Bon-Accord 0-4-0 ST Repairs - Pattern Request

Ladies and Gents

At the Royal Deeside Railway we have had to lift our Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 Saddle Tank Bon-Accord of of its wheelsets for a second consecutive year. This is to investigate and rectify the continuing problem with the locomotive running hot axlebox bearings.

When the locomotive was restored, the axleboxes that were fitted were repaired and fitted with new bearings, however it is believed that part of the issue with the locomotive, may be the repairs that have been undertaken to the axleboxes. The current work scope involves fitting new bearings, however we believe that it may be pertinant to obtain new axleboxes and fit these at the same time.

We are trying to find out, if any preserved railway has a suitable existing wood pattern for a 12" Barclay Saddle Tank Axle Box, that dates from approximately 1897, and is suitable for casting replacement axleboxes, that look like the photo of one of the existing axleboxes below -



If you believe that you may be able to assist, could you please contact me by e-mail on jameswestabz@aol.com.

Regards

James West

 

Can't help with a pattern but I'm asking why you think you need new axleboxes? Unless they are broken, badly damaged or worn on the hornguides beyond acceptable limits, axleboxes can usually be fettled. Even the brasses might be recoverable by white-metalling. I'm intrigued, but I obviously don't know the full tale, or even half of it.