London Transport Overhaul Works Reorganized
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LONDON TRANSPORT'S bus and coach overhaul works at Chiswick have been completely redesigned and reorganized internally on modern flowproduction lines to enable them to handle their present-day commitments with maximum efficiency.
The works came into usc in 1921 to handle the overhaul requirements of a fleet or 4,000 vehicles, but because of a rapid increase in the size of the bus and coach fleet, and the design of vehicles becoming more complex, a substantial increase in overhaul facilities became an urgent necessity.
To meet these needs, the Aldenham Works were built as the new centre for overhauling bus bodies and chassis, while the Chiswick Works were reorganized to deal more efficiently with the overhaul of the mechanical and electrical units. The reorganization started in 1955 and has been carried out without interruption of normal activities. The cost of the work has been ilfrin.
Items for overhaul entering the works from Aldenham, or the garages, are received in an inwards bay and as they enter the shops are given a primary wash to remove external dirt. In certain cases, the units are then given a preliminary inspection to determine the probable degree of overhaul, Parts are then passed forward for secondary cleaning and they then pass to Preview, which determines whether they
are suitable for further use or, if not, what process of reconditioning is required. Parts not capable of economic repair are Scrapped and replaced from the New Material Store.
Parts for reconditioning go either to the Plating Shop where they are built up by electro deposition of nickel or chromium or to the Welding Shop, where units are built up by gas or electric welding. This shop is also equipped with metal spray equipment.
The reconditioned parts, together with new parts and those fit for issue as received, pass to the Pre-assembly Stores, where assembling of units follows normal manufacturing lines, after which the completed units are held in the Units Despatch Stores for issue to the user on a one-for-one exchange basis.
Assembled engines pass to the Test House where they are given a power run before being sent to the Units Despatch Stores. Gearboxe3 after assembly are also tested under load in special test chambers. Unit shops deal also with the overhaul of fuel injection pumps, pressure brake equipment, batteries and the electrical equipment of buses. Road springs are completely overhauled in the Spring Shop.
The Chiswick Works has its own Tool Room which deals with the manufacture and maintenance of all special purpose jigs, tools and fixtures used at Chiswick and Aldenham.