Overhaul update
The boiler remains outside the boiler shop following its non-destructive testing.
The backplate below the gauge frame mountings will be renewed, along with the lower sections of the outer firebox sidesheets.
Work on grinding down and drilling out rivets has already begun by the boiler shop volunteers.
A decision has been made to remove both cabsides completely to check the condition of the structure below. All rivets securing the left side have now been drilled out ready for this operation…
…and a start made on repeating the job on the right hand side!
This requires that the reverser bracket casting be removed and the mounting pedestal be released from the floor. This was a nut and bolt operation; it is still attached to the cabsides by rivets and the two will be removed as a unit. Once it was here...
...and now it's here!
At the front end, the running plate ahead of the smokebox saddle is back in gloss black and looking very respectable.
Cleaning, paint scraping and repainting continues as ever, and the frames below the RH cabside have been given a coat of grey primer.
Removed components are not forgotten: this is the damper relay assembly, removed a few months ago and now in grey primer.
Amidships, all pins have been extracted and nuts and bolts loosened on the weighshaft, which is ready to be removed but left in position for the time being, until we are ready to deal with it.