60007 (4498) Sir Nigel Gresley Overhaul

Super...thanks for sharing that...candlelight supper perchance?...

 

I've really enjoyed these updates as SNG has been overhauled and appreciation to those who make it so. One of the big benefits of railway preservation & restoration in modern times and something that should be important for all groups keeping their supporters onboard.

I have a question if I may - not specific to SNG but related to the adding of concrete to the smokebox saddle. Is this something that is present on all locomotives and what function does it fulfil?

 

It’s a means of sealing the smoke box air tight, which would otherwise be difficult where the exhaust / blast pipe enters the bottom of the smokebox. It also forms a smooth surface that makes removal of ash easier and ideally stops ash collecting in little nooks and crannies of e.g. a cylinder casting.

Tom

 

How interesting..thanks for that..

 

"For f***'s sake, you dropped it where?!"

Richard.

 

That's the one! Absolute class, that! Thank You for sharing!

Richard.

 

If you are near the SVR, keep an eye out for a visitor early next week for running in and testing.
Yesterdays Steam test was successful, safety valves set, electrical testing to continue.....

 

Thank you Tom. I imagine it must be a devil to remove, assuming it has to come out for a boiler lift?

 

Yes, I think the HRA guidance is that it is removed at the "ten yearly" intervals to allow inspection of everything beneath to check for corrosion etc.

Tom

 

I know its not to everyone's liking, but the SNG group have been fantastic at using Facebook especially to keep people updated on a very regular basis, it takes time and commitment but is very noticeable when it is done correctly and regularly.

 

As well as their website under the Updates section, for monthly in depth analysis.

 

A very interesting book worth considering.

Further to my short video showing the great news yesterday of the return to steam, you can see more of my pictures and read the story of our wonderful team of volunteers' work over the last six years in my book THE OVERHAUL PICTURE. To pre-order a copy please follow the link. https://www.sirnigelgresley.org.uk/overhaulbook-a.shtml My book will be published soon after the repaint to BR Express Blue, as voted for by the members and which is planned for early summer. If you are not already a member of the Trust please consider signing up and become a supporter of our fantastic locomotive. Details are also on the website.

 

It needs to come out so you can get at the smokebox holding down bolts, amongst other things. It's usually fire cement so not as solid as concrete.

 

Arrived at SVR last night, once test etc.., have been completed, running in light engine will start very soon.

 

Loco currently facing north.

 

Here she is on her way to the SVR courtesy Allelys.
The crew from Windfall Films were filming Sir Nigel Gresley's movement for Series 2 of ‘Train Truckers’.

 

Does that suggest it will return to Crewe on the main line...is that the plan?

 

It might well leave via the mainline, though it facing 'north' is the wrong direction for that as facing north is facing Bridgnorth, facing south is facing Kidderminster (and the mainline connection). Of course, there's a turntable at Kidderminster....

 

Yes, running in and testing, the mainline test run back to Crewe, very similar to 70000.