6023

So would the O2 at the GCR..........

I fear both will be static only.

 

Sorry mate think your getting your 0-4-4 tanks and 2-8-0's mixed up! 63601 is an O4!

 

Its late......

 

Talking with a few on the CME several weeks ago I mentioned at how close I felt for Didcot in completing 6023. I really want it for them.

 

Been on the falling down water?

 

6023 had a steam test yesterday which I assume was successful in the absence of any contrary comment. Hopefully that means they can push on now with getting the mainline kit sorted ready for a test run.

I've not heard anything about what is to take 4144's place in the works so it remains possible that 5322 might get a look over to see whether repairs are feasible in time for the 2018 commemorations. It may depend partly on how well 1363 is coming on as there will be a need for a branchline loco as 3650 gets into the later part of its boiler certificate. There is also a desire to look at 1466 ready for 2021.

 

Sadly not......

 

I believe before that can happen, she needs to be dragged to Southall for balancing.

 

Balancing or weighing ?

 

Adjusting the weight on each spring then ?

 

Possibly although back in March 2014 they did some balancing at Didcot using a portable set up they laid on the ash road. I've no idea whether that would be considered sufficient for mainline running.

 

As far as I know it balancing & weighing to get everything right for hammering along at 75mph, and the way things are going - we'll be looking at another "Braunton".........

 

I hope that the updates keep coming on the progress of 6023. I think it is the most eagerly anticipated new loco for the main line. It will be fascinating to see how it performs with its new draughting. If it is successful, maybe other locos could benefit?

 

46100 and 35018 could be added to that list!

James

 

I have assisted weighing a couple of loco's, it's done using a hydraulic hand pump, instead of a pressure gauge, a gauge graduated in a tonnage scale is fitted,coupled to this a small ram is fitted & placed on top of a pit wall and underneath the flange of the wheel to be weighed, then, a piece of .0015" feeler gauge is placed between the rail head and tyre, the pump is slowly energised until the feeler gauge can just pass between the tyre & railhead, then the reading is taken, the hangers are then adjusted as necessary.
This process can take place at any location with a pit. Hope this helps explain the process a little.

 

I thought they were only trying to compensate for the new shorter chimney, getting the draughting back to being good enough. Are you envisaging that the draughting might end up better than it was with the original chimney?

 

Post #445 Refers.

 

and 4472 ? to complete contributions from the big 4....