2016 November - Loco Working Party

Over 5 & 6 November the first loco working party of the winter season took place


At the working party we achieved a significant amount of work, getting locos No 1 Talyllyn and No 4 Edward Thomas ready for the boiler inspector to complete the cold examination, planned to take place before the next loco weekend on 26/27 Nov.

To get them stripped ready for examination, we carried out the following jobs on both engines: removed fire bars, removed the ashpan, removed boiler plugs and mudholes then washed out the boiler. Gauge glasses were taken off and the ports cleaned with wire, safety valves were dismantled and the mating faces lapped to ensure a tight fit for next season.

Pressure gauges removed, chimney de-coked and both firebox and smokebox cleaned and wire brushed. All boiler fitting threads were cleaned and greased, and mudhole ports cleaned ready to re-fit the door. The driver's air brake valves were also lapped ready for next season.

Because we had such a good number of volunteers to help, we also made good progress in stripping loco No 6 Douglas and carried out a few jobs on loco No 2 Dolgoch, getting her ready for the Christmas service.

Many thanks to everyone who came along.

Update by N Fieldhouse, photos by Karen Willans