6th March 2010

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Austerity No. 7:- Expanding of the new tubes in the boiler is now underway. White metaling the new big end shells is in progress and our new LEMPOR blast pipe components are being made. A new nozzel has been machined by James and is ready to be welded up. There is a section, basically an extension to the smoke box, which carried the LEMPOR chimney that will have to be renewed but it will not be welded into position until the boiler is fitted to ensure correct allign ment. All the new tubes are now expanded in the fire box and are now being expanded at the smoke box. Next tasks include riviting up the new smoke box door and fitting to the boiler smoke box. Checking the valve timing as well as making new pins for the side rod collars. See detailed list in the forum.

CR 419 :- The boiler is away to Ian Riley's to have new stays fitted. All the motion has been removed ready to lift the frames so that the axle boxes can be removed. It is hoped to have the frames lifted in the next week or so so that detailed measurements can be taken for the manufacture of the new axle boxes.

BR Standard 4 80105:- The leaking water tank has been fixed. Routine maintenance being carried out to resolve steam leaks etc.

LNER 'Morayshire':- Out of service for routine maintenance tasks.

'Fair Maid' :- Considerable progress has been made with the new brake system operational and the motion being fitted. The boiler has been fitted and the reassembly of the motion is well underway. A section of track has been created leading from inside the Romney shed into the west end yard to allow assembly to be carried out under cover.

No.1 :- The brick arch, grate and ashpan have been removed to allow proper access to the foundation ring. This will permit the caulking of the firebox/foundation joint seam.

Prestongrange No.6:- The boiler has been successfully steam tested and lifted back into the frames.

Running line to Manual :- The catch points have been taken out at Birkhill! All the signalling is now in place for service train running to Manual. A water tank has been acquired for use at Birkhill and we have a parachute tank for use at Manual but there is significant civils work required before they can be brought into service

Storage:- New steel storage containers have been obtained for the safe storage of the steam shed spares and fastenings. One container has been placed in it new position but appropriate foundations have to be made before it can be brought into use. New racking has also been acquired for use in these containers. The west yard has been very badly churned up and resembles the Somme at present! It is planned to lay down some hard core to create a sound working environment for fork trucks etc.

Photos of recent activity...   26th December 2009 - News Gallery

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