80136's Uplifting Experience Part 1 - 22nd January 2003

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80136 has been brought to the LNWR Workshops at Crewe for a mid term overhaul. One major item being attended to is the fitting of a complete set of new tyres. To do this meant removing the engine from its wheelsets by way of a complex lifting process. This shot shows the locomotive in position with the spreader beams and slings already fitted.

Some final adjustments were made to ensure that the chain slings did not damage the frame and that the lift would be even.

The back end came up first and checks were made to ensure that the rear bogie spigot was free and that nothing else was fouling.

Clear of the frames now and the front bogie trailing arm was supported on blocks as the engine rose.

Completely clear and the fork lift started to remove the rear bogie for storage.

The first set of drivers was moved towards the rear for removal.

The rear bogie was troublesome...

.....but soon fixed and the wheels removed from the frame.

Precarious or what? The staff at LNWR had the lift completely under control but there is something unnatural about 80 tonnes of steam locomotive hung in the air. Despite the howling wind this load wasn't moving around at all.

The front end showing the pony truck and the temporary bogie used to remove 80136 to the workshops for other works to be carried out.

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Lift Part 2