The Churchward County Trust has announced that it has placed an order for two-cylinder castings for GWR ‘County’ No. 3840 ‘County of Montgomery’.

The order has been placed with specialist patter-maker, Premier Patterns in Smethwick.

Two polystyrene patterns for the cylinder blocks were completed in September, which is the same technique used to cast a number of GWR cylinders in the past few years. However, 3840’s pattern differs to those already produced as they feature inside steam pipes.

These are the first GWR cylinder patterns to be made using the polystyrene method, the cylinders for the GWR Society’s Saint was cast from a wooden pattern.

At the end of September, these patterns were sent to Russell Ductile Castings in Scunthorpe, where the casting is to take place. As the contractor, Premier Patterns, is in close contact with the foundry, working with the Churchward County Trust’s design engineer.

Once all parties are satisfied, it is expected that the cylinders will be cast during the Autumn.

When the castings are complete, the new cylinders will be taken to Roach Precision Engineering in Brierley Hill. Here, they will be allowed to naturally de-stress over six to nine months, and these will then be machined.

Production of the patterns has been possible due to the Cylinder Club fundraising scheme, which aims to raise £40,000 through 40 supporters donating £1000. However, the Churchward County Trust are still a way off achieving their target, and it is hopeful that this milestone will encourage others to join the club.

Club members receive:

• An invitation to the launch of County of Montgomery
• A seat on the locomotive’s first train
• A special certificate acknowledging membership of the Cylinders Club
• A framed and mounted print of No. 3840 by artist Stuart Black
• Their name on Roll of Honour
• Life membership of the CCT

Full details of the Cylinders Club can be found by clicking here to visit their website.

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