Jacker/Packer
This machine is used to lift the track panels in order to pack ballast underneath to ensure it’s correctly aligned to the correct height. It is the property of the Dean Forest Railway and restored by us under an agreement, so it can be used to maintain the track on both railways.
Restoration work was carried out between 2018 and 2020. The first stage involved cleaning and stripping down the Jacker/Packer, labelling and removing the hydraulic hoses, wiring, switches, levers etc. The 3-cylinder Lister ST3 engine, which powers the unit was removed. On dismantling the engine, the pistons were found to be seized. Despite weeks of soaking in release oil they still wouldn’t move, so they were heated up and hammered out using protective blocks of wood. rings. The engine was re-bored and new pistons fitted. The framework was thoroughly cleaned and repainted, the instrument panel re-wired and new Triumph hydraulic brake calliper was installed on one of the braking wheels