7202

7202 News

The top of the tank is now riveted in place, we hope to fit the beading in a few weeks, along with the lifting eyes, after that we can take the tank off the frames to get to the parts we can't when it is on them.

The front rods have been partially readied for fitting of the bushes, the photo shows one of the spherical bushes that allows sideways movement of the rods, this is a feature that was rare on GWR engines, and not normally visible as it is hidden by the next rod.

29th February 2008

Since the last update the right-hand cross head has been re-fitted, the vacuum pump drive will be fitted once the tank is out of the way and the pump fully aligned.

Work has started on the front pair of rods, with the bushes being removed, most are now metaled and some have been machined. Once this is complete the front rods can be re-fitted.

Work has continued of riveting the top of the tank, but it relies on someone being inside to knock the rivets over, working in a confined space means that we have to stop so that legs can be stretched. The front section of the tank has been done, including the filler. The front section of beading has been fitted, but not yet riveted, the rear section can only be done once the top is fully riveted.

Work has started on the pipe work from the bunker to the 3, yes 3, water valves. Brackets have been made to support the main water valves. Parts are being cast for the water valves, these will then need to be machined to match the worn bodies that we have. Pipes have been made to replace the missing ones that connect to the 3rd water valve, this is to allow the tanks to be drained, and is visible underneath the rear of the engine, so will be re-fitted.

While looking at water pipes we have also looked to see what vacuum pipes we have, with a view to starting to fit this as well.

The right hand cross-head is now ready for fitting having been machined as well as new fitted bolts being made for the vacuum pump drive bracket.

Work has continued on the right hand tank, the top is now fitted, just several hundred rivets to be fitted!

Two of the rod bearings have now been re-metaled and are ready for machining. The right hand cross head has also had some white metal applied and is currently mounted on the planner ready for machining. The jig that is in use is an original cross head machining jig, and the belt driver planner came from a GWR shed in the South West.

Further work has taken place on the right hand tank in preparation for fitting the tank top. Work has also involved working out where the ATC conduit fitted, the original was missing so some has had to be made from rescued imperial conduit.

Over the last weekend 7 out of the 8 coupling rods bearings were pushed out in preparation for re-metaling. The remaining bearing does not need any work doing on it. Work was also done checking the right hand cross head to ensure so that once it has been re-metaled and machined that we are able to fit the pump connection straight up to it.

Over the bank holiday weekend we ran the "Black Python" real ale bar see here for details.

Most of the recent work has involved cleaning the boiler for inspection and preparing to work on the main rods. Rick, one of our volunteers has set up an additional web-site for the boiler, see www.rickwebster.co.uk

Work has also taken place on a bar to help raise funds, if you want a beer join us at Didcot over the May bank holiday weekend.

Work has progressed on the right hand tank, the back has been fitted, but still requires riveting, the new top has been cut to shape, with many more holes to be drilled before it is fitted and riveted.

The left-hand crosshead has been re-metaled, machined and put in place, although it is not connected to the piston yet as the glands still need some work.

The pipe-work for the ATC gear is being located and fitted.

Work is continuing on the front and rear cylinder cladding.

The cylinder cocks that are connected to the cylinders are now fitted, the remaining 2 for the valves will not be done yet.

We have had a new steam fountain cast, this is now being machined, this is the largest single gun-metal casting that we will require.

The left-hand tank has been placed on the engine, this was done because the trolleys that the tank was on were required for the frames for the County Project.

13th June 2006

Both of the pistons had their rings fitted at the weekend and were put in to the cylinders, no easy task when you consider that they heads are over 19" diameter and 4" thick, even if they are hollow, and the rod is about 5' long by about 3" diameter! Once the pistons were installed the covers were fitted along with their copper rings, again not exactly another light item.

Both cylinders now have the side and bottom cladding fitted, this now allows the cylinder cocks to be fitted in the near future along with the front piston relief valves.

The left hand tank is now ready for fitting, we are just waiting for the next big shunt. Items such as the air vents and water level indicator will be fitted when the tank is upright on the engine to reduce the chance of damage. The back of the right hand tank is being prepared for fitting with large sections being supplied ready folded to replace existing parts that have rusted away.

Most of the side cylinder cladding sheets are ready for fitting, hopefully one side will be completed this weekend.

While progress has slowed down in the last month work has been done on several other areas on site, including a trip to Eastleigh to get some machinery.

28th March 2006

The left hand tank has had the two pipes that go through it fitted using the traditional method, this being expanded in place rather than welding. The inside of the tanks has had tar applied on the joints and several coats of bitumastic paint applied, then the access holes where welded in place, all that remains is several coats of paint on the outside. The tank will be re-fitted to the engine when there is a major shunt, probably in the summer.

Work has continued on the areas of the cylinder cladding that need to be done while the engine is over a pit, this will also allow the cylinder cocks to be fitted.

Work continues on the little end bearings, hand scrapping ones that have been acquired to ensure a good tight fit that will last for many years without knocking.

Work has continued on the cab roof with the sliding vent being re-fitted so that it will work again.

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