Work continues at the Mid Hants Railway in overhauling SR Merchant Navy No.35005 “Canadian Pacific”.

Boiler and cladding

The biggest progress since the last update has been on the boiler, which currently has priority in Ropley’s Boilershop. The tube plate has received both riveting and holes bored out, ready to take the boiler tubes which are currently in storage.

The thermic syphons have had all their bolts fitted and are now completed. With the backplate now being welded in, plans can be made for removing the foundation ring and construction of a new inner firebox.

Due to being exposed to the elements, some parts of the cladding have deteriorated beyond repair. Volunteers have therefore been assessing whether parts can be reused if so painting them to starting preparing them for fitting when needed.

Pipework

The numerous pipework apart of the lubrication system has left the team scratching their heads. Although labelled upon removal, some pipework has been tricky to refit. Despite this, the team restoring ‘Can Pac’ have carried on and are slowly refitting all the pipework.

Tender, bogie and trailing truck

Volunteers have begun painting 35005’s Tender Frame, which is currently located at Eastleigh. Both bogie and trailer truck have also received work and will be fitted to the main frame when completed.

• Visit the RailAdvent news homepage
  For the latest railway news
• Visit the RailAdvent Shop
  For railway related goodies!
• Visit LocoStop – Our New Social Network
  Come and share your photo’s and video’s, join the discussion.
  Find out what others are sharing
• Visit the Mid Hants Railway website
  For more information