With the engine work complete, work now returns at pace to the remaining bodywork issues.

 

 

the very last parts of bodyside have now been welded on, and the welds are being ground down before the new steel is given a protected coat of primer.

 

 

 

 

with the engine work complete work has stated on No2 end to resolve a bulging side panel, the reason for the bulge was already know, for reasons only known to themselves Scotrail had slightly double skinned this area, the piece of scabby blue metal at the bottom right of the cut panel and just below the window are actually the original skin, when Scotrail eliminated the tablet catcher they simply welded a sheet on over the top, instead of cutting it to size. A previous "battle scar" can be seen on the cab pillar, along with at least 2 attempts to re-attach the front grab handle! Severe corrosion is present at this end so the opportunity is being taken to correct it.

 

 

in this photo we see 26043 has a severely deformed front end we think this is when that damage occurred

 

After cutting further we see the front "crib plates" which are what gives the front its shape, severely corroded and badly deformed, these were originally 6mm thick.

 

the drivers side crib plate after removal

 

 

behind the crib plate not a pretty site, this whats left of the main cable ducting after 40 years of corrosion, the wiring is in excellent condition as 26s were given a re-wire during the mid-80s, all the ducting will need replacing. the white dust is from filler on the front.

 

Cutting then continued around the base, of the connecting doors, again this is the original front skin

 

 

 

finally the second-mans side is cut away to reveal the equally as corroded crib plate. you can see the corridor connection still present and the door in to the cab, the two pipes across the base were added when air brakes were fitted, at this stage you can see the entire buffer beam has been needle gunned ready for paint and the pipes have been removed to have there rubber seals replaced.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the amount of cutting in stages from start to finish, the dented and corroded pillar has been removed and this will be replaced with a newly fabricated one.

 

 

what has also become apparent is the loco has been involved in a serious accident, compare the left with the right, the left hand side is drooping, there are also welds where its apparent the corner of the buffer beam was cut away to jack the frame up to straighten it.

 

 

A view from the sides showing the distortion

 

 

showing the correct profile the red lines, the areas the frame has been cut and welded can be clearly seen. This will make the repairs "challenging".

 

 

A closer view of the pipework under the drivers desk and the drivers train brake valve, the large pipe to the right is the main vacuum pipe.