Overhaul update

13268 is still standing on the jacks area, although on her own wheels; this is simply because the road off the jacks is blocked by other locos. The loco is soon to be moved across to No. 5 road. With the wheels in place, other parts are being added, most notably the brake hangers and their crossbeams. The SMF working party was engaged on fitting the axlebox mechanical lubricator and making up its copper pipe runs, and permanently fitting the spring hangers, whose packing was being corrected by SVR staff. And touching up paintwork, of course!

The valves, their slides and combination lever are now complete on both sides, as shown by the splayed split cotters.

In the boiler shop, the new backplate is welded to its original upper section. Work is proceeding to grind down the weld and to prepare the surfaces for the addition of the pads for the various mountings, such as the water level gauge frames.

At the right hand side (left of the inverted boiler), the lower piece of the firebox is in place and bolted to the foundation ring.

The first run of weld attaching the lower firebox side is done, but a contract welder will complete the process.

so work continues in building up oversized stay holds, which will then be drilled out to their correct size, allowing original sized stays to be used.