Overhaul update
Parts have gathered around the engine prior to being placed into storage spaces. These cylinder cladding pieces were among them, but we decided instead to attach them to the engine as a means of storage.
The right side in place. The cylinder plates are held by only four bolts so fitting them was quicker than carrying them to the storage unit.
The left side. Even if only temporary, they do add to a finished look!
Other parts not being stored but worked on include the combined sand and blower valve. This design was inherited from the Midland Railway; on later Stanier engines they were separate items.
Also on Uncle Graham’s table were components of the water gauge frames. These are the lower cocks containing the drains.
The frames’ linkages were also there. Assembly will be done on the boiler itself.
Meanwhile, painting continues. It might not be appreciated how difficult it is to apply black paint to a black engine in a very dark place!
The superheater header from the front, with all except the regulator cover in place. All screwed studs have been renewed.
The same item from the rear. The blocks on top are twenty-one blanks sealing the forty-two seats for the superheater elements.
The first view in the boiler shop into the inner firebox showed that the 202 small tubes 1¾ inch diameter noted last time as being in the boiler had been joined by twenty-one 5¼ inch flue flues.
This was confirmed at the smokebox end. It was also noted that the small tubes had all been expanded and were permanent in the boiler.
A tube expander. This inserted into the end of the tube and the rollers rotated by the square on the left. The tapered shaft causes the rollers to move outwards, forcing the tube to expand its diameter to make a water-tight seal against the tubeplate.
The expander in the end of a tube.
The similar expander for the flue tubes.
The job it has to do. The gap between the flue and tubeplate can be seen prior to expanding; there is no such gap with the small tubes, already done.
This is the repaired mounting flange for the manifold mounting, the face finish welded, the stud holes drilled and tapped.
Blanking plates cover the holes for the safety valves in preparation for the boiler’s hydraulic test.