Another couple of weeks of steady progress at Preston to report.
The steam chest cover and tail rod bushes for the valve spindles have been re-fitted to FR 20, with Alan seen here at work on the matter.
All the spring hangers have now been machined and painted prior to fitting along with the new springs. The tender spectacle plate has also received a new coat of paint.
A number of steam pipe and blast pipe studs need to be replaced either through wastage or breakage. John Dixon tried to remove one of the blast pipe studs using some heat.
Unfortunately, the heat treatment failed to make any difference so John is seen here (successfully) drilling out one of the broken studs.
The magnetic drill was much in demand last Wednesday when Ade also took the opportunity to start drilling out smokebox rivets on Caliban‘s boiler.
There has been further cleaning of 5643’s motion and frames.
5643’s main brake shaft was removed by team Bell and Davis with a little help from Keith and the lifting table. It is a sizeable chunk of metal that has to be respected!
Continuing Great Western news, Keith has been spending more time shaping the new injector delivery pipework for Wootton Hall.
A final reminder to members that the virtual AGM is scheduled for tomorrow evening (Tuesday, 8th September) with signing in commencing at 19.15 for a 19.30 start. We still hope to see or hear from as many members as possible.