The first half of February 2019 has seen many tasks being carried out and completed on A4 No.60007 Sir Nigel Gresley.

Engine

With the upper slide bars fixed in the right position, the team have now started to fit the lower slide bars.

They won’t be fitted permanently until the correct spacing between both upper and lower bars is achieved.

Work has also started on the lower end holes. After drilling and bushed, they should be fit for service again.

The accompanying pins have been cleaned up and skimmed, with a few of these being scrapped due to their condition.

The final pair of drain cocks have passed their pressure testing. The process in overhauling them has been long, requiring both bronze and silver welds to ensure they can withstand the necessary pressures.

At one stage the plan was the scrap them but thankfully the team have repaired them, saving the Trust money.

In the cab, pipes have started to be replaced and reassembled, such as the steam sand and many other pipes located around the cab.

Replacement springs for the safety valves have arrived. They will be shipped off to Llangollen Railway once fitted into the safety valves.

Tender

Descaling and painting the vacuum reservoir cylinder has been carried out. Work on front right hornstay is almost finished. Now built up to the correct thickness, the front end of the frame has seen primer paint applied.

With replacement steel delivered, areas of the tank top have had new sections of steel welded into place. Some sections needed to be shaped to fit curves in the plate work. Both internal drain pipes and hydrant filler pipe have passed hammer tests, with only a new joint needed on the hydrant filler pipe.

The National Railway Museum have gifted a full set of brake hangers to the Trust. Appearing to be in new condition, these will be stored for now as the team plan to overhaul the current ones and use them. Repairing and cleaning the spring hangers is in process. The tender rubbing block has been refitted and needs one of its studs replacing.

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

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