Super Major Re-commissioning
Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2019 4:12 pm
I'm a recent member to the Forum having been given the task of re-commissioning a 1963 Super Major. I have already found a wealth of information on here to wet my appetite for the re-build. The Super Major is owned by the Moseley Railway Trust who Operate as the Apedale Valley Light Railway in Newcastle under Lyme, Staffs. Prior to the Trust acquiring the tractor it was used to load, with a forward bucket, Tarmac. It has stood idle and deteriorating for many years in the storeyard. An extension to the narrow gauge railway now in the final stages of negotiations into the Apedale Country Park has prompted renewed interest in it's use. Having just restored a dumper truck for them I became the obvious choice in their eyes to undertake this project.
The engine has been run during it's storage and is reported good but the tin work has suffered and where possible will be restored as replacement parts like classic cars are becoming costly.
To date I have removed the cab which will be for sale as it is not required. Components around the drive area such as the wings and wheels have now been removed. The seals on the drive shafts have been leaking badly over the years and are on the list to replace. The brakes (disc) are seized up so with these components now removed access to the housings are now straight forward. The worst part to date has been the removal of years of accumulated grime and moss that has built up over it's entire structure.
I was surprised at the end float present on especially the O/S drive shaft but more will become apparent as the strip down commences.
I will post more as progress is made.
The engine has been run during it's storage and is reported good but the tin work has suffered and where possible will be restored as replacement parts like classic cars are becoming costly.
To date I have removed the cab which will be for sale as it is not required. Components around the drive area such as the wings and wheels have now been removed. The seals on the drive shafts have been leaking badly over the years and are on the list to replace. The brakes (disc) are seized up so with these components now removed access to the housings are now straight forward. The worst part to date has been the removal of years of accumulated grime and moss that has built up over it's entire structure.
I was surprised at the end float present on especially the O/S drive shaft but more will become apparent as the strip down commences.
I will post more as progress is made.