Overhaul update
Painting of the coupled wheels has continued and is almost finished; the pony wheels, right, await their turn.
More refurbished parts waiting to be returned: top left are the newly painted cab footsteps; to the front left is a cross stay from between the driving axleboxes; and behind is the operating rod which drives the mechanical lubricators off the expansion link. The red components and the spring are the balance system for the reverser weigh shaft.
Another brake hangar bracket is in course of refitment and held by temporary bolts. The remaining holes will in turn be reamed out to finished size.
Meanwhile, between the frames, the spring hangar brackets are similarly treated. This particular one is finish mounted.
In the machine shop, all coupled axleboxes have been white metalled ready to be turned to match the corresponding journal size.
Beside them are four spring hangar brackets awaiting attention.
But the most positive news is that work has restarted on the boiler! The firebox backplate has been removed, both inner and outer, and the outer sent away to the South Devon Railway to have a replacement made from new steel. More news as it happens!