Electric oil priming pump

A great introduction for any new volunteer is to get them to assist with the preparation for the start up of a Class 50. Whilst this can be exciting, it is also a bit of a workout, as Class 50s were only fitted with manual engine oil priming pumps. Before starting a Class 50 the hand pump lever is pulled backwards and forwards – manually pumping the oil round the system, until the oil pressure reaches a minimum of 10 Psi. This process can take up to 5 minutes, and will certainly increase your heartbeat! Whilst most other, and in some cases older, locomotives had electric oil priming pumps fitted Class 50s didn’t, probably to save money. Our contacts within GBRF have allowed us to salvage ex Class56 oil pumps during the Class 69 conversions. These pumps bring the oil pressure up to the desired level in a matter of 30 seconds, and as they are run from the power stored in the battery, the only human effort is to press the oil button to initiate the process.