The 4709 Group have released their latest update on construction of new-build locomotive Great Western Railway 4700 Class No.4709.

With the polystyrene patterns complete, final checks to dimensions will be carried out now. Unfortunately, the next stage, casting both cylinders, is currently on hold while the lockdown is in place.

Following casting, the next steps will see the new blocks heat-treated, stress relieved, machined and finally delivered and attached to the locomotive’s frame.

The current blocks fitted to 4709’s frame have been borrowed from 2861 to allow measuring up and alignment of the brackets for the running board.

Leaving the Llangollen Railway

For the next stages of building 4709, the Group have decided to move the chassis to a new base, due to be announced soon. Components such as the wheelsets and pony truck, currently at Tyseley Locomotive Works, will also move to join the frame.

Next Appeal?

Shortly the Group will be launching a new appeal to raise the funds needed to manufacture the coupling and connecting rods, along with some valve gearing components.

For more information on the locomotive or to support The 4709 Group, please visit their website here.

Where Next?

RailAdvent Plus
   Get image downloads, Prints and Streaming Video
News Homepage
   For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
   Framed Prints, DVD’s / Blu-Ray’s and more
LocoStop Community
   Come and share your railway pictures
Mainline Steam Info
   Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements