With the start of the new year and the frames sheeted over, to protect them from the elements, the team has started to move forwards on two fronts…
To the casual observer maybe not much has changed but with over 400 holes previously drilled we have slowly been setting up the frames over the summer carefully aligning the various frame plates, reaming through and countersinking the various holes…
Over the first week of July we had a small team of volunteers from Network Rail spending the week undertaking various tasks helping with the ongoing restoration of No 27 Primrose as well as helping with preventative maintenance & remedial display presentation…
Fenchurch over the pit ready for its deep clean by NR volunteers pending its next overhaul…
With a week’s annual leave booked some of the team spent the week making a start at riveting the frames! Both of the two frame stretchers have now been riveted home as well as the six running plate supports with the front two needing to be in place prior to the new cylinder block being fitted! Attention was then turned to making a start at fitting up the rear buffer beam and drag box…
It’s been a little while since our last engineering update but despite the weather we have slowly been moving forwards on many fronts! Work has focused on setting up the frames and getting them square ready for riveting! Also whilst the weather has been against us we have been busy making a start on re-furbishing various parts of the motion cleaning, inspecting & re-machining where necessary. Off site the cylinder block is progressing well…
With a few weekends of unusually mild weather and help from other loco department volunteers the team successfully finished preparing the frame plates and set about erecting the frames and taking initial steps to leveling them! The above picture shows the new frame plates being erected into position…
As a small group, we rely on fundraising to keep achieving our goal of seeing the Bluebell Railways smaller fleet of engines operational. So get on board with us today no matter how large or small the contribution.