Air Braking
During the early part of 1993, approximately half way through the overhaul, the MNLPS Management Committee came to the conclusion that when 35028 re-entered traffic, it was likely that very few vacuum braked coach sets would be left in service. The society decided to look into the feasibility of fitting air-braking equipment to enable Clan Line to haul air braked stock. Informal discussions were held with BR and SLOA, who were quite positive about the idea. SLOA felt it sensible for Clan Line to act as 'guinea pig’ ~ setting the guidelines for other main line steam locomotive owners who might choose to go down the same path.
It was not practical to air brake the locomotive itself. The locomotive and tender would still be braked by steam and vacuum brake respectively, operated through the air braking equipment. To buy new equipment was prohibitively expensive so used equipment was obtained, overhauled and re-certified by the original supplier. The compressor was obtained from Steam Traction Ltd, who had imported some air braked locomotives from Finland.
Rear of Tender showing cutout for compressor.
Looking at the system as a whole, the positioning of some of the equipment proved problematical. The compressor for the air braking system was mounted in a recess cut into the back of the tender. The alternative of positioning it on the front of the locomotive would do nothing for 35028's appearance. The picture above shows the recess cut into the tender, and below, the compressor after fitting.
Compressor fitted to tender.
The three new main air reservoirs were placed on the top of the tender tank, at the back. These can be seen in the picture above. The three vacuum cylinders they replaced were removed from the tender and replaced by four smaller cylinders positioned beneath the frames under the water tank.
Air Brake Handle.
The driver's brake handle was mounted on a separate pedestal, welded to the cab under-frame. It is placed on the left hand side of the cab but to the right of the driver's position. The system needed to be approved by British Rail, this being forth-coming early in 1994.
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