Overhaul update
Right Driving horn gap, as marked. The pink paint is part of the crack detection process.
Close up of the upper rear of the horn gap; the yellow circles show the small cracks at this point.
Five horn gaps have so far been tested; the Left Trailing is prepared for testing but not yet done. So far, no cracks have been found other than the small ones at the top rear of the Right Driving gap. This is in marked contrast to what might be expected on other Stanier classes.
The spring gear is being completely overhauled. This is the Left Hand Driving spring, the attachment to the bottom of the axlebox having been refurbished and refitted.
Also ready for reattachment are the two expansion links from the valve gear.
In the machine shop, one of the cross ties from one side horn guide to the other is having the pin holes milled out to accept new pins.
...while at the same time, one of the brake hangers receives similar treatment.
Painting continues, all the new steelwork at the trailing end is now in gloss black. One of the team applies a final coat, just before heading up to High Town for the Group’s Christmas meal!