INSPECTION AND OVERHAUL OF AXLEBOXES AND DAMAGED BEARINGS ON EX-GWR LOCOMOTIVE No 6695

News Report from Nigel Clark - dated 10th January 2008
6695 Locomotive Group
Photographs are copyright 6695 Locomotive Group by Nigel Clark & Geoff Evens, WSRA To view a larger version of any photograph on this page, just click on the thumbnail photograph and subsequently use the Back button on your browser to return to this page. Photos on these pages are low resolution versions. Full resolution photos are available for media use

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 stands outside the Williton workshops of West Somerset Restoration awaiting inspection and overhaul of its damaged axleboxes

Nigel Clark writes:

Work is now underway to completely overhaul all 6695's coupled-wheel axleboxes to bring them up to as-new condition/specification including the manufacture of new crown bearings.

6695 has been away from Swanage since mid September, firstly on a working visit to the Spa Valley Railway and then subsequently to the West Somerset Railway at Williton for inspection and overhaul of axleboxes.

There have been many enquiries regarding the current status of this popular locomotive, and the aim of this report is to provide an up to date view of the loco.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 stands outside the Williton workshops of West Somerset Restoration awaiting inspection and overhaul of its damaged axleboxes

During 2007 some problems became evident with the axleboxes on 6695, including some 'boxes running very warm. However, the locomotive completed its second year of heavy use on the Swanage Railway (106 days in traffic) including 3 visits to other railways (East Somerset, North Norfolk, and Spa Valley) before being withdrawn in late September for investigation and remedial work.

It was decided to send 6695 to the Williton workshops of the West Somerset Railway Association due to their proven expertise with Great Western Locomotives and their availability to undertake the work in the required timescale during this Winter period. It should be noted that the 56xx/66xx locomotives have a history of axlebox problems under both GWR and BR ownership and therefore expert advice is essential in getting the job right.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695's driving wheels in the Williton workshops of West Somerset Restoration during inspection and overhaul of its damaged axleboxes

I have provided 13 photos in total showing 6695 at Williton being lifted off its wheels plus close-ups of the axleboxes. These photographs are a mixture of my own and by Mr. Geoff Evens of the WSRA. Please scroll down the page to see the photos, and click on them to see larger versions.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 clear of the wheels in the Williton workshops of West Somerset Restoration during inspection and overhaul of its damaged axleboxes

Examination of the loco by the WSRA team (led by Gareth Winter) has highlighted various problems with the axleboxes and horns, some whitemetal bearings had overheated and the metal started to run. Work is now underway to completely overhaul all the coupled-wheel axleboxes to bring them up to as-new condition/specification including the manufacture of new crown bearings.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 clear of the wheels in the Williton workshops of West Somerset Restoration during inspection and overhaul of its damaged axleboxes

This work should ensure the loco continues to be a reliable performer at Swanage for the forseeable future. Once the work is complete 6695 will be run-in on the West Somerset Railway (to ensure everything 'beds-in' without problem) before returning to Swanage during the Spring of 2008. Please be assured that Swanage is 6695s home and she will return here to continue her job of hauling trains on the Swanage Railway.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695's damaged whitemetal bearings in the Williton workshops of West Somerset Restoration. The damage to the whitemetal bearings (which would normally have smooth bearing surfaces) can be seen clearly

Swanage Railway's 6695 Locomotive Group always welcomes help and support, especially when unexpected problems of this significance are encountered. For further details of how to join us and to see further information on the specification and history of 6695, please visit our dedicated homepage at http://swanagerailway.co.uk/6695/index.htm by clicking here.

Nigel Clark
6695 Locomotive Group