Industrial Loco Updates

As I mentioned in the 'Locos at Portland' thread, Hunslet 'Cunarder' (works no 1690 of 1931) left Portland as several loads between 3 and 6 February for a private site in Poole for restoration. Since arriving at its new home a significant amount of work has taken place stripping the frames for shot-blasting, such that it is planned this will take place before the end of March. Parts are also being sorted for refurbishment, as well as missing parts being identified.

The loco has also had a visit from a boiler inspector who has recommended various pieces of work, including replacing the front tubeplate, but nothing that was entirely unexpected.

 

Didn't Cunarder's boiler go for overhaul, including a new firebox, prior to its sojourn at Portland?

 

It had a new inner firebox made and fitted but a full overhaul wasn't carried out; the new front tubeplate was something that was suspected (and costed) at the time, but it was thought that the old one could eke out a little bit longer. It's now been decided not to faff about with it like that, and take the opportunity to replace it.

 

Is it being returned to it's original saddle tank form as part of the overhaul, or will it be staying as a dubious 'Midland' dock tank?

 

Returning to original saddle tank form.

 

Vulcan Update

A most successful February working party. We began by working on the frames in the sunshine, which was warmer than inside Barrow Hill Shed, and cleaned down and primed areas of the frames especially those normally hidden by the wheels. We also completed needle gunning and priming the wheels, which was a fiddly job as they have H section spokes. The wheels should go this week for machining of the journals and fitting of new axle box bearings. The aim is to have the engine back on its wheels in time for the Fab 4 gala in April.

The next planned working date is Sunday 18th March, though we are trying to organise some mid-week days as well.

Tim

 

I have just had a visit from a member of the Northampton & Lamport railway and he told me that Colwyn is still in the same state of bits as it was 10 years ago ,several historic vehicles are rotting away there sad to say the least. So dont expect any new news on the exhibits there.

 

Spotted a red boilerless industrial at Didcot near the turntable today

 

The red industrial at Didcot is Hunslet King George.

 

Re: Industril Loco Updates!!

 

Good to see the Dubs crane tank engaged on lifting tasks at Foxfield today. Wimblebury's mechanical overhaul is about to start.

 

Hurray! It should return with a lot more guts if those valve settings are done this time. I remember the drivers at Littleton Colliery describing it and Whiston as dull when they were there last. It would be interesting if Old Mr Heath could keep us posted about what the overhaul discovers. Thanks.

 

Not sure if the valves are getting done I'm afraid....axleboxes and springs I heard. My visits are perhaps a little infrequent for regular or detailed updates(Avonside 1563& Glenalmond are usually better placed to comment), but as regards the 'active' fleet yesterday: Florence was on service trains, Whiston serviceable with brake repairs complete, Bellerophon having piston and valve repairs while Bagnall No.2 is at Chasewater until mid-June.

 

It is very unlikely that Wimblebury will have anything more than immediate remedial attention to axleboxes and springs at this point as she is needed back ASAP to make best use of the remaining life in the tubes. The valves are the same as they have been for the last 30 years so it will have to wait till the next full overhaul before any work is done on them.

On a different tack it would be nice to be able to make a start on Old Mr Heath's namesakes overhaul, particularly as his boiler will probably have to move at some point this year in preparation for the new coal dock and connection of Boulton's siding to the local network! Any thoughts on this oldmrheath? :whistle:

 

Gives it character! ;-)

 

Discussions on Sunday with various individuals focussed on getting No.6's boiler thickness tested at the same time as Hawarden's, so hopefully progress of sorts. The rain was quite handy for brushing the green mould off too!

 

excellent news. I'm not always fully up to date as I only get there every other weekend at the moment!

 

Been a while since letting everyone know whats going on with A/B 2199 'Victory'.
She saw a 6 week loan to the Royal Navy Chatham Dockyard which saw the return of Victory for the first time since 1969. Then On Friday last Victory was delivered to her new base at the Epping and Ongar Railway as seen in the photo.

 

Following the machining of the piston valve bores Bellerophon had her front buffer beam replaced courtesy of Dubs crane tank yesterday (Photo M Healey). Just the new valve rings required now prior to final reassembly ready to go to the Middleton Railway for their forthcoming gala. Fingers crossed that the rings are available this week as there is only just time to fit them and test steam prior to the low loader arriving.

 

Vulcan Progress.

The wheels have returned to Barrow Hill after journal machining. The axleboxes and bearings will follow in a week or two and we can then think about reassembling the locomotive rather than dismantling it. Oak packing pieces are also on the way to fit behind the buffers. Work done today consisted mainly of painting the frames and wheels ready for re-wheeling. Next working party is set for 15th July.

Tim