Fuel Tank Woes for Defiance Resolved
- DW25
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
On Tuesday 26th August 2025, 50049 had an unplanned shutdown at Bridgnorth whilst working a routine train on the SVR. When attempting to re-prime the fuel, it was confirmed that there was zero fuel pressure. A plan was formed to bring the loco back to Kidderminster whereby further examinations and tests could take place, this took place on Thursday 28th August. A few local tests were performed and the fuel was primed once again and surprisingly 20psi of fuel pressure registered. An attempt wasn’t made to restart the loco as the fuel system required bleeding prior to a restart taking place. In light of what was found previously, both the fuel filter and strainer were immediately examined, this showed signs of being full of debris, more so in the strainer as the particles were quite large. At this point the loco was placed over a pit and the contents of the tank was emptied. This allowed the underside of the pick up point to be examined by removing a large plug. When doing so we were quite surprised to see sludge and debris at the bottom of the pick up point. It was quite evident that we were dealing with the same issue that occurred with 50049 in 2022, however this was now with the tank from 50031!
There was only one thing for it, we’d have to drop the tank once again…
Our previous efforts of finding a suitable company who would take on the task of cleaning the 50049’s tank were fruitless. With us now in a position more than ever of needing to find a suitable solution for cleaning the fuel tank, a company was contacted who chemically clean car body shells to see if they’d be willing to take on the task. After a few dimensions and estimates of weight were exchanged, they were only more than happy to take on the task.
After readying the tank and fitting suitable eye bolts to it, Paul Walker a volunteer at the SVR offered to transport it to the cleaning facility by means of his trailer.
Once the tank had been thoroughly cleaned over several days, it was dipped into a protective coating which wouldn’t react with the diesel, and would further increased the longevity of the tank.
The tank at this point was returned to Kidderminster where it was treated externally to a coat of anti-corrosive primer, followed by a coat of under-frame black. The fuel tank was looking that impressive at this point that it seemed a shame to fit it.
The tank was jet washed internally to ensure all cleaning material and other detritus were completely removed. After this was completed diesel was added into the tank, swilled around and drained back out.
To facilitate the tank change, we made the decision to lift the loco off its bogies. We’re immensely thankful of the facilities to do this which are at our disposal at Kidderminster TMD. Prior to the loco being lifted, the fuel tank was disconnected, and the weight taken on pallet pump trucks. The loco was then raised leaving the fuel tank in position of which was then moved from beneath the loco.
All required parts were then swapped over from 50031’s tank onto 50049’s freshly overhauled tank. This included both access panels being correctly fastened in place and to the correct torque at either end of the tank.
We have also, as a periodic inspection measure, and preventative maintenance improvement added an inspection panel to the side of fuel tank adjacent to the fuel pick point. Some of you will remember that 49’s fuel tank was cut open several years ago when a Sunblest bread bag had managed to make its way into the fuel tank somehow, blocking the fuel pick up point of which needed to be removed. The inspection panel is in this same position as this previously cut panel.
This was completed with thanks to I W Locomotive Fabrication Limited.
Once the tank was good to go, the method was completed in reverse. The fuel tank moved beneath the loco, the loco lowered, the fuel tank aligned to the loco body and then fastened into place. All pipes were reattached and the loco body reconnected to its bogies by means of traction motor cables, earth cables, amongst several others.
The fuel strainer had already been thoroughly cleaned and was refitted into the loco. A new fuel filter was placed into the filter holder, locking wire being used to ensure it stays in place to ensure the correct filtration. This was then placed into the loco.
50049 was then shunted onto the fuel point and was filled full of diesel whilst looking and checking for any leaks of which thankfully there weren’t any major leaks, just a few minor adjustments being required. Once the loco was fully fuelled, the fuel system was fully bled through with a healthy 20psi showing on the gauge.
At this point there was nothing further to do aside from pressing the “START” button. After a short time of the engine turning over, the fuel racks opened letting fuel into the combustion chamber and 50049 burst into life on all 16 cylinders!
After a period of allowing the engine to idle and warm through, the fuel pressure was checked and it was showing a perfect 20psi. The loco was then moved around the yard under its own power, and used for a brief period of shunting. Defiance performed very well, without any issues being noted.
This has been a resounding success and with what we now know, we aim to clean all of fuel tanks on our locomotives on an exchange basis. 50031’s fuel tank has had an inspection hatch added to the side of the fuel tank this weekend, and will now be sent away for cleaning. This fuel tank will then be fitted to 50007 of which will be swapped over next year.
We would like to thank all of our supporters who have donated money towards this project in the “Tag the tank” appeal. Not to mention our shareholders and the many people who donate through other means. We would like to thank Paul Walker for transporting the tank, Ian Williams at I W Locomotive Fabrication Limited, and lastly but by no means least; our working volunteers for their unwavering support and efforts in facilitating and undertaking the work required.
By J Gregory
