Scottish Railway Preservation Society

27th April 2010

We are going to need a few hands on Saturday to help! A crane has been organised for this Saturday to lift the Fairmaid and No. 19 of the track at the back of the Romney shed and lift both austerity boilers off the well wagon onto the hard standing at the back of the shed. No. 19 will then be placed in front of No. 7 and then the Fairmaid in front of No.19 This will allow the boiler of No.7 to be steam tested and lifted into the frames with out having to shunt No19 on its temporary bogies to the east of the shed. The crane will also lift the frames of No.419 to allow removal of the driving axles.

Austerity No. 7:- The boiler is now ready to be hydraulic tested. The new RH big end bearing is being fettled to fit by Eddie and the LH big end bearing is just about ready to machine. 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 has now been inspected at Ian Riley's works and grooving has been detected at the foundation ring and a crack in the back head. Jim & Brian will be visiting Ian Riley's shortly to discuss what has to be done. The driving axles are being removed to allow detailed measurments to be taken for the manufacture of new axle boxes

BR Standard 4 80105:- Routine maintenance is being carried out to enable the engine to return to service in time for the 'Thomas' event.

LNER 'Morayshire':- The engine is now in service. The commitment to order new tyres for the driving wheels has now been made. A commitment has also been made to purchase a set of super heater elements.

'Fair Maid' :- Fitting of boiler fittings and pipework is underway and is very nearly finished however its taking a bit of a back seat at the moment due to more pressing tasks.

No.1 :- The foundation ring leaks have now been addressed and a new ashpan has been made although there there is a fair bit of welding required to get it finished. There is a real push on to get this locomotive ready for the May 'Thomas' event.

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

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

Photos of recent activity (New style photo gallery which should be easier to view!)