NER CD Lever Frame Components

As the progress with the box itself nears the time at which we will be allowed to install the frame, we have been trying to get the various components cleaned up and painted.

The stack of 22 levers with 3 of the catch blocks on top, showing their very distinctive shape. Some of the levers retain their original paint, whereas others were previously stripped back and primed in red oxide.

The levers themselves required dismantling into their component parts so that they could be cleaned up properly, have the pins and holes inspected and made good as need be. As they have been dismantled, whilst the levers themselves have their number stamped on, the catch blocks and catch rods do not. Just in case they are not interchangeable (and to retain originality), we have numbered them accordingly. We did find that some levers have signs of brutality from some point in their lives: in some cases, the catch blocks would not slide off until the levers saw careful attention to high spots.

The box containing the catch rods and catch blocks.

We will now clean up the levers, back to bare metal, and prime them. The lower part (that sits below the operating floor level) will be finished in the same grey enamel that has been used on other components. This means it can easily be wiped down and shows up any problems quickly. The upper part of the levers will only be painted up into their function-related colours once they have been installed. This should ensure a better finish.

There's still a lot of work to do to clean up the levers and get the handles shining brightly!

Meanwhile, the main upright stanchions (of which there are 4) have been cleaned up, primed and painted in grey enamel (in 3 instances), and so are ready for installation.

Stanchion drying, with bits of compensator for company.

Next up will be the 23 quadrants, whose undersides require cleaning, priming and grey enamel before they can be installed. We hope to assemble the frame (minus levers) as soon as the downstairs is ready, which will then enable the upstairs floor to be completed, around the frame. Levers and locking can be fitted after this, providing they are not in the way for the internal decorating.

Lever quadrants showing some intriguing differences.


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