All Aboard: Fairgrieve Compression moulding offers services to historic locomotives

North-East based manufacturer, Fairgrieve, has been called upon to help keep the historic steam engines at the 187-year-old North Yorkshire Moors Railway on track.

Earlier this year, Fairgrieve Compression Moulding, of Washington, Tyne & Wear, were sought out for help by Armstrong Oilers, a business which specialises in axle lubrication for heritage locomotives, and is part of the North Yorkshire Moors Railways trust in Grosmont, near Whitby.

They were struggling to find a supplier able to manufacture a specialist part of the axle lubricating system for a steam engine, and approached Fairgrieves to see if they were able to assist.

Using drawings and designs for tooling, Fairgrieves  says it sourced materials based on their friction and thermal properties before the product was trialled and tested ahead of being placed into full production. 

They are expected to last for up to 20 years, despite the aggressive conditions they will be subjected to.

Barry Davidson, General Manager of Fairgrieve Compression Moulding said: “This enquiry was such a contrast to the many modern, hi-tech challenges we are presented with at Fairgrieve Compression Moulding, as we are used to working in the development of aerospace parts, missile tips, marine engineering or electrical parts for hazardous mining environments. 

“This was a project which tested our capabilities, as we had to get our heads into the days when British manufacturing and engineering was done with the highest standards of precision and quality in a world without the engineering software, computer modelling and cad/ cam design facilities, which we take for granted these days.”

The award winning 187-year old heritage railway attracts around 350,000 visitors annually and is run by a charitable trust which owns and operates around 18 miles of railway through the North Yorkshire countryside between Pickering and Whitby.

“We were like two little schoolboys on the visit,” admitted Mr Davidson.

“There steam locomotives and more modern diesel engines dating back to the 1950s are incredible pieces of British history and, as manufacturers and engineers ourselves, to see so many engineers and volunteers who give up their time to help support the full-time crews who help restore, maintain, and drive these beautiful steam engines from the past was humbling.

“Their work ensures these masterpieces of engineering never stop pulling in the crowds of steam train enthusiasts, families, schools, and tourists from all over the world.

“We are so proud to support Armstrong Oilers and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in preserving these locomotives and keeping them running to keep history alive and allow so many more to enjoy the experience. 

“Not many manufacturers can boast that there products will still be functioning in twenty years’ time, but when it comes to the North Yorkshire Moors Railways, every aspect is clearly made to stand the test of time.”