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32473 Birch Grove

Discussion in 'Steam Traction' started by 73129, Apr 10, 2009.

  1. 73129

    73129 Part of the furniture

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    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.
     
    73129, Apr 10, 2009
    #1
  2. Jdwitts

    Jdwitts New Member

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    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..?
     
    Jdwitts, Apr 10, 2009
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  3. Spamcan81

    Spamcan81 Nat Pres stalwart

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    SR green is the intention. Will look nice with the Maunsell stock in tow.
     
    Spamcan81, Apr 10, 2009
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  4. stepney60

    stepney60 Nat Pres stalwart

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    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?
     
    stepney60, Apr 11, 2009
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  5. Jdwitts

    Jdwitts New Member

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    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?
     
    Jdwitts, Apr 11, 2009
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  6. dhic001

    dhic001 Member

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    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
     
    dhic001, Apr 11, 2009
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  7. PiliPili

    PiliPili New Member

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    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
     
    PiliPili, Apr 11, 2009
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  8. Steve

    Steve Resident of Nat Pres Friend

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    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.
     
    Steve, Apr 11, 2009
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  9. Jdwitts

    Jdwitts New Member

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    Jdwitts, Apr 11, 2009
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  10. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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

    Tom
     
    Jamessquared, Apr 11, 2009
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  11. poser500

    poser500 New Member

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    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.
     
    poser500, Apr 15, 2009
    #11
  12. Maunsell man

    Maunsell man Well-Known Member

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    Will the operating restrictions still apply once she is running again with now repaired cylinders?
     
    Maunsell man, Apr 15, 2009
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  13. poser500

    poser500 New Member

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    poser500, Apr 22, 2009
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