Overhaul update
Work has started to reinstall the sanding gear, both leading and intermediate sets on the right side are fitted, and also that to the leading wheel on the left side; the set to the front of the LH intermediate wheel is ready but not fitted. This allows access to the underside of the engine. Both trailing sand pipes are corroded through and will be replaced. The main steam pipes from the superheater header to valve chest lie in the lower right corner. These too have been found to be thin and will be replaced.
The superheater header has been dug out of storage. Although in good condition work is as ever needed. The Fund’s working party has retapped all stud holes; yet to be tackled is the grinding of the seatings for the two ends of each of the 21 elements.
Dismantling the old smokebox door continues and the two hinges are off and, of course, painted in grey primer.
The complete smokebox is to be replaced, including the ring against which the door closes. The new one has arrived.
Even the dart to keep the door closed is being made new.
The old, worn one and its replacement are here shown for comparison.
The foundation ring had been fitted temporarily to act as a jig for all the new steel which was fitted. Having done its job there, it is out again to allow the inner backplate to go in.
And it is easy to see that work on the new front tube plate continues prior to fitting it.
Outside the boiler shop, the ashpan now has its various door hinges bolted in place and the linkages for the hopper doors is being assembled.
DSCF2114 The time is approaching when the Smokebox saddle will be sealed up, so the final coats of silver paint have been applied to all internal surfaces.
It had been necessary to dismantle the drain cock mechanisms on both side of the engine.
The working party reassembled both sides during the day.
Soon to be refitted are the slidebars, just returned from contractors following regrinding to parallel.
Much of the working party’s work today was identifying many lengths of pipe to discover where they came from; many labels attached at removal having become detached or oil-soaked and illegible. Sitting on the running plate is the atomiser steam pipe from the shut-off cock on the side of the smokebox to the drain cock valve between the frames. The job was likened to a jigsaw: the more parts fitted mean fewer to identify and fewer places to fit them.
And, of course, the painters were busy! This is one of the boiler handrails, partly cleaned and with a first coat of grey primer.
On Saturday 8th February a team photo following successful fitting of the blastpipe baseplate.