a group of volunteers working to overhaul & maintain the Kent and East Sussex Railway's locomotive fleet. Whilst carrying out this very important work we have a great deal of fun and really enjoy ourselves. We're a really friendly team of people with lots of enthusiasm.

We're always looking for new volunteers (as well as valuing our existing ones!) so if you're at all curious or interested in our work please get in touch! We would be delighted to hear from you. If you're interested in locomotives (both steam & diesel), engineering or getting work experience then this is definitely the place for you!

The plan (as it currently stands) is that we will produce a monthly report of the works we've carried out, along with some "waffle" (various member's opinions on a variety of issues). This information will be posted on here monthly. We will keep you updated with our work and the status of the K&ESR's locos.

We have a Youtube channel which shows us working away on various projects and items. We plan to produce comprehensive monthly reports in 2013.
Channel link (also found on homepage): Saturday Gang Youtube Channel

Latest Report: Latest Saturday Gang Video Report

In addition to that we have a photo album / website where you can see still images from the day and some behind the scenes photos.

Weblink: Saturday Gang Website

If you're on Facebook please consider "liking" us: Saturday Gang Facebook page

More updates to come soon. If you have any questions or queries then please don't hesitate to contact us.

Thanks for reading!

Saturday Gang