When Locomotion opened in 2004, one of the major exhibits to be housed under cover for the first time was the iconic Experimental Advanced Passenger Train, otherwise known as APT-E. Since 2000, a loyal band of volunteers led by Paul Leadley and Kit Spackman (Mr Tilt of previous postings) has worked tirelessly on the conservation of the train.
Since 2004 the train has had its tilting ability disabled and has been on temporary blocks, making it technically unstable. Kit has designed some anti-tilt blocks, which Richard Pearson and the workshop team made, and today these were fitted to make initially one power car stable. We can now allow the group access to safely work on the train and hopefully open the cab on select days. Should you wish to learn more about the train and the support group’s activities, please visit www.apt-e.org – if you’d like to get involved, the team will welcome you with open arms!
Kit supervises Richard jacking up the train on one side...
...while Paul and Jason watch the clearance on the anti-tilt supports on the other side
The area around the work was barriered off, but Paul and Kit put out their display boards to explain the APT-E story
Once the anti-tilt blocks were in place, these notices were placed on the bogies to disguise them
With the train finally level and secure for the first time in six years, Paul and Kit celebrate a job well done
A view through the engine bay of the Power Car, with turbines and ancillaries on both sides
Now that the train is stable, we hope that the APT-E support group will be able to open the cab during Cab It events and other special days, raising the profile of APT-E and telling its true story
A great job all round I think.
Anthony, we should use your camera more often, as the engine room shot and the cab shot, like so good, you could think it was roll out day.
Nice blog, no lets get cracking on the rest of E train………