What Horrors lurk within The Scrap Ruston's Gearbox? The Loco Diaries Episode 6

[@SteamPowerMadness]

After you said 'progress' while talking about 393303, I realised that it would very much suit that name when it's done.

[@lmm]

That's not a bad suggestion!

[@marionbloom1218]

Can I make a suggestion? I've done a lot of painting on cars, locomotives, manufacturing plants and machinery and so on, and I wouldn't recommend paraffin as a cleaner between coats. It's too oily and won't lead to good adhesion of the next coat. A better bet is to use paint thinner for cleaning - either cellulose thinner or white spirit, according to compatibility with the primer. These are much more volatile and don't leave behind an oily film like paraffin does, so you get better adhesion. If the red primer was Bondaprimer (in my experience the most effective red oxide primer you can buy, I've used it for years) then a rag soaked in cellulose thinner, lightly applied, would be my choice. Don't go too hard at it - the cellulose thinner will soften the Bondaprimer; you don't want to take it all off! But by softening the surface a little it will further add to improved adhesion of the next coat. Also if the primer has been in place for a long time it doesn't hurt to roughen it a bit by applying a "Scotchbrite" pad, before wiping with thinners. If you're not sure of the chemistry of the paint you are cleaning, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is a good choice as it doesn't react with any paints. You can buy it in a spray can from (e.g.) RS Components, for very little. Most people think painting is a simple thing, because the skill of applying the paint is not too hard - but really it warrants proper attention to the science, if you want to get a finish that endures. Many of the failures of painted finishes are promoted by, or made worse by, lack of inter-coat adhesion so this is really worth paying attention to, if you don't want to be repainting it all over again in a couple of years. The problems with that spray paint are twofold. First, to spray with the low pressure in an aerosol the paint is very, very thin so you get little film thickness and it won't be moisture-proof. That's ok as long if it's over a good thickness of undercoat, or if you recoat it soon. But secondly, it has a high gloss finish, and that will not allow adhesion of the next coat - so when you come to recoat with a "proper" paint, you will need to roughen the surface of the paint very thoroughly. On an uneven surface like the wheels, again a "Scotchbrite" pad will do the job best. There is a reason why a proper paint system, whether brushed or sprayed, always uses three stages : (1) PRIMER, designed to bond to the metal (etch primer) and/or possibly have some corrosion resisting chemistry (eg red oxide), then (2) UNDERCOAT (sometimes referred to as a high build primer), which has a high solids content giving you a high film thickness for mechanical durability and weather resistance, but dries with a dull finish to facilitate better adhesion of the topcoat. And finally (3) TOPCOAT which has less solids content and better flow to give a nice gloss finish, but does not give much protective power - it's function is just to look nice and repel dirt. (The aerosol spray is acceptable for this, not ideal but ok). If you don't follow this sequence, you'll be repainting sooner than you ought to. From the above, you'll soon appreciate that the undercoat is in many ways the most important element if you want to get a finish that endures. It's not good practice to use topcoat as undercoat - it doesn't have the solids content, and it dries shiny, so you'll have to "flat" it (roughen it) if you want the final top coat to stick. It pains me so frequently to see people spend so much time restoring this sort of kit, then not taking the time to use a proper paint system - and in no time, the rust is back. Take a little time to learn about how to choose and use paints properly, it's worth it because you use paint so often - and you will save yourself a lifetime of wire brushing and repainting in the future. GIVE PAINT THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES! Don't just find a random tin and slap it on, you're making a rod for your back in the future. Marion

[@pvtimberfaller]

Hey Lawrie Thinking about it you should keep the bearings with the wheel sets, not mix and match them (assuming they are still serviceable, if not you will need to get new ones made. They will have problems of the journals have different diameters since they were machined to and worn in.

[@JamieCameron-Mackintosh-z7c]

Black Stag Engineering are clearly superb engineers... They're also clearly utterly insane giving you a lightsabre, Laurie 🤣

[@lmm]

I love the Light saber

[@JamieCameron-Mackintosh-z7c]

@@lmm We noticed...🙄🤣

[@888johnmac]

they're not that stupid .. they made sure Lawries Lightsaber is set to stun .. lol

[@pkscarr]

Am I a Very Dull Bloke for finding it incredibly interesting to hear the lad in the purple shirt explaining how the clutch and gearbox work? you know what, I dont even care. Engineering IS interesting.

[@lmm]

Epicyclic gears are very interesting!

[@JamieCameron-Mackintosh-z7c]

Laurie, use the old Navy excuse: "It come off in me 'and, Chief..." 🤣

[@lmm]

😂 😂 😂 😂 I'll remember that

[@keab42]

Laurie just doesn't know his own strength 😂

[@nickjames2370]

I am sure Jay mentioned this off camera, but there is another oil-way that runs down the centre of the “mainshaft” from the back of the gearbox forward. On the Ruston you drove at Amerton the 2nd gear clutch had disintegrated and this oil-way was blocked with clutch material. Clearing it out was a little “long-winded” and needed an “auger” made to do the job. Good luck 👍🙂

[@lmm]

Oh he didn't! That's worth knowing! Thank you

[@russthebiker]

You have some very gifted young people around you, nice to see this work going on

[@lmm]

It's great having people!

[@simmonssquad8610]

Well done. Can’t wait to see this running 😬

[@lmm]

Me neither!

[@jvmalta081]

well done !!!! been following this channel for a while now I guess my first video was when you went to buy the first ruston !! keep u the good work, hello From Zanzibar this time :)

[@lmm]

That's quite a while isn't it! Zanzibar is probably the coolest sounding name for a place ever

[@suprisex4999]

more of this please!

[@lmm]

Should be monthly!

[@pvtimberfaller]

Lawrie One thing I saw watching a couple of your videos. When you do the axle swap you may well run into trouble with the chains/sprockets if they are unevenly worn, they will have different pitches and may not mesh and possibly break. You may have to press off a wheel and swap sprockets.

[@lmm]

I don't want to have to deal with that. Hopefully it'll be OK

[@pvtimberfaller]

Check the chain fit BEFORE you set the locomotive on it’s wheels. FYI the rule of thumb is you change chains and sprockets at the same time. I wish you were less than 7,000 miles away, we have a 100 ton wheel press at work that people just use to bend stuff lol.

[@Tom-Lahaye]

Good news about the gear box. I have to see the next episode to see how the selector pistons and the glands these move in are inside the gear box With some luck the rust is only on the external bit.

[@lmm]

It's going to need some surgery

[@lostisleminstrel]

Most lifting beams have adjustable lift points and can be adjusted so the load stays level when lifted. Your lifting beam looks like it might have welded lift positions which makes it slightly less useful. Loved the video. Keep up the good work.

[@lmm]

It was built to lift out the gearbox. Turns out the weight distribution is different if you're just taking off the lid.

[@pennsyrailfan]

A great day when theres a new Loco Diaries!

[@lmm]

Hope you enjoyed it

[@williamsantangelo]

Thank you Lawrie very interesting indeed

[@lmm]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@roberthocking9138]

Great work lads, that gear box is in remarkably good condition. The clutch packs can be renovated or restored and your away. The gear change mechanism might be a different thing tho.

[@lmm]

It looks good doesn't it! Hopefully it'll go again

[@stevesalvage1089]

Very interesting showing how the box works , enjoyed every minute , thanks for sharing Lawrie

[@lmm]

You're welcome!

[@Pocketfarmer1]

To borrow from Mr. Miyagi ,Ruston ,rust off.

[@Nowheres_Channel]

That... Why did I not think of that first-

[@lmm]

Genius!

[@YurtFerguson]

I hate that I like this so much. Take my upvote

[@clockwork3494]

Oh this is a good one, love it lol

[@ianmckeand2265]

Having just sorted a rusted solid Sturmey bicycle gear I’m a big fan of epicyclic gears, albeit that mine are on a tiny scale compared to that one. I’m sure you’ll find this a very rewarding project. I would volunteer if I lived a bit nearer!

[@TheGWR0-4-0]

Great progress!

[@lmm]

Slowly heading in the right direction

[@computerwizkid1002]

Well done everyone involved! Fantastic work! I so enjoy watching the progress videos.

[@lmm]

Thank you very much - I'm glad you're enjoying it

[@carolinecleaveley-q1r]

HI Lawrie Great news about the gearbox. caroline.

[@lmm]

Very positive!

[@UncannySense]

looking at the rust collection, you might want to invest in a 20g plastic drum full of white vinegar and let those rust seized parts soak for a couple of days...rust should melt off.

[@lmm]

That's a good idea

[@carolinecleaveley-q1r]

Thanks!

[@lmm]

Thank you!

[@matt_acton-varian]

Good to see the progress. Are you going to reprofile/retyre Sir William's wheels and refiit them?

[@lmm]

Yes, that's the plan. It's just horrendously expensive

[@BlazerProject]

Lawrie it may be a good idea to pull that clutch apart and still inspect it to make sure everything is good. Heat marks are never good to see and even with inspection ports you just never know what could be lurking on the inside to ruin your day. Also water on those wet clutches are possibly as bad as antifreeze leaking inside an automatic transmission, just saying. Just a suggestion from my own experience with an old machine that a friend acquired and was told that was good but one sealed part let loose and soon became a nightmare to fix due to the damage. End mill gone bad and it was a very good one that someone did not know how to use very well.

[@lmm]

I'm not going to strip the box. But I'm hoping Jay will!

[@jim8652]

We gotta give these guys names. Feel like a robot going “ah yes, 281266. You’re looking well”

[@lmm]

I tend to use the last three numbers. Which is confusing with the 165 and Sir William. When we've finished doing x on 266, could you go and do y on 266?

[@nick-c]

​@lmm the solution to that is to paint them all different colours...

[@jimn10jn79]

The important thing is the gearbox appears in reasonable condition. From Lawrie having an ambition to this wonderful community helping rescue her, this video really made me happy because there appears to be a good chance she can be restored.

[@lmm]

Oh she'll certainly run again.

[@jimn10jn79]

@@lmm I’m really pleased - as an Engineer I recognise that despite the best efforts, sometimes things can be beyond repair ( although very little can’t be repaired with sufficient money). Obviously nothing has horrified you so far. There is a channel “watch Wes work” where he has repaired clutches with alternating plates, mainly on earth moving machines.

[@traumgeist]

Looks like it’s ready for the full Mad Max style resto mod. Carry on lads.

[@lmm]

Hahaha, that would be great getting it ready for the wasteland

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

great vlog keep up the great vlog thanks for share

[@lmm]

Thank you, I'll do my best!

[@Mrdoctile]

The Sad part was when you said "next time"... Was sad because I knew it was almost over...

[@lmm]

Sorry! Lots to look forward to though

[@benglasgow]

Mr Hewes crossover when? 10:00 👀

[@mccool3606]

Can't wait to watch

[@lmm]

Hope you enjoyed it

[@RG-Models86]

Great progress, Lawrie 👍. Could we possibly, in the future, see an O gauge model of 393303?

[@lmm]

I have suggested to Heljan!

[@robine5280]

But in its broken state. Would be something different.

[@kevinstaddon8517]

I owned a 2' 20 DL once , similar transmission although it was only the selector shaft stuck in the housing so wasn't so bad. Can't remember how many tons of force was needed to free it.

[@lmm]

Oh they're nice little things!

[@robine5280]

Noooo, it's over, I want the next episode right now 😫

[@lmm]

It's a fun episode too!

[@TheHoveHeretic]

Whatever yor Rustons throw at you, console youself with the thought that they're not a *very* early Kerr Stuart with a damn near unique McLaren money pit!

[@lmm]

Oh certainly - and they're not in too bad shape!

[@EMEME27655]

This is Top gear for trains😂

[@lmm]

Glad you approve!

[@Rymunin]

eppiflipflop gearboxes are a pain in the posterior to understand fully.... also fun fact, its what helps a tank do neutral turns :D

[@lmm]

Oh really?

[@Rymunin]

@@lmm yup 22 years as a tank mechanic (and pretty much everything else that moves and can be broken by bored)

[@gherkinisgreat]

​@@RymuninIt's astonishing what a bored soldier can break or destroy at a moments notice

[@billybobbassman]

OMG my Dad had a lathe in his shed for my entire life, why did I never think to ask him to make me a lightsaber?!!! I wasted my childhood opportunities!!!... Great vid by the way

[@lmm]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ThePanzer6]

11:08 we've all done it !

[@trainspotterlive2133]

How long do you think it will be until it runs

[@lmm]

I hope to have the engine running this year, maybe even back in the frames.

[@2428matt]

Question Is there any OO model of 249 266’s livery, if so, im putting that on my shopping list and a nameplate off LRS! 🤣

[@lmm]

Afraid not. There are a couple of repaints about, but that's as close as it gets.

[@2428matt]

Ah, I’ll see if I could get my friend to do one on a second hand unit

[@benjenkinson1470]

Honestly didn’t mind the wheel sets in oxide red. Not sure how it would go with the green cab but on there own looked smart

[@lmm]

It would certainly clash with the green!

[@tryingagain14]

Christmasy train ​@@lmm

[@digbymodelrailway2929]

Laurie, next time might i suggest a blow torch?

[@lmm]

There's gas to borrow at the railway

[@digbymodelrailway2929]

@ perfect, do they have jet fuel? I’ll come assist ✈️

[@lmm]

@digbymodelrailway2929 I'll see if we can get some in

[@sheepsanctuary1891]

I have found too clean rusty parts to soak in molasses for about 8 weeks + or-

[@lmm]

Sounds a good plan

[@notmuch_23]

I kept typing it before, and I will keep typing it until the crew reach the same conclusion or prove me ultimately wrong: the engine and transmission/gearbox will need to be removed and _completely_ disassembled for a full restoration. Now I think the final drive will also need to be removed and completely disassembled.

[@lmm]

We're about 6 months ahead with whats actually happening with the loco, so wait and see!

[@notmuch_23]

@@lmm So I believe I'll see the engine and gearbox/transmission being completely lifted out, if nothing else with the box than just replacing the third gear clutch pack and making sure there's no real thermal damage from starting in third for so long.

[@robine5280]

Why, though? If the bearings are fine I don't see the necessity. 303 isn't going to become a long range mainline passenger locomotive anytime soon I believe. Check the things and fix what is broken. The clutch may be good for another 20 years with occasional light use. That gearbox looked way better than I expected, exceptionally after seeing the plungers rusted solid. Clean it up a little, don't run the first oil for too long after it's back in service and keep the money saved for other parts needed.

[@notmuch_23]

@ Somehow I believe, mainly through age and neglect, that some things are wrong that cannot be fully seen nor corrected without a proper full disassembly. I think the full disassembly should be done just to make sure there are no further problems. Neglect is damaging!

[@schwarzermoritz]

Rust on. Rust off. Ruston. Rust off😂

[@lmm]

😂 Oh dear

[@computerwizkid1002]

I'm considering setting my own (sadly non railway related) Channel up have you got any advice please LMM thanks?

[@lmm]

Is anyone else making the kind of content that you're planning to. If so, what will your USP be.

[@computerwizkid1002]

@lmm it would be classic cars and what's USP?

[@lmm]

@computerwizkid1002 Unique Selling Point. What do you have or are doing differently to anyone else. Cars are a hugely saturated market, so you would need to do something different to stand out, rather than similar content to what's out there.

[@computerwizkid1002]

@lmm the idea is doing stuff up like the engine box etc

[@lmm]

@computerwizkid1002 there's a lot of channels out there who do restorations

[@wideyxyz2271]

❤💪

[@lmm]

👍

[@SlingnutSeedlings]

So what's the livery going to be? It would be cool if the three of them had different liveries i.e. 294266: dark green, 281266: the really smart looking blueish white coat, 393303: I could definitely see it in red

[@lmm]

Sir William was Red when I got it. Not a fan personally

[@PeterJewell2]

​@@lmm- Network South East? Doesn't have to be genuine!

[@lowiepete]

there is no such word root in the English language as disassemble - we dismantle - as in remove mantles from gas lights so they can no longer function.

[@TheHoveHeretic]

The OED begs to differ. Earliest known use cited as 1550, precise definition as per Lawrie's usage in military use 1880s

[@lmm]

English is a very versatile and ever evolving language what wasn't a word or term one year can be widely accepted the next

[@battaliance]

Should not have been stood that close to those forks while it was in use on mistake on the operators part and you woulda been having a nasty time

[@lmm]

It was in park when he was lifting

[@Sam_Green____4114]

Why though ? Why would you bother ? Commercial use ? money to be made hiring them out ?

[@lmm]

Because I want to.

[@TheHoveHeretic]

​@@lmmDave Brewer's Rule No.1 applies just as much in 304.8mm/ft scale as 009. 😊

[@Sam_Green____4114]

@ and ?

[@PeterJewell2]

Preservation of historical artefacts for future generations, and because repair and restoration is an outlet for creativity and hugely rewarding for the wellbeing of the person doing it.

[@lmm]

I guess you're new to the idea of a hobby. This channel probably isn't for you 😂

[@nigelparkin8413]

Am sorry but your not hand's on your quick happy to let everything do work just so you can watch them

[@alanclarke4646]

Nothing wrong with getting people who know what they are doing to do the specialist work.

[@TheSteamdriver]

You clearly don't know much about restoration if your getting angry with someone sending something to be sent off to be done by Specialists

[@MichealRandall-q2x]

Don’t be a nob,he does get stuck in and more than likely just gets out the way as not to make something worse lol

[@Pocketfarmer1]

A man should know his limits.

[@jackn4853]

By the way it's you're short for you are, not your.