Overhaul update
Work on the boiler continues. This shows the rivets securing the smokebox, having previously been drilled through by SMF working parties, in the course of being burned through. This will allow access to the nuts and studs securing the superheater header, while the smokebox itself will be replaced by a new assembly.
The cleaning and painting work continues, this time below the running plate and to the insides of the running plate angles, parts which will not be seen by the public.
The steam brake cylinder put up a massive fight. Its removal was begun by SMF volunteers and continued by the Wednesday gang, who finally succeeded in lowering it from the loco. Here it is in the process of cleaning and painting.
Parts removed from the loco, all cleaned up and at least partly painted, on pallets and waiting movement into secure storage.
Below the cab floor after initial cleaning. The trailing buffer beam is to the left. Work has started on its removal.
The area previously occupied by the trailing sandbox, whose removal has allowed further cleaning and an application of primer paint.
The first stage of painting is to remove the ten years’ accumulation of grease and dirt. This takes time and a lot of hard work!