Restoration Work Continues on No.69

The focus still remains on the front of the engine with the front two buffer houses and single buffer being removed after some toil.

    Driver's side buffer and budder housing immediately after being separated from the buffer beam.

    Michael knocking the cotter pin out which enabled the buffer to be released from the housing.

Fireman's side buffer housing removed from the buffer beam (the corresponding buffer was removed earlier in the restoration).

Milling of a radius on a new buffer cotter pin - Alan has machined a new cotter pin with more to be made using various machines in the workshop for the remaining buffers.

The new buffer cotter pin being test fit in a painted buffer from the rear of the locomotive.

Fireman's Theory MIC

 Training for operational roles at NTSR, which consists of mainly 'hands-on' practical experience with a qualified volunteer, is complemented by Mutual Improvement Classes or 'MICs'. MICs are an opportunity for trainees to improve their knowledge of the rules, procedures and theory required for certain roles, as well as for qualified persons to share tips, knowledge and improve one another's understanding.

Today, Traction Inspector Steve has hosted an MIC for firemen, which was attended by Katie, Chad, Aadil and Aaran - seen here in the John Storey room going over the principles of 'methodical firing'.

More P-Way Work

There was a good turnout today for this month's second permanent way working party, again tackling the tamping and levelling of the points at the south end of Middle Engine Lane yard.

Steve using the vertical tamper.

Members of the youth group shovelling ballast.

Richard supervising Benjamin installing coach screws.

Vacuum Cylinder Overhaul

Michael D has been overhauling the conflat's vacuum cylinder...

Almost ready for a top coat of gloss black.

 Top coat applied.

Woodland Walk Work

James and Richard moving locomotive ash to be used for path building.

Michael W uses the mini digger to grade the remaining old ash pile.

Compacting with the vibrating roller.

Ready for a layer of Terras and stone as this area begins its transformation into a sensory garden.

Lambton Van Progress

John has been busy removing rotten and life expired planking from the Lambton van's north end (pictured below). 

Repairs to the frame are now nearing completion - stored inside is the new plank work ready to go!

More Winter Maintenance on 401

Aadil has been busy recently cleaning up various components from 401...

Cleaning up the regulator handle.

Regulator rod as removed from 401.

Cleaning gauge glass frames.

Regulator handle after polishing.

Gauge glass components on the bench in various stages of being cleaned up.

Some have polished up very nice indeed!

Safety valve on the rig...

...ready for hydraulic testing and adjustment.

Cleaning up the surface around the dome ring prior to the refitting of the dome cover.

The extension to the deflector plate has also been welded on.

P-Way Progress

 Photos from the first of two working parties focusing on pointwork in Middle Engine Lane yard this month...

Steve tamping No.3 Points.

Michael and Neil discussing plans for a future signal cabin.

Meanwhile, members of the youth group installing a 5mph board ahead of the Rising Sun curves...

Ashington No.5 Update

A bronze bearing from one of Ashington No.5's axle boxes set up in the lathe ready to be machined.