22nd November 2015

Its been a while since the last post, I haven't forgotten but there really isn't much to report at the moment.  Other work is taking priority such as the maintenance on our other engines in preparation for the Christmas running.

This is a flitch plate repair to part of the running plate, now awaiting welding.

More work on the running plate, this time at the cab end.

Two driving axles have had their axle boxes fully fitted for the final time, these have been covered with plastic to protect them up to the time that they can be fitted.

Another view.

These are the old horn guide clips, slightly worse for wear.

New stronger horn guide clips are being fabricated.

Nathan machining a part.

A collection of pins that have been machined for the loco.

More horn guide clip fabrication.

This piece goes across the end of and supports the cab floor, so i'm told.

Apart from the other engines, the steam generator on the class 27 is also taking people away from the black 5.  This is part of it that is undergoing patch repairs.

The steam generator exhaust, a complete replacement being made.

24th August 2015

The newly constructed tender body has arrived at Aviemore, perhaps the decision not to have it painted has backfired as its very rusty and will take some work to correct this.
It still requires some additions such as the coal tunnel / locker and beading around the top edge of the tank.

Work has centred recently around the construction of the running plate.

This shows the rear left hand section where the cab fits.

A slightly closer view of the same.

The front right hand corner with the newly constructed steps.

The centre section below the smokebox.

The rear drag box in place with new ends to the running plate.

Another view of the drag box showing a new cross member in place in front of it.

The front left hand corner.

Alan and John studying a component, a rare picture as when the camera comes out, everybody scatters.

Alan is responsible for the creation of our white metalling section.  Below we see the mould which he has made to white metal a motion bearing.  The bearing on the right is placed over the mould and sealed with Luting compound, the molten metal is then poured in between the two.

More machining of plate work.

The tender chassis, back from the tender tank manufacturers.  The tank has been built directly onto the chassis to ensure its fit. The new additions being the tank fixing plates sticking out at the top.

The cab has been trial fitted onto the recently made plate work.

Two more views of the cab in place

06th August 2015

We are still awaiting the return of the tender tank, only the tender chassis has returned.  However there has been a few small jobs taking place.

The slide bars have returned from machining.

Two oil reservoirs and pipe work, cleaned and polished ready to go back on.

Running plate bracket on the rear frames

Work taking place on the rear dragbox

A repaired corner of the drag box

Drilling and tapping the bolt holes for the steam brake bracket.

A large bracket in the drill.

Old casting along side its new replacement, having holes drilled and tapped.

The running plate bracket on the other side of the frames.

Update 06th July 2015

An update to show that the blog is still live, although there is very little visual to show for the efforts.

This is the right hand cylinder having its studs fitted.  This cylinder was then subjected to hydraulic testing which I'm pleased to say that it has passed.

The next big event will be the return of the new tender tank, scheduled for next week.

Left hand cylinder - trial fitting

Progress in the form of the trial fitting of the left hand cylinder.

Recent work has involved the drilling, tapping and fitting of the studs.  The cylinder has also been subjected to hydraulic testing to check its integrity.

Various other views

Update 16th April 2015

There is very little visual news, most work is being carried out on the cylinders, which are now on site at Aviemore shed.  There is the tapping out of holes, making blanking plates etc. in preparation for a hydraulic pressure test.

Work has also been held up whilst urgent attention was given to one of our other engines, 46512

One of the cylinders as delivered.

And pictured again from a slightly different angle.

Marking out of the frames

The centre line of the centre driving axle, with the measurement from the centre of the cylinder.

The measuring team, Nathan left, with Paul right.

One of the cylinders under the gantry in the carriage shed.  This is to check the fitting of the cylinder end covers using engineers blue and grinding paste where necessary.

The cylinder from the other side

The Cylinders

The newly machined cylinders at the engineers, now ready for delivery.

Latest news 05th march 2015

There's still not a great deal to see....

We are still awaiting the arrival of the new cylinders when we hope progress will be a lot swifter.  In the meantime its clean - tidy up and paint an ever increasing pile of parts.

This is the new front framing taking shape.  When the cylinders arrive, the whole front end will have to be dismantled.  It is only being bolted together temporarily, it will be riveted together properly after the cylinders have been fitted.

The inside of the frames have been finished in  a poppy red gloss.

The outside of the frames has also been treated - to a coat of black enamel paint.

The parts pile grows.

Another pile of parts, Steam pipes?

The front bogie has been completed and painted.

Another view of the front bogie.

The frames from the rear.

The frames from the front with the new front buffer beam in place.