Overhaul update
The overhaul is at an awkward stage where there is little more that can be done to the frames until the boiler has been fitted, and the boiler cannot be fitted until it has passed its steam test. A trial steaming had to be postponed twice due to outside circumstances: the shunting needed to get the boiler from the boiler shop to outside the shed was blocked by a low loader collecting a visiting engine; and then the well wagon derailed on the next available date.
On 4 May 13268 headed into Bridgnorth yard – well, the boiler did! It is sitting on the well wagon and being propelled by the 08 shunter.
It came to rest ahead of the newly commissioned Hall 4930.
The firedoors and gauge frames are fitted, as too are the safety valves, not visible here.
Also fitted is a temporary grate.
Given the price of coal, the fire is built up, initially at least, from scrap wood.
Which is seen merrily burning away inside the firebox.
This produces much more smoke than is apparent here. The boiler will be brought up to temperature and kept there for several days before actual steam for the preliminary test is raised.
Component work continues and much of this involves pipework. Being shaped here is the live steam pipe to the right hand injector.
Two valves have been fitted to the smokebox: left is the steam supply to the cylinder lubricator atomiser and right is the oil supply to the regulator.
These little gadgets are the brass corner pieces of for the sliding cabside window frames. The originals were rather worn so sixteen new ones have been cast and machined to size.
It’s ours! Owner identification plates have been added to the engine to avoid any future uncertainty. Most engines on the SVR now have similar plates.