The beginning of December has seen much work continue on several areas of the engine.

Tender

The team has been busy carrying out repairs to the many sections of the tender’s frame. Welding has been used to strengthen and build-up thin areas.

Recent work on the hornstays has involved machining the bolts for them. The spring hanger bracket’s new rivets are now ready to fit. Fitting of the new bronze bearings to the first wheelset is progressing well. Once completed, they will be checked to see if the new bearings fits well, then work will start on the other three wheelsets.

Among the many measurements and dimensions taken from the components, the axleboxes and horn gaps have been measured to check clearances. Needle gunning the tender’s tank has revealed areas where holes or thin plates have appeared.

Once fully stripped back, the team can fully assess the work and new parts needed to repair the tender’s tank.

Slidebars and Axleboxes

The middle slidebar has been fitted accurately (to 0.001 inches) in relation to the middle cylinder. This can now allow both outside slidebars to be attached.

The delicate job of evenly cleaning the axleboxes is currently underway. Some have cleaned by nicely, but others have sustained minor damage. Those affect have been sent away for repairs.

Electrics and Boiler

The AWS system has seen both the ammeter and isolation switch refitted back on the AWS battery box. The small tubes of the boiler are now being fitted following the pre-tubing boiler inspection.

Braking System

Work on the Braking System throughout the locomotive has been progressing well. The recently attached loco brake cylinders have received their flexi pipes. At present, they have been position so members working on the underside won’t get caught by them.

Now refurbished, the tender brake cylinder trunnion, cylinder flange faces, and mating pressure connection flange have been prepared for resealing.

The new brackets which support the brake cylinder only require boring before they are ready to use. To aid in the reassembly of pipework on the tender’s frame, the vacuum brake pipe (which connects to the train) was refitted, along with the vacuum reservoir tank. The tank itself is striped ready for painting and awaiting to be pressure tested. Also, the straps that hold the reservoir tank need replacing.

For more information or to support the over of 60007 “Sir Nigel Gresley”, please visit The Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust Ltd’s website here.

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