19th July 2009
I
t's been a while but here is the latest update. The website is about to have a major revamp and will include a forum as well as means to donate and purchase directly through the web site. The new site is in test/development at this time and will be launched once we have it sorted out.
BR Standard Tank 80105:- The boiler has been inspected and steam tested and we now have an extension of the boiler ticket until September 2010. New driving axle springs have been fitted and the engine has been transported to the Wensleydale Railway where it will operate the steam service over the next six weeks or so.
LNER D49 Morayshire:- The engine is in service and running well and will be the principle engine in use while 80105 is away..
No. 7:- Real progress is being made with axle boxes and springs now hung on the driving axle. The trailing axle is almost ready but the spring clevis holes need to be renewed. The badly worn holes have been drilled out, blanking plugs welded in and new holes drilled and reamed to as new size. Lapping of the valve seats ( a very laborious task! ) is progressing well with the RH side almost done. Once this task is complete the front buffer beam will be refitted. Work on the boiler has now started with replacement of wasted plate in the smoke box in progress. In general the condition of the smoke box is very good with the only serious wastage just above the saddle tank support brackets and gas axe damage around the chimney mountings. The exterior of the boiler is being wire brush mopped and repainted. The fire box doors and related operating levers and slides have been removed and restored although the oil can tray will need to be replaced as the original has completely run out of newness! Once the smoke box has been repaired the next task will be to clean up the tube plate and repair the nicks accidentally caused when cutting out the old tubes. Otherwise the tube plate looks to be in excellent condition. Work is progressing well on the new smoke box door with the dished end marked out for drilling and the the new dart, boss and handles being machined. The original hinges are in sound condition and are ready to be riveted to the door. The next big milestone with this project will be the re-wheeling which should take place around the end of September.
Austerity No. 19:- No progress at this time
Fairmaid:- The engine is now just about ready to be re-wheeled with only some fine fettling required.
Sentinel Denis:- A steam test has been attempted but a leak was found at the joint between the boiler and the main steam pipe. This joint face has now been repaired and it is hoped to have a steam test carried out ASAP.
CR 419:- Work is just about to get under way on the dismantling of the locomotive in preparation for its major boiler work and axle box replacement..
Photos of recent activity...
19th July 2009 - News Gallery
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