Overhaul update
More progress as the ashpan is trial fitted…
The left side cylinder cover was final fitted and the nuts flogged up tight on 10 February 2022. Note too that the cylinder taps drain pipes have also been returned, more items out of precious storage space prior to the shed’s re-roofing.
...as also with the right side. The taps linkage has also been fully reassembled – again! It has been refitted several times before, then found to be in the way of another job - this time it was fitting the cladding sheets to the bottom of the cylinders that they interfered with.
More lagging, this time to the feed pipes for atomised oil to the valve chests.
The front cover of the reverser was trial fitted, mostly to mark holes for mounting bolts. Parts of this were rather wasted and had been replaced by new metal, hence the need for new holes to be drilled.
Snifting valves are fitted to the cylinders on each side to prevent smokebox debris being drawn into the cylinders when the engine is coasting with steam off. There are elbow connections above the steam chests to which the connecting pipework attaches. The elbows are being replaced by new castings, one of which is seen here.
Other new items are the supports for the grate inside the firebox, one is being turned in the lathe while a finished example is to the bottom of the photo.
In the boiler shop a few days earlier, the ashpan had been trial fitted to make sure it sits properly against the foundation ring. A minor discrepancy was being corrected on 10 February.
The ashpan fitting in close up.