Working party updates January & February 2020

With the slow down in public appearances, the restoration team have been busy trying to resolve some of the problems that have arisen with the on board pump as well as continuing with the general maintenance and restoration.
The pump has been giving us an endless series of niggly problems including water and oil leaks, failing to start consistently and therefore it was finally decided that nothing less than a full overhaul would be required to hopefully ensure that this year we can run it without fear of failure, or a good soaking!

Over a period of several weeks, the pump was accessed, the control panel, deliveries, collecting head, volute and other associated fittings were removed, serviced, new bearings,seals, water pipes and clamps attached before being repainting and fitting.
​The restored pump control panel was also refitted and at this moment we are just waiting for a couple of the gauges to return from refurbishment and then we can do a full pressure test. The starter motor has undergone a full professional refurbishment and should provide many years of reliable service and finally, It was also decided to install a new electrical circuit to provide  a separate button, relay and warning light for the glow plug operation on the pump engine. 

Running parallel to this, the work to complete the lockers has continued with all the final sealant and undercoat being applied and the metal locker fittings have been stripped back and powder coated ready for the final install.
This now leaves the top coats of paint and flooring to install now and then we can finally restow the appliance. 

The rear hose locker door has been fully restored and refitted now and it looks fantastic.

The Hook Ladder, formally on the run at F26 Bethnal Green, was looking rather tired and was suffering from a few splinters along the strings and a rather pronounced bend due to it being constantly hanging on the hooks on the side of the top extension of the TL.  One of our members has undertaken to completely strip it down and do a full restoration. This is currently in progress and we are all looking forward to seeing it once its completed, although I don't think any of us will be climbing it again any time soon!

In the front cab, ribbed flooring has been installed on one side so far. This serves 2 purposes, it makes for a cleaner appearance but also protects the floor pan which was restored 3 years ago. We will be doing the drivers side next.