Churchward County Project

Really? - not evident there.

 

Some really great news from the project
https://www.churchwardcounty.org.uk/2018/07/27/main-frame-plates-ordered-for-no-3840/

regards,
Knut

 

The frames for this new-build locomotive project have now been cut. A long way to go yet but things are moving.
https://www.churchwardcounty.org.uk/2018/11/13/county-of-montgomerys-frames-cut/

 

Second major steel order placed! https://www.churchwardcounty.org.uk/2019/01/23/second-major-steel-order-for-no-3840/

 

I found this picture on facebook. Not in scale 1:1 ,but it`s an absolutely gorgeous model!
https://scontent.fosl3-2.fna.fbcdn....=66de3f0aa114ebd29268654fe3df975f&oe=5DC7B062

Knut

 

Not much said about this new build.
Seems everything is going well for it, new wheel casts, frames built, cylinder casting sorted and name plate acquired.
Looking forward to seeing it when it's operational.

 

More progress
https://www.churchwardcounty.org.uk...sfers-boiler-and-barry-10-components-to-3840/

 

How much bigger is a number 4 boiler than the County's own type? A quick glance at the photographs seems to indicate a longer boiler barrel. Apologies, not particularly versed in GWR types and this seems an interesting conversion.

 

Actually a number 4 boiler is correct for a 4-4-0 county. Used in common with the 43xx 2-6-0, the 3150 flavour of prairies and the Aberdares. Not to be confused with the lighter number 2 that powered the other large prairies.

 

The Churchward County Boiler is a Standard No 4. There were two (originally) 4-4-0 boilers which were also used for other types. They were both the same length and the same basic chassis could take either type, but the standard 4 had an appreciably larger diameter barrel and a slightly larger grate and firebox. The weight difference was usually enough to cross a RA class. The 2-8-0T has a longer smokebox than the County, which is what makes it look different.

 

..... and County tanks IIRC.
Ray.

 

Thank you gents - much appreciated.

 

Might it be prudent to check out the condition of the standard 4 boiler on 4248 at Swindon before embarking on any expensive surgery on 5227 ? I would have thought a boiler swap could be cheaper.

 

Would STEAM want to disrupt their display? What do they gain from it?

 

If it was worth their while they would ! I think it could be excellent publicity along the lines of contributing something to a new Swindon loco, destined to be seen pulling trains. A mobile advert for the museum . STEAM and Didcot are complementary, not in competition. Obviously the 5227 boiler might be in superb condition so no other course is necessary but its an intriguing option.

 

Be a hell of a job to do a boiler swap on 4248. Thinking of all the extra transport and disruption at STEAM there would need to be a spectacular difference in condition to make it cost effective. OK 4248s boiler has had a nice cosmetic job done on it, but there's not really any reason to suppose its actually in particularly good condition underneath is there?

 

Given the work undertaken on all the GWR heavy freight locos now in service and under overhaul, I'd say no. I can't find its last shopping date but apart from some paint it's been 60+ years since it saw any servicing with 25 years in Barry too.

 

Nasty surprises could lurk within 5227 or 4248. IF 5227 then l am raising the point that there might be mutual advantage in inspectiñg 4248. Visits to STEAM have been very enjoyable but l get a sense that it is unlikely to be profitable and Local Authority budgets are under great strain. The positive publicity and maybe a financial contribution that involvement might bring could be very welcome. My hope is that 5227 provides an easily restoreable boiler, but stranger things have happened. Boiler work can be very expensive! Having a plan B can be prudent.

 

Doesn't City of Truro have a no. 4 boiler as well?