Appeal success allows Class 15 motor overhaul to commence
THE Class 15 Preservation Society’s appeal for funds for the overhaul of the bogie of D8233, the now- unique British Thomson- Houston Type 1 locomotive, has been described as an “outstanding success” in a statement from the East Lancashire Railway- based group.
A total of £ 19,264 plus £ 3859 claimable from Gift Aid, making £ 23,123, has been raised from the appeal, as highlighted in issue 267. The money has been raised with the help of an anonymous donor, who agreed to match the total raised.
The society is now using the funds to push on with the traction motor overhaul and replace the last missing pieces, removed when D8233 was converted into a carriage heater.
The traction motors have been sent away to Bowers Electrical Ltd in Heanor, Derbyshire, for overhaul, with the aim of having them back next year. The pinion on these motors is for a different gear ratio, so these must be manufactured and sent on to Bowers for fitting. Of the four motors sent, one has been found to be in poor shape. Accordingly, a spare has been delivered to Bowers, hopefully to make a good one from two motors. Further inspection has shown that the traction motor’s bearings have failed inspection and will require replacement.
The axle roller bearings were assessed by Mike Kerry Consulting Ltd and only one failed the inspection. It has now been removed and a new bearing is to be delivered.
A total of 44 Class 15s were built between 1957- 61, and all withdrawn by March 1971, with four including D8233 converted into non- powered electric train pre- heating units.