Industrial Loco Updates

Bagnall 2746 "The Duke".

We have put in two concentrated Saturday sessions at Wirksworth led by members of 48624 Locomotive Ltd, to whom we are extremely grateful. First, the side rods were removed and placed in safe store. Yesterday the crossheads were split from the piston rods with special steel wedges loaned by friends at Loughborough, and the big end bolts freed off and hammered out. In general the mechanical clearances seem good and tight. Next Saturday working party: 22nd June.


Vulcan.

Having its cladding fitted and coming on rapidly. Next Sunday Working party, 16th June.

Regards,

Tim

 

Bagnall 2746 "The Duke".

The connecting rods have been taken down and the big ends cleaned, reassembled and put into store. Slipper blocks, gudgeon pins and crossheads also now stored. Next target, prepare for a frame lift; next working dates, 29/30 June.

Vulcan.

Cladding is making progress; main steam pipes being prepared for annealing. Next scheduled working party, Sunday 21st June though we may have extra ones as the loco is well on the way to completion and the target date is the Barrow Hill model railway event in September.

Tim

 

Vulcan Foundry Austerity 5309 arrived at the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway this week where it will stay on hire with us till our steam gala on September 14 & 15.

It is intended to be used as the main loco through the Summer, with it working its first unassisted passenger trains in preservation this weekend (subject to availability).

 

is it on hire from its long time owner or has it been sold?

 

Its on hire to us from its long time owner.

 

Vulcan Update

The boiler cladding is complete, both coupling rods are now on and the saddle tank has been replaced. Vulcan looks like an engine again. On course for September steaming.

Tim

 

Wanted a pair of injector water valves for a 14'' Andrew Barclay, for loco nearing end of overhaul.

Has anyone had any of these made for a loco?

Any help gratefully received.


Alex.

 

Sorry can't help with the water valves, but we have just recieved the patterns back for Andrew Barlay pattern clack/check valves. We are making a pair for AB #1181. There is another 2 Barclay locos in NZ that will benifit from these patterns.

Jason
Wellington
New Zealand

 

Bagnall 2746 "The Duke"

Another very good working party on Saturday. All four eccentrics removed and a start made on the cylinder chest. All cotter pins turned out to be "one hit wonders" thanks to the chap who went round spraying everything in grease while the loco was in store. I know who it was and will buy him a pint when he shows up. The way is now clear to lift the frames.

Tim

 

Vulcan Update

Next scheduled working party this Sunday. Word is that there has been much done since the last official session and we are instructed to bring metal polish and cleaning rags for the cab fittings.

Tim

 

Vulcan Update.

I must try and load up some pictures soon. This little engine is starting to look fantastic. I spent a large slice of today cleaning and painting the underside of the footplating. The rest of the time was spent with the production line of volunteers cleaning and fitting the pipework back from annealing. There is a list of remaining jobs posted on the side of the engine. The final item No. 20: light fire and raise steam.

Tim

 

I hope 'fill boiler with water' comes before No.20!!!

 

Just seen the cab and rather peeling saddle tank of a small industrial go past on the back of a lorry in Swindon. Both were green, and the saddle tank had a nameplate ("Agecroft No 1" I think, though it flashed by)

Any ideas what it was, and where it was going?

Tom

 

Agecroft No.1?
Don't know where it was going, though

 

Yeah, I guessed as much. Problem is, my knowledge of steam engines starts to decline sharply the moment they don't have SE&CR painted on the side...

Tom

 

It was at Steam in Swindon and has been offered for sale recently so presumably it's now been sold?

 

Just been informed it's Agecroft No3, not No1

 

Thanks - can look it up now!

Anyone any idea where she is off to?

Tom

 

Sources haven't come up with anything yet.

 

Vulcan Update
The connecting rods have been fitted and the boiler inspector is booked to carry out the steam test. The vacuum and steam heat pipes have still to be fitted, and there is also the final coat of paint to apply. We are on course for the "Barrow Hill Live" event in September.

Bagnall 2746 "The Duke"
Packing timbers have arrived, though the local crane is temporarily out of action, so we will have to wait 2-3 weeks to lift the frames. The cylinder end covers are off and so far the bores look good.

Tim