23rd March 2010

Austerity No. 7:- Expanding of the new tubes in the boiler is now complete although there is still a few requiring to be flared out prior to beading over. The new RH big end bearing is in the big lathe at the moment with the bore finished and only the radius still to be machined. Both ashpans from No.7 & 19 have been returned to near new condition with all wasted plate replaced and new doors made. Getting the crosshead slippers to tin properly and take to the cast iron has been a problem but after seeking advice from Ian Riley a paint on flux has been tried out with excellent results. Getting the crosshead slippers white metaled and machined is now a high priority to enable assembly to progress. Next tasks include boiler hydraulic test, 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:- Routine maintenance is being carried out to enable the engine to return to service.

LNER 'Morayshire':- Rod has worked his magic with the apple green and lining on the driving wheels and the engine has had a good clean and the engine is now in service.

'Fair Maid' :- Fitting of boiler fittings and pipework is underway

No.1 :- Access to attend to the foundation ring leaks is now possible but the leaks may be more difficult to resolve than first thought

Prestongrange No.6:- No recent progress due to the one of the team leaders from Prestong grage being unwell.

Storage:- Both new steel storage containers have been moved into position in the yard and the transfer of material is now underway.

Visiting Engines:- The week end of the 10th and 11th of April will be very busy with 44871, 45407, 70013, and possibly Scots Guardsman or Leander at Bo'ness.

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

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