The Bury Standard 4 Group has given an update on the restoration of ex-London Midland and Scottish Railway Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 No. 46428 that began over four years ago.

Construction of a new cab is almost complete; most of it has been riveted together, and installation has been completed of the whistle lever mechanism, handrails, and new seat brackets.

The next tasks to be done are machining the new brake hanger brackets followed by the brake hanger bars. New running boards have been delivered and are in position. Machining of a cab lever control is taking place and expansion link trunnions have been installed.

Fillets have been used to reinforce the two plates for the drag box, and that is now ready for further assembly. The housing for the boiler feed water clacks has been cleaned and its fixing screw locations have been tapped out.

A preliminary boiler inspection is scheduled for the end of this month to provide the Group a more realistic state of the condition of the boiler. In preparation for that inspection, certain specified areas of the both the inside and outside of the boiler are being sanded down to reveal there is any wear, damage, or cracks in the boiler structure.

As well as the refurbishment of 46428, work to refurbish the 24-ton mineral wagon is continuing, with recent work being to cut out the lower part of the door support bars replace them with new sections. Once refurbishment is complete, it is planned that the wagon will take its place in the goods wagon trains run on the East Lancashire Railway.

To commemorate Remembrance day, the Bury Standard 4 Group mounted a tribute outside its workshop that included a suitable adornment for the 24-ton mineral wagon.

The Group is always pleased to see new members and will welcome anyone who visits its workshop in Bury on any Saturday or Sunday.