Class 08 "Bodyside boxes" what were they?

[18B]

Hi,

 

just wondering,

 

on the sides of 08s there are what appears to be boxes? are these openable and for storing anything??

[25901]

Compressors, exhauster, fuel, batteries and battery switch. Variation between loco's depends if loco has been rebuilt, vac braked, air braked or dual braked. Storage of oil for rods etc is in locker/cupboard in the cab. All boxes can be opened but in different ways depending on the equipment inside

[Davexoc]

To expand a little, going from the cab forwards you firstly have a fuel tank on each side, sloping top with inspection plates.

The next section houses the generators and traction motor blower, so is normally uncovered and has filters in the doors. Some had an extra cupboard on the left side, but cannot remember what this was for.

Infront of that comes the battery boxes including the isolation switch (small side opening door) which is the shortest box on both sides. Lids lift to allow battery top ups.

Now to the front and the taller boxes. This is where they differ depending on the brake system. A loco could be vacuum, air or dual braked. One box would house a compressor for air brakes and the other an exhauster for vacuum brakes. Air or vacuum only would require only one box, but dual braked would require two. Hence some locos only have a box on the left side. Doors are drop down hinged to allow access to equipment.

 

HTH

Dave

[45125]

To expand a little, going from the cab forwards you firstly have a fuel tank on each side, sloping top with inspection plates.

The next section houses the generators and traction motor blower, so is normally uncovered and has filters in the doors. Some had an extra cupboard on the left side, but cannot remember what this was for.

Infront of that comes the battery boxes including the isolation switch (small side opening door) which is the shortest box on both sides. Lids lift to allow battery top ups.

Now to the front and the taller boxes. This is where they differ depending on the brake system. A loco could be vacuum, air or dual braked. One box would house a compressor for air brakes and the other an exhauster for vacuum brakes. Air or vacuum only would require only one box, but dual braked would require two. Hence some locos only have a box on the left side. Doors are drop down hinged to allow access to equipment.

 

HTH

Dave

 

The front boxes could house various items, either one or two exhausters on vac braked locos, on dual braked locos an exhauster would be found on the drivers side and a large air reservoir on the secondmans  side with an additional air compressor in the cabinet by the generator compartment, on air only locos normally the extra compressor would be housed  in one of the front cabinets with an air reservoir in the other if fitted, at least one loco had two additional compressors in the front cabinets.  The original compressor under the front end was removed on most air only locos.

 

Al Taylor.

[Derekstuart]

If any help, there are a few photos here that have the 'boxes' open.

 

http://www.railalbum.co.uk/diesel-electric-locomotives/br-class-08-2.htm

[25901]

Just been reminded that some also have air tanks in where the exhauster would have been on air braked only one's

[big jim]

Here are the boxes on 08417 which is air brake only, these are the only boxes I deal with on prep

 

Secondary battery switch

 

Compressor

 

Main battery switch

 

And a panoramic fish eye view!

 

First time I've driven her for a while this morning!