Overhaul update
The nut needed by the removal of the speedo drive return crank, as reported last update, is complete, fitted and taper pinned. It might be thought that this would be a simple job but proved to be rather complex, as hinted at last time. Drilling holes is easy; drilling holes in exactly the right place to allow everything to align takes more skill.
The cylinder decrompression valves have been refitted temporarily. They had already been overhauled and sandblasted, but it needs to be established if they have been set, and if so to what pressure. Their purpose is to open if the pressure inside the cylinder exceeds a set value, such as if water, which is incompressible, is trapped as the piston approaches the cylinder cover.
Our engine’s grate is mounted on the ashpan and not as usual to the inner firebox; this came as a big surprise to everyone when they came to reassemble it! The mounting brackets are here being worked out and fitted in place.
The clinker screen for the damper openings is seen here. Despite pyrotechnic displays from the chimney, most lineside fires are caused by sparks dropped from the ashpan.
Work requirements chalked on the ashpan, to be ticked off on completion.
The working party indulged in another jigsaw completion, this time involving the boiler and firebox cladding sheets. The objective was to establish exactly which piece fitted where and mark the individual sheets for side, position and which way around on the boiler. These are the six sheets which cover the firebox; they are amazingly long when laid out like this. Beyond are the covers for the feed water delivery pipes and, right, the boiler bands.