First, we start with the good news that Cast Iron Welding Services of Coalville have now been able to submit a price for the repair of Furness Railway No. 20’s right hand piston and front cylinder cover, which has been accepted. This part of the overall repair should be completed in the next three weeks after which it will be possible to reassemble the motion. Once completed and tested, FR 20 will be able to continue its hire to the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway. Operating dates will be published once they can be confirmed.
Back at Preston, work has started in earnest on 5643’s rolling chassis which is now located in the main FRT shed. Removal of the bunker for the first time in preservation has revealed some wasted angle support which is now being cut away so that it can be replaced.
The boiler is now in the outer shed and work on descaling it has also commenced. It is expected that the tubes will now be removed in August.
Ade has once again been working on Caliban and is seen here fitting the valve rod covers.
Alison is arranging for some carpet samples to be brought in for Great Eastern Railway royal saloon No. 5. Measuring up for an estimate will take place this Wednesday.
Meanwhile, John Davis spotted some unwelcome rot in the corridor floor last week which John Dixon can be seen cutting out.
Over at Embsay, Hunslet ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST Cumbria has been having a boiler wash out. Matt Anderson has taken the opportunity to remove the grate and fit an ashpan sprinkler, which can be seen in action above. Looks good!
The second photo shows the arrangement in the cab.