T16 . it all started so well!

[andrew honychurch]

After not using or starting the T16 for over 18 months, today was the day I woke the old girl from her slumber. I must say that she started on the button and sounded superb. So confident was I that I decided to take her for a gentle work out around the field. Unfortunately, the first 3rd gear relatively sharp corner, there was a massive clanging and knocking and I knew I was in for trouble On jumping out of the drivers compartment I spotted the trouble. Not something I had experienced before, but surprised none the less. The rear near side bogie had slid off the axle tube, throwing the track and only stopped from completely dropping off the axle by the mudguards. I was lucky to find the clamping ring and washers, but amazed that, on reflection, the only item stopping the lateral movement of the bogie is a clamp with a small indentation and bolt. It would appear that the clamp had not been tightened since the rebuild and had worked loose enough to allow the near catastrophe. It still took me about 2 hours on my own in the field with soft ground to break the track and get everything back in order. Has anyone else suffered this fate? photos to follow.