The machining of the hornblocks, axleboxes and axlebox keeps for Yeo and Exe is underway at Boston Lodge. The steel castings were painted on delivery to stop rusting and blue indicates that this particular hornblock is destined for Exe. Once machined and completed the hornblocks will be bolted to the mainframes to accept the axleboxes
The axleboxes are cast in aluminium bronze and the lower part - the keep - forms the oil reservoir to lubricate the driving axle journals. Ali bronze is a lovely material and perfect for this purpose being strong and tough. It is also expensive and should last a very long time. It’s use on Lyd has proved its worth and the axleboxes should last a very long time