Industrial Loco Updates

RSH 7416 'Agecroft No.1' has arrived at the NRM and appears to be their working loco for the summer, 31178 having gone back to the Bluebell. Steam works at weekends and every day during the school holidays, subject to staffing, boiler wash outs etc. This weekend was without steam as she needed steam test etc before taking up her duties.

 

Post retracted as not fully accurate and possibly misleading, sorry folks.

 

Err,what happened? Your description makes it sound like the smokebox tubeplate has "come off" the angle ring, but that's not a usual failure mode (and would, even in light steam, result in a fairly spectacular explosion).

 

The statement is intriguing me, as well. Is it simply a leak between the template and the angle ring which a bit of caulking would cure?

 

I’d just like to weigh in here and clear a few things up as some of the above information isn’t quite correct. I was on site shortly afterwards so feel like I’m well placed to comment. A.No.5 developed a leak on the lap joint between the firebox crown and the tube plate whilst the locomotive was in steam. The crew failed the engine, filled the boiler and threw out the fire to be on the safe side. It certainly wasn’t a catastrophic separation of boiler plates! We still are unsure as to the exact cause of the leak but we think there could be some corrosion of a handful of rivets, we’ll only know after the boiler inspector has had a look but she’s laid up for the time being.

 

Bagnall 2746 The Duke

Word from the boiler contractor is that we may hope for the new backhead shortly, now the weather is just a little cooler, plus our share of a bulk order of boiler tubes.

Meanwhile, work continues on various minor but essential items. The bunker has been fitted with coal rails and lamp irons, and work has started on re-fitting the cab windows. I am thinking of using polycarbonate for the back windows, which are likely to get bashed by lumps of coal; does this fare better than Perspex?

Meanwhile we have found another old fashioned iron mongers and have been increasing our Whitworth stock; presently we have: 1/2" and 3/8" bright steel studs, 1/2"steel hex head and countersunk slothead machine screws in various lengths, from 1" upwards, boxes of steel 1" 1/2" and 3/8" nuts. Brass: 3/8" 1/2" 5/8" wingnuts, 3/8" domehead machine screws various lengths, 1/2 brass slothead countersunk machine screws, various lengths. Of these, I understand that 1/2" wingnuts are useful for securing lubricators, csk steel machine screws are useful for holding down cab floors and 3/8" domeheads are often used on spectacle plates. Brass CSK is useful for attaching bronze side wear plates. If we can help, please get in touch.

 

If it's the one I think it is, your backhead is now formed - however there is some detailing and dressing work to be completed before it will make it to your boilersmiths!

 

Can anyone help. I am after a steam brake cylinder for a 10" Barclay. I believe that the steam brake cylinders were the same for 10" and 12" Barclays.
The hole spacing is 8 1/8" by 5",

Holes in the frame are drilled to take 7/8 " driven bolts. Anyone can assist please send a message.

General update is that the loco has had a lot of old plates removed for either cleaning up or to use as a template for new running boards. Cab still to clean up and sort out and a new roof is a definite! Lots of parts are at home for cleaning and painting up ready for when they can go back on!

 

I have taken a couple of photos of my 10" Barclay brake cylinder. The hole spacing is as you describe. If you want any measurements taken please let me know but I am not willing to dismantle it during our running season.

 

Illingworth/Mitchell arrived at Ribble Steam Railway on 15th August for the September Gala, the Grant Ritchie is also due back at Preston in time for the Gala, which should also feature Linda & Courageous.

3155

 

That is two great shots indeed. Can fully understand why you wouldn't want to dismantle it whilst it is the running season.
Thank you for your kind offer for providing measurements. I will PM you if that is ok?

 

Please go ahead.

 

Bagnall 2746 The Duke

We keep plodding away; no firm news on the backhead yet. Meanwhile Mick Clarke has made some very neat brass catches for the rear cab windows and Simon has re-made the cylinder lubrication inlet so that everything is faced up square and concentric.

We have had an enquiry for the use of the Austerity chimney pattern which we own jointly with Ribble Steam Railway. If anyone else is considering a new chimney, this may be the time to get in touch.

 

Some boiler fittings have been obtained, including two Peckett injectors, towards the restoration of Ackton Hall No.3 at Foxfield and we are putting together a proposal for various methods of fund raising. We have also had an estimate for repairs to the boiler and the motion has been stripped for assessment. So far there haven't been any horrible discoveries we weren't already aware of, and some pleasant surprises, such as the crank pins which are all in excellent condition. As they say, watch this space.

 

0-6-0 Bagnall 3061 'Empress' has been purchased and moved to the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway, it has 5 years remaining on its boiler ticket and its first runs took place last weekend for our steam gala.

Does anyone have a spare set of Bagnall brass window frames or a pattern suitable for this loco please?

Alex.

 

Ackton Hall's springs have been sent away for assessment (which I have no doubt will come back as they are f****d) but in the meantime the cylinder/valve chest covers have been removed and everything looks to be in very good condition. We have also obtained a replacement set of Peckett buffers as three out of the four on the loco have broken castings. Behind the scenes things are progressing towards fund raising proposals.

 

Bagnall 2746 The Duke

Still waiting for delivery of the backhead. The subcontractor tells me that the basic pressing has been made, but needs some careful adjustment. For the moment, LMS are stuck. Meanwhile there are plenty of detail jobs to be done; the rear cab windows have been glazed and fitted, Simon is machining new safety valve parts, Mick is making fittings for the saddletank and John is welding up the access holes which were cut to enable the tank to be cleaned.

 

Lambton tank no 29 had its new cylinder block fitted to it frames yesterday. Next, the newly drilled mounting holes have to be reamed and fitted bolts made, then the loco has to be re-assembled

 

1700 Wissington is running on Saturday at the NNR/M&GN society members and shareholders day. She will also operate driver for a fiver along with the other locos (Y14, B12, WD, 9F and class 20 diesel) Timetable on M&GN society website.

 

Bagnall 2746 The Duke

Word from the subcontractor is that the new backhead pressing is ready for delivery to LMS at Loughborough.