69's Restoration Continues

 Cameron and Michael have been disassembling the piston crosshead components this week, with both crossheads, the RH side cylinder hind cover and piston rod metallic packing being removed from the locomotive...

RH side crosshead prior to removing the crosshead cotter.

The use of the crosshead gudgeon pin allows for the crosshead to be removed from its taper to the piston rod by means of a drift, wedge and brute force.

Michael cleaning the RH side crosshead in a bath of strong degreaser.

The piston rod metallic packing, along with the corresponding cylinder hind cover being cleaned in the parts washer.

Cleaned and wire wheeled brass piston rod metallic packing ring with what is assumed as the cast number "288231".

A filthy LH side crosshead shortly after separating from its piston rod after approximately 60 years.

LH side piston rod minus a crosshead.

All the components will be cleaned and examined. Any machining works that are required will be planned and then the components will be placed into storage until reassembly in the future.

Conflat Working Party

Today, Cameron has led a working party on the Conflat wagon's chassis, which was well-attended by members of the railway's youth group.

Cameron starting the day with a briefing on the task in hand.

Aaran needle gunning. 

   Chad needle gunning.

 

Primer beginning to be applied...

Fresh primer on the newly needle-gunned sections...

    

  Another job ticked off the list for the wagon's restoration!

Work Continues on 401

Winter maintenance has continued on 401 over the past couple of weeks...

Fire bars removed...

...and laid out on the deck. Some had to be cracked to get them out due to them being warped and stuck.

Jack begins knocking out the brick arch.

Chad removing the last of the brick arch...

...and disposing the rubble.

Baffle plate on the welders' bench. What was left of the end of it has been cut off and here it is in the process of being cleaned up before a new extension is welded on.

Belly plate removed.

Michael cleaning up the LH side injector after dismantling it.

First 69 Update of 2024

                                                    

Cameron needle gunning the rear buffer beam...

The needle gunning has revealed numerous nuts nearly unrecognisable due to rusting.

One nut after removal.

Jack removing primer from the sections of the reverser rod that will require precise fitting with the catching mechanism and reverser quadrant.

Adam shot blasting components.

Cameron beginning the removal of the crosshead and piston metallic gland ring.

Shunter Training Day

Some photos from today's shunter training course in Middle Engine Lane yard...

Walking around the wagons to check for chocks, obstructions and 'do not move' boards before starting the shunt.

Steve instructing Chad on safe coupling-up procedures.

Practicing with the shunting poles...

...and hand signals.

Aaran changing the points...

...for 08915 to propel the tankers towards Jack.

Josh shunting.

08915 returns to the shed after a successful training session.

Vegetation Removal

Steve and James have depositing brambles (removed during vegetation clearing from the woodland walk project) down the line this morning...

After loading four bin loads of brambles onto a P-Way trolley, James pushes the trolley towards Rising Sun curve...

The brambles were then deposited at the base of the line side fencing between the NTSR and the Waggonway footpath that follows the Rising Sun Curve.

401 Washout

 Work has continued on 401 today with Steve, Aaran and Chad carrying out a thorough boiler washout.

The purpose of a boiler washout is to remove any deposits that have accumulated in the boiler over its recent steamings as a result of impurities of the water. 

The aim is to wash any scale and sediment towards the foundation ring and belly plate, the lowest points of the boiler, where it can be removed. 

So, Chad starts at the smokebox, using the pressure washer to cleanse the boiler barrel.

Chad pressure washing around the foundation ring.

This forces the muck that has accumulated here during the washout...

...towards Aaran, who then encourages it out by hand.

Dirty work!