P2 Locomotive Company and related matters

More Barbara Hepworth ...

(A sculptor for whom the holes were more important than the solid parts of her work - which seems apposite for a cylinder block!)

Tom

 

Yes, but it wouldn't look anything like a recognisable part of a steam locomotive!

Richard.

 

The Liberty ship hull fractures were solved by adjusting the chemical analysis of the steel used: it occurred from cracking suddenly spreading in low temperatures and would have propagated rather differently had the structure been riveted. Interestingly the metallurgist who identified the problem was a woman.

I think serious advice on welding, distortion, annealing must have been taken because while largely welded steel plate and tube the outside passages are castings welded on. If there are full details anywhere I'd be very curious to know them: what exactly they were, the welds, wether this affected the heat treatment and on what specialist advice. (The replacement cylinders when the Duke of Gloucester was resuscitated were not cast in steel but in nodular cast iron - which was on specialist advice and they seem to have to have been perfectly satisfactory.)

 

Interesting post. Though not a metallurgist myself, as pointed out, you obviously have more insight into the Liberty ships, the hatches were the only areas I was aware of suffering from failure but I understand there were other areas.

 

Whilst you maybe right, the NRM interest in Eng has long since diminished which is clearly shown with the removal of the workshop. Third party agreements seem to be the only way anything will happen with National Collection locos (see 4472 / 777 / 850 / 70013 etc) so either someone leads an appeal to get a V2 equivalent made or this will be one of those moments we can all look back on in 10 years time and go "that was a missed opportunity"...

 

A few years back I'd have argued for Green Arrow returning to steam. Now that it is set up in the new Doncaster museum together with with other GNR locos, I'm not so sure we should. It is doing a good job out there as a static exhibit in the public eye again.

 

From a very sad day which will undoubtedly become pivotal in our country's history, it occurred to me that the identity of this locomotive, (as well as a major warship) have just subtly changed their identities.
And just noticed this announcement:
https://www.a1steam.com/prince-of-wales/news/prince-of-wales-details/queen-elizabeth-ii-1926-2022

 

I don’t know what you mean, there’s still going to be a Prince of Wales/Duke of Rothesay it’s just that the identity’s of the people who have carried those titles will have changed.
6201 never changed its identity in 1952 did it?

 

Point of order: The title 'Prince of Wales' is only held by the oldest son (obviously!) of the sovereign and Heir Apparent. It is in the gift of the monarch and therefore currently vacant.

We have, or have had several locos named after persons and places no longer accessible for one reason or another, death and terminal dereliction being the favourites.

 

Fair enough

 

That's precisely what I mean. Thank you for paraphrasing it.

 

My apologies if I came across as a little sarcastic.

 

And the PoW title has now been bestowed on William, Duke of Cambridge (and Cornwall, as of this afternoon).

 

And I think that William, as Prince of Wales, will show interest in the progress, of this locomotive, Hopefully, like his father he will especially, with a growing family use the royal train, to get around theUK
in my imagination, I can see George and Louis getting back on board the royal train, covered from head to toe, in Coal dust, shouting, Mum, Dad, they let us fire the engine, Whilst William, and Katherine recoil in horror telling the princes, go use the shower, and don't touch anything as you go. Whilst the King, and Queen, collapse in fits of laughter.

 

End of problem! Worth recalling the late Queen bestowed the title on the now King at his coming of age. The new PoW is somewhat older now than was his father.

The first PoW, later No.6023 .... sorry .... Edward II, was born in Castell Caernarfon and so titled from birth, as a sort of consolation prize to the Cymraeg for his father, the first of that name, having lately encompassed the downfall of Llewelyn yr Olaf.

Here endeth the history lesson.

 

In Darlington today the ‘P2’ No.2007 Prince of Wales’ cylinder monobloc has just been unveiled at the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust’s annual convention:


Moderator Note:
This image was originally shared by @IamDaniel on his social media site and deserves sharing on here..

 

Now that is sexy! Well done to the P2 Locomotive Society!

Richard.

 

What an impressive piece of kit 2007’s going to be!

 

Great to see it done. Normally there is one piston valve cylinder per normal cylinder but in this case there is two per cylinder. Why is that and how does it work ? Is it because of the type of valve gear being used ?

 

It is because of the valve gear. Franklin/Lentz poppet type which offers separate valves for inlet and exhaust and so certain advantages. The design of the gear must be close to complete now but nothing will be obvious for a while. The cylinder block needs machining and there will be liners to fit. It is looking good so far and those whose skills, knowledge and dedication brought this project so far deserve applauding regardless of the fact that the finish line is some distance away.

So far, so good and now we wait patiently for the next stage to be disclosed.