2014 August - No 1 Talyllyn and No 1 Carriage

Test train in the sunshine


Today, 7th September, Carriage No 1 and loco No 1 Talyllyn took a trip up the line on a test train crewed by staff members from the engineering department. Loco No 1 has been out and about light engine over the last couple of weeks and it was time to let her loose with a few carriages. Carriage No 1 has recently been fitted with new tyres after a spell out of service and this seemed a good opportunity to take it up the line. The train had to fit around the usual service trains as well as stopping regularly to make sure the bearings / motion were not running hot.

While up the line our engineers took the opportunity to take a look at routine maintenace work taking place in the culvert at Ty Dwr, just west of Abergynolwyn.

The test train went well and it is anticipated No 1 carriage will be back in service as part of our Victorian Train soon. No 1 Talyllyn is still on course to take part in the 150 Celebrations starting on 24th September 2014.



How No 1 Talyllyn's new rods were made

John Scott, one of the team who made No 1 Talyllyn's new rods has very kindly provided information on how they were manufactured.

John created the drawings using Solidworks 3D CAD. The drawings follow as closely as possible the original Fletcher Jennings design although the material is different but better. The drawings were then sent to a company called Precison Waterjet on the South Coast who profiled them from steel plate using a process called water jet cutting. The profiles were sent to F.W.Frost Engineers who finished the machining of the long section of the rod and the pockets for the brasses.

The rods were then sent to a company in Sussex (EPAL) who machined the slots for the cotters using another high tech process called Electrical Discharge Machining. Meanwhile John drew the brasses and sent them to a foundry near Cambridge (Taylors Foundry) who cast them. John then finish machined them, together with the cotter blocks and oil pots, while Frosts made the small end bearings and most of the cotters.

The Ffestiniog Railway whitemetalled the main brasses and fitted them and the small end bearings to the rods. Then they adjusted things using the cotters and shims so the wheels will go round smoothly and the pistons do not hit the ends of the cylinders.

Many thanks to John Scott and Robert Frost for all their hard work making the rods look as close to the originals as possible.

Photos - Karen Willans