It was a massive day at the depot last Monday with 2 cranes arriving in order to perform the very rare event of lifting J515 off the tracks for maintenance.

Our team worked throughout the day to lift the loco and remove the wheels and axle boxes for cleaning, whilst also checking the axle box bearings and beginning to prepare the chassis for painting.

Closer view of the front of J515 ready for lifting.

Here the chains are being adjusted prior to being positioned under the locos frame.

The Loco beginning to be lifted off its wheels.

The wheelsets are now able to be rolled out from under the locos frame.

A rare look at J515's chassis after being lifted and having the wheels removed.

50-tonne flying machine.

Is 515 starring in the next back to the future movie?

J515’s wheels and axles awaiting cleaning

Keep an eye on the blog and our Facebook page in upcoming weeks for further J515 updates.