Overhaul update
Work on the both the engine and boiler by both the SVR and SMF working party continues.
Only one Stanier Crab was ever fitted with a speedo; this was done by the SVR in 1996 to allow the engine to regain the main line. With no plans to go there and for historical reasons, the speedo will not be refitted. The Left hand trailing coupled wheel crankpin nut had a return crank to drive the speedo generator. This requires the fitting of a newly made nut. The old one is here removed.
The new nut in course of manufacture, which is not as simple as it might seem. The blank is being tightly screwed on and the exact position of the taper pin established; the blank nut will be drilled and then the flats machined on the nut so the pin is central across the flats.
The blank nut in place. It looks a bit strange before the flats are machined on it.
Inside the smokebox, the rectangular hole in the bottom has been cut out. Yet to be done are the holes where the steam pipes exit the sides; this will wait until the boiler is in the frames.
The lining plate inside the smokebox door is now fitted.
In the machine shop, both safety valves are assembled. They cannot be fitted until the hydraulic test has been passed.
The working party continued with the fitment of the crinoline to support the cladding sheets. Although these were all marked or labelled for location as they were removed, over time some of these have disappeared or become illegible. Many of the parts look the same but will fit only in one position. The boiler crinoline was done the previous week; this time we tackled the firebox.
The pair at the rear were fitted first as these were positively located by two studs on the rear of the backplate, so there could be no confusion.
There were three bands forwards of this, and finding out their order and sides was a voyage of discovery, but success was achieved. The horizontal bar at the bottom is the only clue to the bands’ location.
The view from the rear above the firebox roof. The necessity of getting the right band in the right place can be appreciated. The hexagon-headed bolts are temporary and will be replaced by correct counter-sunk ones once we know that all is correct.
Another view across the firebox but from the left side. There is no physical connection between the crinoline and the firebox to position it at the top, so finding each band a home between the stay nuts was also needed.