1st February
A recent project that’s been underway in the workshop for a few weeks now, is the renewal of the GE floor compressor out of D scrubber car 134s. Years of oil and dirt build up inside the compressor motor has taken its toll, leaving the compressor unable to pump air into the car’s brakes, and therefore rendering the car unsafe to operate.
With works finished on K scrubber car 11 (ex-139s), as well as the motor overhauls on the first bogie for O 1111, the opportunity has been taken to lift the compressor out of 134s, and into the workshop for a general cleanup and overhaul. When completed, this will allow the tram to be once again fully operational, and available for driving during special events.
Progress so far has seen dirt on the compressor casing scraped off, the motor field coils sprayed with electrical solvent, and the motor armature left in a bath of turpentine for a week, before both it and the field coils were left to dry in the sun.
After a week of bathing in turpentine, the armature is put to the test by the workshop’s megohm-meter. 
The compressor is lifted onto the table, so as to provide easier access for cleaning.
Work also begins on the second bogie for O 1111, with the motors from the car removed, and the truck lifted onto the recently re-gauged jig that arrived with the Variotram spares. This will allow the truck to be given a further cleanup, as well as a repaint.
Photo by Michael Hatton
19th February
For the past few weeks, the armature and field coils from 134s’ compressor motor have been given a further round of cleaning and baking. The end result has seen the armature test satisfactorily and a new coat of electrical varnish has been applied to it for added insulation.
The field coils however, have produced less than successful results. So Workshop Manager Bill Parkinson intends to give them the same treatment that the GE247 motors from 141s’ former bogies have received. This entails removing each individual field coil, varnishing them, and then adding a layer of insulating paper underneath each coil upon reapplying them to the motor casing.
Once this is complete, the motor components will be reattached to the main compressor unit, which will be followed by general testing in order to ensure the unit operates satisfactorily.
Photo by Michael Hatton
In addition to the air compressor overhaul, the decision has been made to attend to other matters needed on 134s. Not the least of which repairs to its scrubbing equipment, as well as general body work. Good progress has been made so far in removing components from inside the tram, whilst it is in its current position in the display hall. However, as the work is becoming to large for the current situation, it is intended to bring this car into the workshop within the next week or two; replacing Scrubber 11 (ex-139s).
Photo by Michael Hatton
22nd February
A great effort has been made in removing the scrubbing pistons out of 134s and bringing them into the workshop for repair and overhaul. With the car soon expected to be brought into the workshop, re-installation will be much easier for the workshop crew.
26th February
Scrubber car 134s has been brought into the workshop; supplanting Scrubber 11, which is now in the display hall. The car’s water tanks – both of which are in need of maintenance – have now been removed and placed on the workshop floor. This will allow for a much easier repair job to be done, as well as allowing the tram interior to get a good clean. Work also continues on repairing the car’s scrubbing pistons, with new rubber seals to be manufactured for both.
Photo by Michael Hatton