Overhaul update
There has been great progress during the past two weeks on all parts of the engine. We start on the footplate with a view of the firebox backplate with the pipework to the braking system fitted; the blower / sanders valve in place and, although not visible here, the boiler full of water up to the mark.
Turning around, we see the tender has been coaled and its tank filled with 3,500 gallons of water. This is all in preparation for the engine to be weighed.
At the other end of the boiler, smokebox fittings are being added and fabricated where necessary, including the new main steam pipes from the header to the steam chests.
The left side stream pipe bolted to the top of the steam chest.
This is where the upper and lower sections are welded together. This is done by a coded welder so the pipes are currently tacked together. They were later removed to be sent away for the specialist welding.
At the top of the smokebox the slot cut out to allow the superheater header to be dropped in has been plated and fasteners are were being made to look as incongruous as possible.
New pipework for inside the smokebox. Every pipe in there is being replaced to ensure no blows occur to the detriment of the engine crew.
A later in the day view of the backplate with live steam pipes being lagged. It will be noted that the cab roof is now fitted. This was the big job that day.
Firstly, the working party assisted in raising the cab roof with the overhead crane so it was the correct way up. Unfortunately, this gave insufficient headroom to allow it to be fitted inside the shed so the JCB was used to take it outside.
It was followed by the engine. The tender is now permanently attached and all connecting hoses fitted, except for the steam brake hose, on order and not yet arrived. The JCB isn’t the ideal means of doing the fitting as it doesn’t have a straight lift but by good co-operation between Will on the footplate and Gary driving it, the cab was successfully lowered into place without any drama.
And so the job was brought a successful conclusion.
Being a nice day, the opportunity to take a few photos of the engine in its close-to-complete state, outside in the sunshine, was irresistible.
Another view of 2968 outside in the sunshine in Bridgnorth Yard.
1 Comment
Looking fantastic, the end in sight.
Congratulations & thanks to all who put their time & effort in to making this happen. Great to see our engine running again.