That hasn't happened, instead NSWGR Trikes has acquired more trikes. 2 more Type 4S Wickham Railcars. One of which is going through the workshop; Works Number 9865. One of the last to enter service on the NSWGR. The other is unidentified, someone has removed it's plates. The latter never being converted to Wisconsin power but the JAP engine is missing.
No. 9865 is fitted with a Wisconsin S14D engine, only missing it carburetor and fuel tank. As always with Wisconsin's that have sat for a while, the exhaust valve was stuck. The rest of the engine is in good shape. The Clutch however was badly damaged. Who ever played with it last did tighten certain bolts, they came undone, and smashed other bits and pieces off the clutch pack itself. Not happy about that as it will use up my spares I have for 526 if it needed them.
The front axle is out and taken apart for new gearbox bearings and seals, the wheel bearing themselves are in fine condition. Was interesting to find out that self aligning ball bearings RHP NLJ 1 3/8 were used instead of factory fitted cylindrical roller bearing RHP LRJ 1 3/8. The ball bearing is cheaper but a PITA to set up correctly. The roller bearings allowed for a +/-2mm in alignment.
The plan for 9865 is that it will be the work horse of the fleet, replacing the favored 526. 526 will join the VW as a 'special occasions and shows' trike. As such 9865 will probably roll out a goer sometime in the next 3 months. Not having to do much about the looks of it will greatly speed up its turn around time and not to mention, save a a lot of money.
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| As delivered with the other Wickham behind it. The TICs belong to a mate and were picked up at the same time. |
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| 9865 up ended and front axle on the floor. |
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| Work continues on the engine and clutch |
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| Bare axle |
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| Left hand side fittings. |
