Overhaul update
Progress in the cab continues with all fittings and pipework now in place other than the regulator and Carriage Warming Valve.
The Carriage Warming Valve, a brand new casting, is on John’s bench ready for machining and assembly.
In anticipation of which, the smaller CWA pressure gauge was mounted below the boiler pressure gauge. Sorry about the reflections!
In the smokebox more superheater elements have been fitted. This isn’t as straight forward as hoped as the fit isn’t quite correct, so each element is having to be modified to make it line up with the header. Further work on the main steam pipes is in progress. Note the door now fitted.
This is the right side one, temporarily bolted to its steam chest connection.
A selection of other smokebox fittings to go in when the main work is complete.
And outside, the all-important number plate!
One of the connecting pipes, this for the blower, below, which was far too rigid and failed frequently, its replacement, top, includes some flexibility.
On the left side of the smokebox, these two valves are now permanently in place and the pipe connecting one of them to the Atomiser steam valve has begun the fitting process.
A job undertaken by the SMF working party was, with Will’s assistance, to fit both valve covers. Following the valve setting, these are now fully tightened and ready to go.
As mentioned last time, the vacuum pipe below the front running plate would not sit properly. Adjustment wasn’t possible as it had previously been welded to its shape. A new replacement has been fabricated.
The side windows are in wooden frames and these have been much improved or replaced by one of the SMF volunteers.
All four windows can be slid open on small brass corner pieces. New ones have been cast and are being drilled for fitment to the frame in the background, which has been rebated to accept it.
The engine inside the shed. At first glance and to the uninitiated, she doesn’t look much different to two weeks ago, belying the vast amount of detail work which has been under taken.