32473 Birch Grove

Anyone know when 32473 Birch Grove will be back in service again. I see there are some new photos of her on the Bluebell web site. I hope when she returns to traffic she stays in her present livery.

 

Speaking to some of folks in the C&W works who have just finished painting 'Sir Archibald Sinclair' last weekend, they suggested the E4 is expected to be completed and 'in for painting' at HK towards the end of the year, the dome cover is already in the C&W works! Unfortunatly I neglected to ask about liveries.. I believe there was talk of it being painted in SR green though..?

 

SR green is the intention. Will look nice with the Maunsell stock in tow.

 

Does anyone know how much work is required on the E4? I know the boiler is deemed to be in good nick after having a hell of a lot of work done the last time it was overhauled, but what about elsewhere? I had heard a rumour that there might be an issue with the cylinders?

 

I seem to remember when it was launched into traffic in '98 there was talk that at the next overhaul the cylinder block might be knackered, wasn't it limited to a certain load subsequently because of this? Would have to root through 'Bluebell News' to try and find out.. From memory I think there might be similar issues with the C-class and maybe Stepney. Can anyone 'in the know' confirm?

 

Take a look at http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/blueb ... _2473.html and you'll see. New liners in the blocks, and pressumably something will be done with the valve faces too. Looking good for a return to traffic in the not too distant future. She'll look great in green.
Daniel

 

AIUI, the cylinders are knackered, but there's not enough money for new castings. Lots of work has been done to sleeve the current ones which will keep them running for another turn.

She will be painted SR olive green. The wheels have already been done, so it's a done deal.

Pil

 

Sleeving (lining) cylinders is commonplace and isn't a huge job. If that's all that is required then they certainly aren't knackered. If the slide valve faces are worn, that is harder but not beyond doing in situ. If the faces are too far gone to machine then it may need the block out and splitting but it should still be repairable with todays technology. Depends on what else is wrong as to whether it is time to call a halt and consider a new block.

 

Just had a look on the website and noticed they still have details of the '98 overhaul up, it was there that I read about the cylinders and the restriction to loads of 140 tons: http://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/~uhaa ... grove.html

 

And will be numbered B473, i.e. early Southern, not mid-period like 1638.

Tom

 

The valve faces have been machined flat already. When I saw the boiler a couple of weeks ago the bottom 2 rows of stays were being replaced and a blowdown valve was being fitted. Most of the foundation ring rivets had been replaced already.
I'll have a look on Sunday and post an update.

Dave G.

 

Will the operating restrictions still apply once she is running again with now repaired cylinders?

 

As promised a couple of pictures of the latest work being carried out on the Boiler taken on Sunday 19th May 2009.




Sorry for the poor quaility as these were taken with my phone. Also they appear cropped here so follow the links below to view the original.
http://www.picturebay.net/img/guests/19 ... /front.jpg
http://www.picturebay.net/img/guests/19 ... /side1.jpg
http://www.picturebay.net/img/guests/19 ... /side2.jpg



Regards,

Dave G.