Previous News!

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24-12-08 80105 performed very well with the Santa Specials and has now been taken out of service for maintenance. 'Morayshire' has been steam tested and is working the Winter Warmers and the Black Bun Specials. 419 is being cleaned up for its finale as CR 419 on the 4th Jan . Work on the Fairmaid and the Austerities has slowed up due to the Holidays. The Iron Fairy has had its new lifting cable fitted last Sunday but requires a little more work to complete the job.

14-12-08 Another good turn out last Monday evening with good progress being made on the Austerities. There is still an evenings work required to complete the work on the side rods for No.7 before we turn our attention to No.19s. Work has just started on lapping the valve faces on No.7 . This is a very laborious task and will take some time as the valve seat faces are quite badly worn. Brian and his team are working very hard to have the Fairmaid ready to steam by the end of March 2009. The engine is now ready to be lifted on to its wheel sets and all the motion is ready to be fitted. The boiler cladding has been renewed or repaired as necessary. 80105 is in service with no issues apart form requiring an axle spring to be changed which will be carried out in the new year. 246 Morayshire has had work carried out on the regulator valve to remove excess free play in the linkage. It is planned to use the shire for the services between Christmas and the new year. CR 419 will be in service on Sunday 4th Jan  (link to events) and photo charters in spring 2009.. The society has just acquired a Manitou telehandler to load coal, ballast, sleepers etc. A new lifting cable is due to be delivered this week for the Iron Fairy which will allow it to be brought back into service. See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone

3-12-08 The Caly coaches will not be used on the 4th Jan with CR419 as stated below. The normal branch set will be used.

30-11-08  Really sad news about the turntable at Perth see article below. Good progress was made on the Fairmaid last weekend and 80105 has also been returned to traffic in time for the Santa Specials. A good turn out on Monday evening saw the new pistons back in the bores of No.7, side rod retaining collars and Knuckle pins wear repaired by weld and machined back to size and the steel knuckle pin bushes pressed out of the rods. It is planned to have a bit of a shunt in the shed to create some space to bring in the driving axles to facilitate the fitting of big end bearings and eccentrics. CR 419 will be making its last appearance for some time in Caly blue on the 4th January. The engine will be running with the Caly coaches on the day. Assistance in helping to clean and prepare the engine on the Saturday 3rd will be most welcome! After this event the engine will be painted in BR black as 55189 and after some photo charters will be taken out of service to replace the crown stays and driving axle bearings. See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone

28-11-08 Breaking news:  The turntable located at Perth new yard which the society had just been offered from EWS has been cut up for scrap. It was cut up over the 27th & 28th and it would seem that EWS were not aware of this being carried out. What a waste for a few hundred pounds worth of scrap.

See photos by taken 28-11-08 by Gary Straiton.

New Machine shop/stores: Agreement in principle has been taken to proceed with the construction of the new machine shop/stores building. The actual position of the new building has still to be defined, but the concept is to have it positioned to the West of the Romney shed and be in a position that will fit in with the eventual construction of the new engine erecting shed and welfare facilities. Plans for the staged redevelopment of the steam loco works and yards are being devised and planning applications are to be made once this plan is agreed. Funding of the new facility will be a challenge but we already have the complete building in store ready to build. The major costs will be civil works including ground preparation for the concrete floor and cladding and insulating the new structure. This new structure will allow all the machine tools currently in the Romney shed as well as tools currently stored out side to be relocated into a secure and weather tight environment. This new building will also house all our stores of tools and fastenings which are currently being stored in very poor conditions in life expired shipping containers. An appeal for funds for this project is also being made. Please see link to Machine Shop Appeal Donation Form and Gift Aid Declaration (Optional)

General news: CR 419 is to be painted in BR black as 55189 primarily for a series of photo charters prior to it coming out of traffic for major boiler work (to replace the crown stays) and replacement of axle bearings etc. Apart from the new axle bearings and the need for new springs for the driving axle the engine is in good mechanical condition and the plan is to have the engine returned to service as quickly as possible. Proceeds from the charters will go towards the overhaul. Morayshire:- the problems with the regulator failing to fully close properly have been resolved and the dome has been refitted. The engine is available for service. 80105:- Repairs to the wasted rivet heads in the firebox have been completed. Work is underway to refit the rocking grate and have the engine available for service by the weekend. Austerities:- Really good turnouts over the past couple of Monday evenings have seen significant progress. The new side rod bearings for No.7 have all been pressed into place and all the bearings for No.19 have been pressed out for white metaling. Fitting the pistons and piston rods to No.7 will be the next task.

9-11-08 Its been a while since the last update but a holiday in the sun and subsequent illness (Montezuma's revenge!) have been the cause. Good progress is being made on the Fairmaid with new water tanks fabricated and the axle bearings being aligned ready for the refitting of the wheel sets. Work is also progressing on the Cab and cab fittings etc. Austerities:- Machining of the new side rod bearings has been completed for No.7 and these are now ready to be pressed into the rods. Lubrication pipe work is also now complete on the engine. Tinning of the crosshead slippers prior to white metaling is in progress. The damaged valve spindle for No.7 has been spiral welded and ground back to as new specification and is ready to be fitted. New white metal packings are to be made for all the cylinder rod and valve spindle seals. No.19:- The side rod bearings have all been pressed out ready for re-metaling. 80105:- A temporary repair has been made to the wasted tank top within the rear bunker by means of fibreglass. Manufacture and replacement of stay nuts and repairs to wasted rivet heads in the firebox is underway in readiness for the engine to be used for the Santa season. No.1:- The blastpipe has been repaired and refitted. No.246 Morayshire:- the engine is in service. No.419 The engine is in service. General matters:- A bit of a shunt with in the shed is required to allow the drivers of both No.7 & 19 to be brought into the workshop to facilitate fitting of big ends and eccentric straps prior to re-wheeling the Austerities. The Iron Fairy is out of commission at the moment due to the main lift wire being kinked. This is to be replaced ASAP possibly by specialist contractors as we are so short staffed at present. The coal conveyor is being rewired including new controls and is being modified to prevent material getting between the conveyor and the drive roller which causes the drive to fail. Running shed changing facilities:- Proposed designs and layouts of the changing area are in the process of being reviewed prior to the work being carried out. See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone.

3-10-08 It has been a very busy Month! Turn out over the last Month has not been very good with a significant amount of effort being spent on repairs to the operational engines with only restoration of the Fairmaid making any real progress. Work on the Sentinals has been halted for the time being and progress on the Austerities has all but ground to a halt due to a lack of available volunteer resource however the pistons are both now in No.19, wasted cylinder cover studs have been replaced, completion of the lubrication systems on No.7 and painting of the cabs, bunkers and wheel sets for both is in progress. A new pattern has been made for the blastpipe. Standard Tank 80105 is back from its visit to Wensleydale. The engine has developed quite a bad leak from the water space under the bunker. It is hoped that access can be made from the void beside the bunker to weld in a new repair plate. There is also attention required to the boiler with a leak from a foundation ring rivet or patch screw and there are a very large No. of stay nuts needing replacement etc. The engine has had many failures of main axle springs of the last couple of seasons and is an issue that is to be investigated. No. 1:- The boiler has been tested after all the tubes had been expanded, the RH bigend refitted, and returned to service. The engine failed a couple of weeks ago with a badly leaking boiler tube which is in the process of being replaced. The blastpipe has been found to be badly cracked at its mounting flange. The locating studs were very badly corroded and are in the process of being drilled out and replaced. It is hoped that the blast pipe can be repaired by welding. LNER D49 'Morayshire' has had a successful visit to Embassy and Bolton Abby Railway and is now back at Bo'ness and in Service. CR 419:- The engine is in service. See photos of recent activity by Alex livingstone and Tony Dance.

1-09-08 Standard tank 80105:- The engine is operational at the Wensleydale Railway. 2 axle springs have broken and have been changed. Morayshire has had its boiler washout and is having various leaks fixed. Before the engine goes off to the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway   419:- is in service. No. 1:- All the firebox tube plate leaks have been fixed and the RH big end bearing is ready to fit. Fair Maid:- Work is well under way to repair the water tanks and bunkers. No.7:- the machining of new side rod bearings continues. No. 19 The side rod bearings have been pressed out prior to white metaling and machining. See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone.

24-08-08  Standard tank 80105:- The engine returned from Aviemore worked the service trains of our Thomas weekend and went off to the Wensleydale Railway where it will be in service until the 7-09-08. Morayshire:- The engine is in service and is currently in daily use on the service trains. 419:- The engine is available for service. No.1:- Almost all the tubes at the firebox end have been expanded to resolve leaking between the tubes and the tube plate. The right hand big end bearing has been removed and re-machined. Fair maid:- The new axles have been returned complete with new tyres and the new crank pins fitted. All the side rod, connecting rod and motion pins and bearings have been replaced or re-machined. The cab roof has been repaired and fabrication of the new water tanks is in progress. No.19:- The Left Hand piston has been lapped to it's piston rod and is ready to be fitted.  See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone.

29-07-08 Turn out over the last couple of weekends and Monday evenings has been quite low due to holidays, however progress is being made! Fair Maid:- New slide bars have been made and the engine is now ready for its wheel sets. Delivery of the completed wheel sets has been delayed for a few weeks. No.19:- The RH piston has now been fitted and the front buffer beam is painted and ready to be refitted. 80105:- The engine is in service at the Strathspey Railway. 2 new axle springs have been fitted to the drivers. The engine is due back to Bo'ness next week. No.1:- The very badly worn LH big end bearing has been re-machined and refitted. The top 3 rows of tubes have been expanded and more may have to be expanded if the work carried out so far has not cured all the leaks. This engine will be in service for the next 'Thomas' event which starts on the 8th August. 419:- Is in service with no issues. Morayshire:- The engine is in service with no issues. See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone

16-07-08 A great turnout on Monday 7th but very quiet on the 14th. Recently the turnout over the weekends has been excellent. Fair Maid:- The cross heads have been refurbished and the re-tyred wheel sets complete with new axles and pins are due back next week. No.7:- progress continues with the lubrication pipework and new cab doors have been made and painted. The valve spindle packing assembly has been removed and cleaned. No.19:- The right hand piston has been lapped to the piston rod and rings fitted ready for assembly. No.1:- The engine has been withdrawn from service due to leaks from the firebox tube plate. The tubes are to be expanded to resolve the issue. 419:- A tube started to fail early last week and the engine was failed and withdrawn from service last Thursday. On Saturday the offending tube was removed and a new tube fitted. The engine was returned to traffic but again failed on Sunday with a broken steam valve spindle. A new spindle was made on Monday evening, refitted and the engine returned to traffic on Tuesday. Jim's recent work on refurbishing the control valves for the westinghouse pump have been very successful with the pump performing very well. Morayshire:- The engine is due to have a boiler washout this coming weekend. Ranald:- reassembly of all the boiler and cab fittings is underway. See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone

5-07-08   Apologies for the late updates! I intend to update the site about twice a month from now on. The boiler has been lifted back into Sentinal Ranald. Work continues on the Fair Maid with the motion now all rebuilt. The work on the Austerities continues:- No.7 machining of new side rod bushes, new Vacuum brake pipe work, new graduated steam brake valve pipe work and lubrication pipe work is progressing well. The front draw hook is bent and the spring has seen better days! A potential replacement hook has been located. The hole in the buffer beam for the draw hook is also badly worn and will require attention before reassembly. The buffer beams for both engines have been needle gunned and primed ready for reassembly. No.19:-  new graduated steam brake valve pipe work is progressing well and the wheel sets have been needle gunned and primed.  See Photos of recent activity by Alex Naithsmith

11-06-08 BR Standard tank 80105 is now operating at Strathspey Railway for the next couple of Months. LNER No.246 'Morayshire' is in service at Bo'ness. Recent repairs have included welding up pin holes in 3 of the superheater elements and bushing and removing excessive wear on the regulator valve linkage (at the valve) The exhaust steam injector has been dismantled cleaned and leaking joint replaced. Costs for the supply, fit and turning of the new tyres for the driving wheels are being sought as well as a new set of superheater elements. No.1 is available for service as is 419 although Jim Verth is doing some tinkering with the Westinghouse pump! Good progress is being made on the Austerities with the cylinder valves faces being machined and the new pistons and rings being ready to fit to No.7. The mechanical lubrication pipework is also progressing well. New vacuum brake pipework has also been made up but will not be able to be completed until the front buffer beam has been refitted. The replacement cab doors for No. 7 are being made. The cross head slippers for both Austerities are being re-metalled and machined. Fair maid:- All the valve gear and motion has now been refurbished and is ready to be reassembled.

See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone

25-05-08 The Thomas event went off very well with 80105, 419 and No.1 in service. The regulator mechanism on Morayshire has been refurbished by bushing and making new pins for the linkage to the regulator valve. The primary focus of restoration effort is now being directed to the Austerities. The imminent tasks to be carried out include refitting the pistons, piston rods and valves to the cylinder block and refitting the front buffer beams, machining new and refurbishing side rod bearings, re-metaling the cross head slippers, reassembly of the valve motion and re-wheeling. These are just some of the main tasks to be undertaken but there are hundreds of smaller tasks to be carried out as well before we tackle the boilers! We really need your assistance and if you can assist please come down on a Saturday/Sunday or Monday evening. You will be made most welcome!

See photos of recent events.

18-05-08 No.1 has had its new tanks fitted, steam tested and repainted just in time for our Thomas event. Most effort over the last few weeks has been directed to putting No.1 back together and preparing for its steam test. 419 is in service. 80105 is going off to the Strathspey Railway for June-July and is currently in service at Bo'ness. Some work has progressed on the Austerities with  progress on No.7s lubrication system, new vacuum pipe work and manufacture of new side rod bushes etc. Progress is being made with the new boiler cladding for the sentinals. See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone.

22-04-08 Morayshire has been the engine used for the service trains so far this year and has performed very well. The engine is scheduled to have a boiler wash out this coming weekend and will receive attention to address some minor steam leaks, brake adjustment, etc. CR 419 has had its Westinghouse pump rebuilt and the engine is due to be steam tested this coming weekend. No.1 A great deal of effort has been taken to clean up the threads of all the wash out plug holes. New plugs have been made as required. The new tanks have arrived and have been painted ready for fitting. The boiler fittings and injectors are being refitted and most of the engine is being repainted. Due to the very high winds last weekend it was not possible to crane the tanks onto the engine but it is hoped to have them fitted this weekend. Fair Maid:- Refurbishment of the valve gear and motion is well under way with wasted areas being welded up and machined back to size and new pins made. New valve spindles will have to be made as the originals are very badly worn. Refurbishment of the cab sheets and tanks is underway with the old paint and rust being needle gunned, wasted areas welded or replaced and then primed and painted. Austerities:- No.7 the LH piston has been lapped to its rod and the one piston ring that was a little too tight has been ground to size. The valve spindle with the defective metal spraying has been sent away to be spiral welded and returned to its original size. New vacuum pipework has been made now but still requires the support clips to be fabricated. The new lubrication pipework installation is progressing well with most of the pipe support brackets now made. New side rod bearings are in the process of being machined. The cab window frames have now been fitted complete with new toughened glass. No.19:- Cab windows have been fitted complete with toughened glass and the cab doors are in the process of being made to fit. 80105:- Is ready to steam but not in service at this time. In other areas the old storage containers are being cleared out. The old Albion truck which had been languishing between a pair of containers has been found a new home and moved off site. 2 of the worst condition shipping containers are to be cut up for scrap once emptied. Help! we need more volunteers!

See Photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone

01-04-08 A very busy weekend and Monday evening with some good progress made on many fronts. 419:- The fault with the westinghouse pump was due to the connecting shaft failed at the compressed air end due to a fracture. (see photo) A new shaft is in the process of being made. 80105:- The broken axle spring has been replaced and all the springs have been adjusted to slightly increase the loco running height. the Engine is ready to be steam tested this coming weekend. No.1 :- The new tanks are almost complete at the fabricators. A real effort has been made to thoroughly clean the wheels and boiler cladding ready for a repaint when the new tanks arrive. Fair maid :- All the spring hanger bosses have been welded up and re-machined to standard to suit the new springs. Work has started on repairing the water tanks one of which will be modified to allow fitting of a small westinghouse pump. No.19:- The lubrication pipework is now complete. Good progress is being made in the cab with the windows and doors fitted. No. 7:- Installation of the lubrication pipework is now making good progress and will be a direct copy of that made for No.19. Work is progressing well on the fitting of the vacuum ejector and the related pipework. Machining of new side rod bushes is in progress. See photos of recent activity by Brian Thomson.

23-03-08 New steam overhaul workshop: Due to the dramatic reduction in the scope of the harbour redevelopment plans a significant part of the funding for the proposed new workshops is lost. The proposed plan which included a level crossing and loss of a strip of land at the West end of our site in exchange for funding for new buildings is now scrapped. Our existing temporary work shop is fast reaching the end of its useful life and requires replacement soon. Lets hope that alternative funding and revised plans for the sites development can be moved forward. All donations towards the new workshop will be gratefully accepted!  See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone

20-03-08 419 has developed a problem with its air pump and so is temporarily out of service until this issue can be resolved. It may have a broken ring in the steam side piston. Morayshire is the service engine and will be in use over the Easter weekend. 80105: Removal of the RH driver axle spring has been difficult because one of the adjustable spring hanger was seized preventing the retaining collet from being removed. In the end the collet had to be cut out to release the spring from the frame & hangers. No7&19 Progress is being made with the cab window frames cleaned up and templates made for glazing. Brackets are being made for the new graduated brake valves and vacuum ejector controls. Machining of new side rod bearings is underway for No.7. No.1 is awaiting the delivery of its new water tanks.

1-03-08 Morayshire and 419 have both had their boilers steam tested today. The engines were run up to Birkhill and back as a proving run. All went well with no issues. The Fair Maids Boiler and Sentinel boiler were also steam tested today. 80105:- Routine maintenance continues. A driver axle spring is to be changed this coming Monday. Austerities:- Bronze hollow bar has been procured for the manufacture of new side rod bearings for No.7. The LH valve spindle which had been badly worn is to be spiral welded and returned to new size. The valve spindle had been metal sprayed in NCB times and would not re-machine. I tried but the coating had lost adhesion to the spindle! No.19:- The final finishing touches to the new lubrication system have now been completed. Painting of the Cabs and bunkers of both engines is progressing very well. No.1 the old tanks have been removed and new tanks are being fabricated by a local company. The opportunity is being taken to give the engine a good clean. The laying of the paving blocks in the running shed between the new concrete and the rail is now complete. The life expired rails at the North Road pit have been replaced. See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone and photos of Fair maid boiler test by lee Sutherland.

17-2-08  Brief update! Further update shortly! See photos By Lee Sutherland of Sentinel boiler being steam tested and photos of track replacement and general work around the site by Alex Livingstone.

5-2-08 It is really heartening to see the large numbers out over the weekend and Monday evenings. Really good progress is made on all the current projects.  CR 419:- Work continues on refitting all the boiler fittings etc that had to be removed for its boiler inspection. No.1 :- The boiler is now ready for its inspection. Competitive quotes for the fabrication of new tanks have been received from several local fabricators.  80105:- Routine maintenance is being carried out. 246 Morayshire:- Is ready for its boiler inspection. Austerity No. 7:- The  piston rings are ready to be gapped and the LH valve spindle is to being machined to restore a surface finish. All the spring hangers have been fitted with new grease nipples and painted. New boiler tubes have been ordered. Austerity No.19:- The final parts of the new lubrication system are being finished off with clips painted and joints silver soldered. The bunker and cab have been fettled to fit and have been undercoated. Piston rings have been made and are ready to be gapped. New boiler tubes have been ordered. Sentinals:- The boiler is all but ready for its steam test with only some new adaptors to be made for the new sight glasses. Fair Maid:- The new axles, wheels and new crank pins etc have been sent out to have the key ways cut and be reassembled and pressed together. See Photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone

20-1-08 419 has passed boiler inspection and is being put back together for its steam test. Morayshire and No.1 are being prepared for their boiler examination. A local fabricator has been requested to quote to manufacture replacement water tanks for No.1.  80105:- New knuckle pin bushes are being made for the LH side rods. The RH centre driver axle spring is also to be changed. No.7 & 19 :- Some good progress is being made on locating all the cab fittings and items such as the steam break lubricators etc. Machining of the new piston rings has been delayed (I had a bad bout of man flu last weekend!) but Dick has all but completed the machining of the water tank outlet elbows. Tony has made a pattern for the steam pipe elbow. The New LOGS Van (Ex GPO Mail Van) has arrived. Apart from a door needing some attention it is in very good condition and will replace the decaying SR van.

See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone.

4-1-08 A happy New Year to you all! With this years running season starting in less than 10 weeks the pressure is on to have all the maintenance and repair work carried out in time. 80105 requires attention to a lot of small steam leaks. New joints and packing and seats requiring re-cut etc. The center driver axle springs need to be changed as they have broken leafs. New Knuckle pins and bushes may also be required. Routine maintenance such as boiler wash out and cleaning the lubrication system is also to be carried out. No.1:- requires attention to the firebox tube plate as the beaded edge on some of the tubes has burnt away. The slide bar location bolts need to be replaced and adjustments need to be made to cross head slipper clearances. The injectors are to be serviced and the side tanks are to be replaced as well as the normal maintenance items. Morayshire :- Is to be prepared for its boiler inspection and normal routine maintenance items.  419 has passed its boiler hydraulic test and is being prepared for the boiler internal inspection particularly of the crown stays. Fair Maid:- The frames have now been moved onto the hard standing at the rear of the Romney shed. The new axles, eccentrics, wheels and new crank pins are being put out to a contractor to be assembled. Austerities :- The cabs and bunkers are now back on the frames. The side rods have been primed and material for new bushes ordered. Cast Iron pots for the new piston rings are now on site. A detailed task list has been devised for the remaining work to complete these locomotives. There is well over 500 man hours for No.19 and 600 man hours for No.7 to complete the outstanding tasks. Sentinals :- a boiler is being prepared for a steam test.

13-12-07 I do apologise for the late update but the day time job has been hectic lately! First of all I would like to thank the organisers of the Caley Ceilidh for the very well organised event. Good food, good company, good music and a very good time was had by all! Can we do it again next year please?
There has been good turn out on recent Monday evenings but its been a bit quiet at weekends. However progress is being made! 80105 is in traffic and is working the Santa specials. The brick arch had started to fail with a couple of bricks falling (These are large shaped bricks made with fire clay with 2 making a complete arch) On investigation it was found that the RH support rod had disintegrated. Both support rails were replaced and the brick arch replaced with mostly new bricks by Tam and Norman on Monday evening. Morayshire is out of service for annual boiler examination (cold inspection followed by steam test)  CR 419 is being prepared for its Boiler hydraulic test with all the boiler fittings removed and replaced with blanking plates. The regulator valve has also been removed and blanked off but water is still leaking into the cylinders. It looks as if the J pipe (This is the pipe that goes between the regulator valve and the steam pipe) will have to be removed to find the leak and may explain the apparent regulator steam leak. Austerities:- At long last the new pistons are finished. Dick is now machining the new water tank filter elbows from new brass castings for both engines. New cast pots are expected in the next week for making the new piston rings. The Bunker for No.7 has been modified with its internal sloping chute and is now ready to be lifted into place. Billy has started to get the new lubrication pipe work to the same condition as devised by Alisdhair on No.19 which is now complete. The side rods for both engines have been cleaned up and primed ready for painting. The brasses are all badly worn and new bushes are to be made as well as new knuckle pins (This is the pin that holds both parts of the connecting rod together) New bushes are also being made for the front valve cover plate on No.19. There has been very little progress on the Sentinals and the Fair Maid in the last few weeks. The steam heating van has now been put back together after its boiler inspection but there is still some problems with the fuel pump and it is hoped that these will be resolved by the weekend. The new point at the north end of Birkhill station was damaged last weekend when 80105 slid through the point while running round on the first run of the day. This will result in the remaining Santa and black bun specials being topped and tailed as there is a significant lead time for the replacement blade. Running shed improvements:- The workshop area has been cleared up and the a new sign in/notice desk made. The lighting in the running shed is to be upgraded. This will entail replacing the existing low level fluorescent lights on both the north and south sides of the main shed and replacing all the workshop lights. This work will also involve replacing the current light switch positions etc. The main doors are also to be refurbished and fitted with  new secure pedestrian doors that meet safety/escape requirements. The plan is also to refurbish the old bothy area into a washing, changing and laundry area. Removal of most of the tired old lockers and fitting new shower units is planned for the shower room as is a general refurbishment of the toilet area. (If you have a locker in the shower room or you know of a locker that is not in use any more please contact Jim Verth as they need to be moved)

See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone

23-11-07 Work on clearing out the running shed workshop is now getting under way as is the clear out of surplus appliances and lockers from the running shed bothy area. The steam heating van boiler has been opened up for inspection.. No.419 has also been prepared for its boiler hydraulic test. Work has now started on re-metaling the crosshead slippers for the Austerities. Reaming of the spring hanger holes is now complete. 80105 is being prepared for the 'Santa Special' service due to start next weekend.

See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone

2-11-07 Work on sorting out the running shed is making good progress with the lower pallet  bays now shelved with stirling board and new work areas created at either end of the racking. No.1 has returned from Wensleydale. No. 419, Morayshire and 80105 are all operational. No. 7 :- A cast iron 'pot' has been ordered to make new piston rings. Axle springs are being sorted out as some are in 'as new' condition while others clearly need to be refurbished. Re-metaling and machining of the crosshead slippers will be one of the next tasks. No.19:- Lubrication pipe work by Alisdhair is now all but complete. New piston rings have been machined but still need to be gapped and machining of the new pistons is well under way. Reaming of the spring hanger holes in the frames by Billy Willison is now in progress as well and should be completed in the next week or so. Dick Whyman has made the last of the new spring hanger and suspension pins and a full set for both engines is now ready to be case hardened. Fair Maid :- Both piston rods have been metal sprayed and reground to new size. New piston rings are being made and the piston rod stuffing boxes have been refurbished. The cylinder end covers have also been cleaned up and repainted ready for reassembly. A site has been agreed for the location of the new Romney Shed Bothy on the concrete base between the Museum and the Romney shed. This is a modern portacabin style all steel insulated site hut and will provide more roomy and easy to clean environment than the G&SW brake. A big welcome is extended to new volunteer Simon Hickman. Simon previously was involved with the CR at Brechin but has relocated to Glasgow. See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingston

24-10-07 A major sort out and clean up of the running shed is under way. On the newly laid concrete on the South side of the shed 6 bays of pallet racking have been erected and the work shop has been cleared of all the junk and surplus shelving etc. The old radial arm drill and shaper are to be removed and the work shop is being fitted out with newer and better sized equipment for typical maintenance activities. It is proposed to house the compressor in its own enclosure out side on the North side of the shed. No.1 is away at Wensleydale for a 'Thomas' event. 419 and 'Morayshie' are available for service as is  80105. No.7 & 19: Progress has been a bit slow but the cylinder end covers have been cleaned up ready for reassembly. New piston rings are being made and machining of  new pistons for No.19 is underway.

Open letter to all steam department Volunteers. This letter has been sent to all regular volunteers of the steam department but in case anybody has been missed out or if you would like to join please come along on the 3rd November

4-10-07 A much better turn out last Monday evening with good progress being made. 'Morayshire' The cladding has been refitted and the engine is due to be in steam this weekend. No.1 has had a damaged tube replaced, the leak from the foundation ring has been cauked and a real effort is being made to clean the wheels and between the frames. No.7 The LH piston is now machined. New bands are being made to secure the boiler cladding. The cab roof has been welded. No. 19 machining of the new pistons is underway.  80105 is in service..

See updated 419 centenary information

21-09-07 It has been a very hectic month so far! CR No. 419 had its leaking tube fixed was put back in service and a week later another tube failed. This has been replaced and the engine is back in service. No.1 :- The brick arch has been taken out in preparation for swaging a couple of weeping tubes. The rear coupling spring has also been replaced. Fair Maid:- The first part of the funding for the engine overhaul has come through from Fintown. The first parts to be progressed are new tyres and wheels fitted to the new axles. New axle springs are also to be ordered. No.7:- The second new piston is being machined and preparation for the reassembly of the motion is underway. No.19:- New lubrication pipe work is now all but complete. The bunker has been extensively repaired and is in the process of being painted. BR 80105 is back from Wenslaydale and after some routine maintenance is back in service. The engine is likely to be visiting the Great Central in January. LNER No.246 'Morayshire' :- The rear supports for the boiler have been repaired and refitted with new bolts. Various other routine maintenance issues have also been attended to. The engine has been trial steamed and now only requires the boiler cladding to be refitted (fire box end). Romney shed:- a new (to us!) vertical milling machine complete with dividing head, and a tool and cutter grinder have been acquired. A good condition steel site office/bothy has been obtained. This has significantly more usable mess and storage space than the existing G&SW van and should provide a much easier environment to keep clean etc. It will require a coat of paint externally and fitted out with a small kitchen area. Once its new location has been defined it can be wired and plumbed up and brought into use. The turn out of volunteers over the last few months has been really very low although last Monday saw the best turn out for quite some time. We need more volunteers! See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone.

22-08-07 419 failed today with a leaking tube. The defective tube has been removed and it is hoped that the engine will be back in steam by Friday. No.1 is off to Brechin for their Thomas event. Morayshire is out of service for maintenance.80105 is performing well at Wensleydale. See photos by Alex Livingstone.

19-08-07 Br standard 80105 is operational at Wensleydale and has performed very well. This weekend it has been out of service for a planned boiler washout and other routine maintenance. Morayshire has been taken out of service to enable some maintenance to be carried out. The brackets that support the boiler at the fire box end had locating bolts slack. In order to gain access to these bolts the cladding had to be removed from the fire box. Attention is being given to various steam leaks and resolving excessive play in the cylinder cock operating system etc. 419 is in service and performing well. No 1 is available for service. No.7 the new RH piston has been finished turned with the exception of the tapered bore for the piston rod, the eccentric sheaves have been cleaned up ready for trial fitting and completion of the lubrication pipe work is almost done. New bushes for the valve rod ends have been made for the front valve cover. No.19 the bunker has been extensively re-plated and repaired. There is a load of photos to put on the site but I need to create some space first! New photos to follow shortly!

31-07-07 BR Standard 80105 is off to Wensleydale. 419 and Morayshire are in service at Bo'ness and No. 1 is operational but not being used at the moment. Volunteer numbers have been very low over the last month or so both at weekends and Monday evenings. There is just so much to do and more help is always welcome! Good progress is being made on the Austerties with machining of new pistons in progress, new pins made for the spring hangers of No.19 and the bunker secured to No.7. This required some grinding of  the bunker base where it joins the cab floor to allow it to sit flush. The bunker for No.19 is being repaired with badly wasted sections being replaced with new plate. The work to extend the loop at Birkhill is progressing very well with the new loop in operation from today. See photos by Alex Naismith around the shed and 80105 at Wensleydale and around the site and at Birkhill.

15-07-07 BR Standard 80105 and LNER D49 'Morayshire' are in service and performing well. No.1 is away at the Caledonian Railway at Brechin and is performing well. CR No.419 had a tube fail and this was replaced last weekend and the engine is now back in service. A real effort is now being made to make progress on the Austerities. No.7 came from the NCB with a broken RH valve spindle. A spare RH spindle had been acquired some time ago and has been inspected and apart from some areas of pitting on the sliding surfaces was found to be unworn. The original valve spindles had been machined 0.025" undersize and fitted with new bearings to suit by the NCB. Both bearings were found to have no oil hole drilled! The RH bearing has been machined back to standard and both valve rod assemblies have been fettled and are now ready to fit. The new lubrication system is now complete on No.19 and attention is now being focused on completing the same on No.7. A set of Sentinel pressure relief valves have been assembled and are ready to fit. Link to 419 Centenary celebration event info. See photos by Alex Livingstone.

2-7-07 See photos of NBL 15F 3007 at Durban docks, 21/06/07 Photos provided by Jim Verth. The loco is being sent back for display by Glasgow Transport Museum. ( or we could use a third rail, ease a curve or two and raise a few bridges.....!)

30-06-07 Not a great deal to report on but progress is being made! 80105 is performing very well. Morayshire is back in service after a boiler washout. 419 is back in traffic and should be in service next week. The old storage shipping containers are being systematically emptied with the parts palletised and ready to be stored on the new racking in the running shed. Quite a few useful finds have been made in the process particularly valve parts for the Austerities. New parts have been made for the Sentinel boiler safety valves. Over the last few weeks we have really struggled with the turn out, both over the weekends and Monday evenings. The transport through the ages / Fathers day event went off very well with a successful run up to Manuel with the members train and good visitor Numbers on the Sunday. See link to incident with level crossing on the Swanage Railway involving BR standard tank and bus.

See photos taken by Linda Cruikshank & Alex Naismith

14-06-07 An end of an era! Alex Livingstone who has provided hundreds of photos for the site over the years is giving his better half her camera back! I'll miss the regular supply of atmospheric photos that really capture the people at work, events and activity around the railway. Thanks Alex!

No.419:- The boiler has been inspected and has been given a 6 month ticket at a reduced boiler pressure due to the condition of some of the crown stays. (These stays are steel rods that secure the top of the fire box to the top of the boiler shell). The engine should be back in steam by the weekend. No. 1 :- The engine has made a successful visit to Wensleydale and performed very well. Austerities:- The refurbished bunker has been fitted to No.7 and the bunker for No.19 is now being worked on The bunker is very badly wasted in areas and will require re-plating. Both Morayshire and 80105 are in service and performing well. Sentinels:- Refurbishment of  the boiler fittings is in progress with the safety valves being cleaned up and overhauled.

See the most recent of photos provided by Alex Livingstone. I would welcome photos of activity around the site particularly of activity carried out over the weekend. I am aware that there are those who believe that this site could improve cover of the activity that takes place over the weekend! So send in the photos!

5-06-07 Update on the Transport through the ages / Fathers day event.

Saturday 16th June

Hourly service from 11:00am using Morayshire and 80105 Both teak LNER coaches, RMB and the branch set will be used. TPO and NCB No.24 on display

Members only train to Manuel at 17:00

Sunday 17th June

Hourly service from 10:00am using Morayshire, 80105 and class 47. Both teak LNER coaches, RMB and the branch set will be used. TPO and NCB No.24 on display. Demonstration goods train within station limits No1 or No.419. Class 40 on display. Vintage car and historical vehicle display station car park.

2-06-07 Good news! 80105 is back in service and performed very well during the Thomas weekend. There were 4 engines in steam at any one time over the weekend and this really put a strain on the department  resource however over 5000 visitors enjoyed the experience. Morayshire is in service and is performing well. No.1 is in service and requires a little more attention to resolve a weeping seal at the foundation ring. The engine is now off to Wenslydale for their Thomas event. No. 419 has just been taken out of service in readiness for its annual boiler inspection. There has been some progress on the Austerities with the new pistons in the process of being machined and painting of the bunkers and cab sheets is progressing well. Fair Maid: Machining of the new crank pins is now complete. The wheel set components are now ready to be sent off to have new tyres fitted and axles & wheels pressed back together. No. 24 is now ready to be displayed in the Museum and was positioned with a small rake of mineral wagons and brake van along side the mining memorial during its dedication service. Progress is being made on the reassembly of the Sentinal boilers. A diesel powered buggy is being restored to operational condition to transport stores from the old containers to the new storage racking in the running shed and to the new storage container. Volunteer numbers are down over weekends and Monday evenings. We really need more help! If you know anybody who might be interested bring them along! A new web site has been created by John Burnie for the Scottish Railway Museum collection check out the link http://www.srpsmuseum.org.uk 

Remember we have the Transport through the ages / Fathers day event featuring Morayshire and 80105 with the Caly and LNER coaches. A class 40 should be there and there is a chance of a Deltic as well if they get the engine fixed in time. The Saturday will be mainly railway based but with a large gathering of classic vehicles on the Sunday as well. More details to follow.

See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone.

9-05-07 A very busy period for the department. 80105 new ashpan task has been completed. The boiler has been inspected and the engine is scheduled to be steam tested early next week. CR419 is also due to be trial steamed this weekend now that the new lubricator is operational. No.1 needs some attention to a weep at the foundation ring and it is also hoped to have this resolved this weekend. Morayshire is in service and performing well. Austerities No,7 & 19. New pistons have been cast and painting of the cabs and bunkers continues. Fair Maid. 2 new connecting rod pins have been made and the westinghouse pump is being reassembled. The floor on the south side of the running shed has now been concreted and the track over the pit has been brought back into gauge! See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone

25-4-07 Another brief update! BR standard Tank 80105: The rocking grate mechanism has all been refitted with the main task of welding up the bolted sections in progress. CR 419: The new lubricator is now all now in place and only the piping still to be run. It is planned to steam test the engine weekend of the 5th May all going well. No. 1 has been having attention to a persistent leak at the foundation ring. Austerities: Not a lot of progress on the mechanical side but filling and painting of the bunkers and cab sheets is well underway. Fair maid: The axles are now machined and manufacture of the new crank pins is underway. New piston rings for the westinghouse pump together with a new piston rod have been made. Both the Iron Fairy and the Coles crane are fully operational again.

15-4-07 The main progress recently has been the completion of the new ashpan on BR standard tank 80105 and completion of repairs to CR 419 chimney and petticoat. LNER 246 'Morayshire' is in service as has worked the services so far this season. A more comprehensive update will follow shortly. See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone

2-4-07 Sorry about the lack of recent updates but I've recently changed my job and with surprise family celebrations to mark a half century I've just not had the time.......! Much progress has been made over the last three weeks with high levels of volunteer turnout. 80105:- The side rods have been refitted after new knuckle pin bushes were made and fitted. The new ash pan upper is fitted and the fire bar grate supports are in place. The lower part of the ash pan including the new damper and hopper doors is also complete and ready to be bolted and then welded to the already installed upper section. All the linkages and operating mechanism have been trial fitted on the bench and should fit on the engine with no major issues. Morayshire:- The new guard irons have been made and fitted to the tender. The engine is in service and is performing very well. No.1 :- Available for service with routine maintenance work being carried out. 419:- New mechanical lubricator is in the process of being fitted and repairs to the chimney which is badly corroded are being carried out. The inside of the cab has been painted and is looking very smart! Austerities No7 & 19 :- New pistons have been cast and the lubrication pipe work all but completed. Fair maid:- The new axles are nearing completion with only one journal to be turned on the rear axle left to do. New connecting rod pins are to be made. These are an unusual design as they are a tapered fit in the wheel with the end rivited over on inside of the wheel to secure. The pistons have been removed from the cylinders and apart from needing new rings are in very good condition. As the engine is to be air braked and is to operate air braked stock a small westinghouse air pump has been found and is in the process of being overhauled. A new piston rod has been made and new piston rings are also required. See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone and some by Tom Willison.

8-3-07 Good progress is being made on all fronts with a large number of volunteers out during the week and at weekends. 80105 :- The upper parts of the ashpan are in the process of being fitted to the boiler and the lower section has been assembled with all the doors and operating linkage etc and is ready to be welded up prior to being bolted to the fitted upper sections. Once bolted together the upper and lower sections will be fully welded in situ. New bushes for the side rod knuckle pins have been made and fitted. No.419 :- A discreet mechanical lubricator has been fitted to better service the piston rod and valve spindle seals. No.7 & 19 :- The slide bars have been fitted to both engines with new shims. The pattern for the new pistons has arrived and new castings will be available shortly.The bunkers have been extended with coal rails. Morayshire :- The tender guard irons were missing but a suitable one has been found and a new one is to be made to the same pattern and fitted. Fair Maid :- A contract has been agreed with the Fintown Railway for the overhaul and hire of the locomotive. The new rear axle is being machined. All 4 of the wheel crank pins were very badly worn and have been removed from the wheels. Once new crank pins and axles are complete they will be sent out to have the wheel sets pressed together and new tyres fitted and profiled. The engine is to be fitted with air braking equipment and consideration is being given to converting a small westinghouse style steam pump to an air compressor. The boiler has been successfully hydraulically tested by the boiler inspector. Sentinals :- The boiler and the super heater have been successfully hydraulically tested by the boiler inspector. No. 6 :- The boiler has been inspected and has been declared satisfactory. The boiler is to be re-tubed including a pattern of stay tubes. The Running shed :- A deck of sleepers has been laid in the four foot on the south road prior to the planned concrete pour. Romney shed :- The new motor for our large lathe has been wired up and the pulley from the original motor modified to suit. See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone.

20-2-07 80105:- The new ash pan is now ready to be un-bolted and trial assembled on the engine. No.6:- The boiler has now been lifted off and is ready for the boiler inspector. The westinghouse pump from CR828 has been opened up and freed off. Further dismantling is required to check the condition of the piston rings. The boilers for the sentinel and the Fair Maid are being prepared for hydraulic test. A start has been made on manufacture of the remaining 12 spring hanger pins for No.19 See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone

11-2-07  Brief update. BR standard 80105:- work on assembling the new ashpan continues. No.7 & 19:- no real progress has been made. No.419:- Routine maintenance is being carried out. 'Fair Maid' :- The new leading axle has been fully machined with the exception of the wheel key ways. See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone.

2-2-07 A very busy time in the department with activity on may areas. We are still missing some of the regular faces on a Monday evening but there have been plenty of folk out at the weekends. BR standard 80105:- The old ash pan has been completely removed and reassembled at the Romney shed to check sizes etc. The new box is nearing completion and will soon be ready to be unbolted and reassembled on the engine. Other routine maintenance is being carried out including resolving a steam leak from LH cylinder cover.  Progress has been a bit slow but painting of the cab sheets and bunkers continues. No.419:- The engine has been successfully steam tested today with the regulator leak resolved. Barclay 3' gauge 'Fair Maid' :- The tyres and the crank pins have been removed from the leading axle wheel set. The new axle is being machined and is nearing completion. The tyres have also been removed from the rear wheels. The crank pins which are very badly worn are unusual in that they are tapered and are rivited on the wheel back face. New pins will have to be made for all wheels. Sentinals:- a boiler has been assembled and successfully hydraulically tested. Temporary support for the boiler is being made to allow the fitting of the grate etc to enable a steam test to be carried out. Prestongrange No 6:- Preparations for the boiler lift are in progress with the cab etc ready to be removed. Running shed:- Reinforcing bar is being put in place along the south wall in readiness for the concrete pour. See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone

18-01-07 We are struggling a bit for lack manpower on Monday evenings with only five souls out Monday last but more folk have been out in force at the weekends with the both the running shed and the Romney shed full of activity last weekend. BR standard 80105:- The grate and most of the old ash pan has been removed. The fabrication of the new ash pan is progressing well and is being made in several bolt up sections that will be fully welded once in position. No.7 & 19:- Work continues on fitting the new lubricator pipe work which is now almost complete. The new gudgeon pins are ready to be case hardened. 2 full sets of shims have been made for the slide bars for both engines. We are still awaiting delivery of the piston patterns. Barclay 3' gauge 'Fair Maid' :- Work is now getting underway in earnest again on refurbishment of the mechanical parts. The driving wheels have been removed from the axles and new axles are being machined. Sentinals:- A boiler outer and inner has been examined by the boiler inspector and has been prepared for reassembly. The boiler is in very good condition with the only defect a small amount of grooving which has been successfully repaired. Prestongrange No 6:- All the boiler tubes have have now been removed. The boiler was found to be heavily scaled but once cleaned  will be ready for the boiler inspector. Barclay fireless:- This has been moved into the goods shed and is having the cladding repaired and the whole engine repainted.

Some interesting information on the hours spent by volunteers on locomotive restoration and maintenance etc during 2006 recorded by George Lumsden

See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone

06-1-07 There has been a good turnout over the holidays with significant progress being made. The reverser on 80105 is to be dismantled and inspected as it has become stiff to operate on occasion recently. Removal of the brick arch and the fire bars is in progress. The material for the new ash pan has arrived and good progress has been made on trial assembly and hole drilling etc. No.7& 19 The last of the large copper pipes have been bent up. We now have 2 full new sets of pipe work for these engines. New gudgeon pins have been made for No.7 and only require a slot to be milled and case hardened. The main steam pipe for No 7 has been repaired. Re-metaling of the slide bar slippers for No.7 is in progress. Alignment of the axle bearings is being checked on No.7. The new lubrication pipe work is progressing well on No.19. Manufacture of a sloping base to the bunkers of both  engines have been made. These have been made as bolt in sections. Prestongrange No. 6:-  is in the process of having its boiler tubes removed but they are very heavily scaled which is causing the job to take more time and effort than expected. The shuttering in the running shed is now all but completed and ready for reinforcing bar to be laid. The site around the upturned LMS sleeper coach frame has been cleared so that a tent can be erected for asbestos removal. See photos of recent activity by Alex Livingstone.

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