Monday 17th August 2020

Work has continued in the FRT shed at Preston where the excellent insulation has provided some respite against the very un-British heat that we have been experiencing in recent weeks.

John Dixon positions a new spring on FR 20The new springs for FR 20 are still in the course of being fitted, with John Dixon seen here positioning one on to the frames. Further examination of the spring hangers suggested that there has been a small long standing mis-alignment between the spring hangers and the centre pins which support the springs. All the spring hangers have now been removed to enable them to be machined and, hopefully, a perfect fit obtained.

Adrian has been refilling FR 20’s boiler ready for a hydraulic test and Alan has been following up any signs of a dribble.

John Davis feeds a water pipe into the cab of 56435643 was moved on to the pit outside the RSR running shed on the 7th August which enabled the ashpan to be given a thorough clean. John Davis is seen at the bottom of the cab steps feeding a hose pipe into the cab.

Keith with grubby armsKeith’s arms look suitably grubby after the ashpan cleaning.

Phil Bell ready to power wash the framesOnce this had been done, Phil went underneath to undertake some pressure washing between the frames.

Keith making a new cab step plate for 5643Last Wednesday Keith was in the process of replacing the heavily corroded driver’s side cab step plate.

New cab window frame on Wootton HallWootton Hall is now sporting a brand new right hand brass cab window frame which has recently been cast.