Cameron has been in the workshop today machining some new studs for NCB No.69's boiler.
Although only a temporary measure, lathered generously with COPASLIP, the studs prevent any rust damage to the threads in the boiler backhead whilst the boiler sits outside at Middle Engine Lane.
In the above, Cameron is seen fitting the new studs to the backhead of NCB No.69's boiler.
Michael has been in the running shed using the electric polisher on the lettering of the 'SHELL' and 'BP to remove slight marks left from signwriting.
The wagon will be pulled out of the workshop in the near future to take its place in our tank wagon set and our demonstration freight trains.
Previously painted red, it was noticed by one of the volunteers that the rear buffer beam bunker support angles were painted black whilst NCB No.69 was at South Hetton Colliery with the NCB.
As seen above on the morning of Friday 13th April 1973 outside the repair shop near South Hetton Colliery. Source, Sassaby, Flickr.
Therefore, Cameron has rectified this by painting the support angles (previously red) black.
Over the past week, Bob has been completing the final drilling of the remaining boiler backhead studs to NCB No.69's boiler.
Setting up the mag drill on a fabricated plate, he is able to drill out the stubborn stud perfectly perpendicular to the backhead plate.
Last weekend, Cameron applied the first coat of 'Tomato Red' - RAL 3013 to the rear buffer beam of NCB No.69.
Before...
...During...
And after - with the buffer housings left on the old red to be repainted at a later date.
Although the colour difference is subtle, it was concluded that Tomato Red is a closer match to the assumed original swatch left on the front buffer beam.
