Overhaul update
Left hand frames with the trailing wheelset removed. This was to allow access to the rivets securing the stretcher containing the firebox steady bracket.
Right hand frames with the trailing wheelset removed.
It also allows further cleaning and painting of the frames to be undertaken.
Immediately ahead of this stretcher is a large open space which the firebox normally occupies. Without the stretcher, it seems a very long way to the next one forward.
The old stretcher removed.
The replacement stretcher almost ready for fitting.
The trailing wheelset, temporarily positioned on the wheeldrop road.
Without the trailing wheelset, the weight of the cylinders makes the loco front end heavy, so this is blocked up to keep the frames horizontal.
The magnetic drill set up to drill the pilot hole through the hind buffer beam and dragbox top flange.
This pilot hole was then opened out with an intermediate drill bit, before finishing to final size for the rivets. By the end of the day, all eleven top holes had been drilled out to finished size.
Work in progress at the front end of the dragbox upper horizontal stretcher. The piece with the hole through it and standing vertically from the plate is the main drawbar pin.
Pieces of 13268’s right hand valve gear in the machine shop being rebushed. Items shown include return crank rod; radius rod and union link, including the crosshead arm.
Similar items from the left hand side, with pins clearly marked up.
The close up of the union link is stamped both 13268 and 2968 from LMS days, along with the works number C136 from when the engine was built.
Part of the progress board, displayed near the loco.