We are back after a holiday break, but that doesn’t mean to say that things have been at a standstill.
Firstly, FR 20’s front right hand cylinder cover and piston head should now be back at Williton after repair, for machining. We have the above photograph, courtesy of West Somerset Restoration of one of the old crosshead cotters (left) and a new crosshead cotter fitted snugly into place. So things are progressing with the repair and re-assembly of FR 20. This has obviously given the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway confidence to advertise FR 20’s participation in their three-day Gala on the 8th-10th September.
Back at Preston the dismantling of GWR 0-6-2T No. 5643, in connection with its ten-year boiler overhaul, has continued with the removal of its vacuum cylinder, which has been plucked out from within the frames.
Sam is seen here working to remove one of the radial wheel springs.
Meanwhile Fred has once again been busy removing old paint and dirt from components. As can be seen here, he doesn’t ask for a new cup wire brush until the old brush is completely bald!
Work has also continued apace on the completion of the restoration of Great Eastern Railway royal saloon No. 5. Anne and Phil Burton have been working on upholstering the guard’s compartment.
Whilst John Davies and Tim have been busy fitting the remainder of the chenille on the side panels of the east saloon and corridor.
Sam has completed the wiring of the lights and Phil Bell has started to lay the linoleum on the kitchen floor. John Dixon has been removing old wood and nails from the corridor floor.
He has then commenced the job of laying a plywood base in readiness for the fitting of the new carpet.
Finally, FRT Members should now be receiving the latest edition of The Iron Horse magazine.
Back at Preston, work has started in earnest on 5643’s rolling chassis which is now located in the main FRT shed. Removal of the bunker for the first time in preservation has revealed some wasted angle support which is now being cut away so that it can be replaced.
The boiler is now in the outer shed and work on descaling it has also commenced. It is expected that the tubes will now be removed in August.
Ade has once again been working on Caliban and is seen here fitting the valve rod covers.
Meanwhile, John Davis spotted some unwelcome rot in the corridor floor last week which John Dixon can be seen cutting out.
Over at Embsay, Hunslet ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST Cumbria has been having a boiler wash out. Matt Anderson has taken the opportunity to remove the grate and fit an ashpan sprinkler, which can be seen in action above. Looks good!
The second photo shows the arrangement in the cab.
The big news this week is that GWR 0-6-2T No. 5643’s boiler was lifted out of the frames for assessment and repair in foul weather last Friday afternoon.
Part of the operation involved removing the ashpan from underneath 5643’s firebox before it could be settled down on the weltrol. Keith is seen here applying some heat to release the retaining bolts.
Prior to that, Caliban’s boiler had been lifted to a position alongside the shed to make way for 5643’s boiler on the weltrol. 5643’s bunker has also been lifted off for inspection and repairs.
Other work has continued on 5643 with Ed descaling one of the tanks in between the showers last Wednesday.
Upholstering of Great Eastern Railway royal saloon No. 5 is still in full swing with a glimpse here of work on the new foam bench seat in the guard’s compartment.
John Davis has removed the carpet in the east saloon and is seen removing a door step and unwanted tacks from the floor.
John Dixon has been giving the royal loo a good clean…..
…..whilst Tim has given the loo seat a coat of varnish – think he got the better of the two jobs!