7200 Plays Leapfrog, 6 May 2010
7200's chassis has been moved to the back of the restoration shed in an operation
that had it being 'leapfrogged' by a brake van.
Background
Until now, 7200 has been situated in the centre of the restoration shed, with wagons
on the track both in front of and behind it. As there is no gantry in the shed, and very little
room to position hoists beside the chassis, small items have had to be manhandled onto
the chassis; it has not been possible to manoeuvre large items into place.
The decision was made, with the agreement of the owner, to swap the positions of 7200
and the LNWR brake van behind it. This would allow 7200 to be pushed out of the rear of
the shed, where hoists and cranes would be able to get access to it.
John Porter's Report
Thursday 6th May was the date for moving 7200 to the back of the restoration shed.
On arriving at Quainton at 9.30am I found that the move had already started,
the first job having been aborted due to fears regarding the condition of the coach that was
to be turned.
On site were a host of willing helpers, including Working Party Leader
Chris Parr and 7200 Treasurer Ian Lodwick. The partially restored LNWR Brake had already
been pulled out of the shed, enabling 7200 to hopefully leapfrog it.
As the pull commenced, all seemed to going well until the rear bogie suddenly jumped
off the track due to the
tight curve, and the fact that, with the bunker removed, there was a dramatic weight loss.
The re-railers were called for, and the loco was soon back on the track. It was a rather
dejected team who went for a cup of tea and a long hard think.
We thought that we would
give it one more try, and decided to try to lift the rear wheels clear of the track.
We jacked them up one at a time and, with some help, managed to secure them with a couple
of ratchet strops.
The large crane then arrived and the LNWR brake was hoisted in the air
whilst 7200 was pulled and pushed past it. The brake was returned to the track and
pushed inside. It was then a fairly simple matter to return 7200 to the restoration
shed and lower the back wheels onto the rails.
This move should now allow for the
re-building of the Bunker
John Porter
