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45132
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Updated 3/6/10
Work on the damaged generator from 45132 continues at Bowers of Heanor. Bowers were having problems separating the Alternator Rotor from the main armature shaft but this has been successfully accomplished. They obtained advice from someone who used to work in Derby Works and following this advice glycerine was injected under high pressure (reported as 40,000psi) into the joint and then the rotor was successfully separated (and more importantly no damage to the shaft or rotor).
Updated 6/2/10
Since the generator from 45132 was delivered to Bowers Limited in Heanor the field frame has been cleaned and was found to be in a very good condition. The field frame shows signs that it has been rewound previously as the insulation is fairly modern. The good news is that the compensating coils all look repairable.
A problem in removing the alternator rotor from the main armature shaft has been discovered that will require some special tooling to be made up in order for the alternator rotor to be pulled from the main armature shaft. The alternator rotor needs to be removed in order to give access to the damaged coils in the armature. Investigation by Bowers in consultation with Brush at Loughborough has revealed that the rotor was shrunk on to the armature shaft on three different diameters, two tapered and the inner one parallel but retained with steel keys.
Updated 5/12/09
Following the Mid Hants Railway’s Diesel Gala, 45132 was moved from Ropley to the headshunt at Alresford to help make room for the Ropley Heritage Lottery Project. Whilst the generator is away for repairs the opportunity has been taken to strip the engine room interior back down to bare metal and repaint it. Some 3 coats of Hammerite White are being applied to the walls with Blue being used on the floor immediately below where the Generator sits.
The badly corroded central roof beam has also seen some repairs and now only some final smoothing and painting is required. The roof section immediately above the turbocharger location has also been cleaned up and coated with heat resistant aluminium paint.
In late September, Bowers Ltd were authorised to transfer the Generator to their premises at Heanor in Derbyshire from Knowlton & Newman works in
Bowers were chosen because of their previous track record with work for both Network Rail and Harry Needle and in particular for their success with the generator from 45060 Sherwood Forester. You may recall that 45060 also suffered a main generator failure and Bowers completed the repairs to a very high standard.
In addition to the repair of the main generator, additional work has also been requested namely improved armature banding to provide greater protection against the field coils lifting as well as anti condensation heaters being installed to keep both condensation and dampness at bay. This is big step forward in the return to service of 45132, which is hoped to be in time for the 50th anniversary of the locos entry to traffic, which was on the 1st April 1961.
Updated 5/12/08
No news on the overhaul of the generator (sent away for repair on Tuesday 29th July) from 45132 had been received by the submission of this report.
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