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Donate to the N Class Project!
To keep the N Class Project rolling forward, we are launching the Driving Wheels Fundraiser.
The N Class locomotive is fitted with eight driving wheels, sourced from donor locomotive K154. Each of these wheel sets require detailed attention: cleaning, inspection, precise measurement of their crank pins and bearing journals, and reconditioning of their axle boxes and springs before the locomotive frame can be reunited with its wheels.
So what does this involve?
To complete the locomotive’s rolling frame, focus is now on restoring the driving wheels that will be used for N441. While work continues on the restoration and modification of the locomotive frame, volunteers are busy cleaning and dismantling the wheel sets.
Each wheel is being inspected for faults in the wheel centres, while key items—such as crank pins (which connect the side rods to the wheels, highlighted in yellow), axle boxes (housings containing a bearing and woolen pad for oil retention), and journals (the axle surfaces that run within the boxes, highlighted in red)—are being precisely measured. These measurements are then checked against the original specifications set out in the Victorian Railways Practice Cards.
PROV: VPRS 3426/P0005, Class K. N. 66
Wheels and Axles - Leading Intermediate Driving and Trailing
Wheels and Axles - Leading Intermediate Driving and Trailing
Given that these wheel sets are now over 80 years old, some repairs will almost certainly be required to bring them back within specification. This work is expected to include machining the crank pins and journals, refitting axle boxes with fresh woolen pads, and potentially recasting new white-metal bearings.
Progress is already being made. Two wheel sets have been removed from the locomotive frame for initial assessment, with the results so far proving positive. (You can revisit our earlier article on the driven wheelset for more detail.) Once these two wheel sets have been fully reconditioned, they will be swapped back into the frame, allowing the remaining two wheel sets to be removed in turn for inspection and overhaul.
Our goal is to raise $30,000 to fund this critical work. With your support, we can accelerate the reconditioning process, reunite N441’s frame with its wheels, and ensure that restoration work on the locomotive continues to gain momentum.
You can contribute to the Driving Wheels Fundraiser below.
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