more new platework for the boiler

More progress has taken place on the boiler with the forming of the last piece of new plate work.

Above is the basis of the new throatplate formed using the same method as the door plate shown previously.

Our latest collection of metal. Not a pile of scrap but the formers used to create the firebox platework. These are now available for any GWR loco owning group who require new platework for a std No 14 boiler. 

We also understand that the doorplate is the same on a std No 10 boiler.

The last part of the jigsaw puzzle. This is the final former used in forming the throatplate. It is used to turn the lip back to meet the underside of the boiler barrel.

Here are the old and new throatplates sit side by side. The new plate in the former is ready for heating to form the flange to meet the boiler barrel. This flange can be seen standing up from the old throatplate in the foreground.

The view from underneath, here you can see where the plate needs heating and dressing down to meet the former, thus forming the flange for riveting to the boiler barrel.

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Rewheeling moves a step closer

Today was a day of cleaning the protective grease and vasalene off the bearing surfaces ready for rewheeling.

 

The above shows one of the crank pins covered in old grease to protect it from the elements.

After cleaning a protective coat of oil was applied to stop the rust.

The main journals are in good order and have been well protected. The thrust face had lost some of its protection and a light layer of rust covered the surface. A gentle tickle with a soft rotary wire brush soon removed the rust.

A cleaned and oiled jounal and thrust face ready for the refurbished axle boxes.

A rest from the work! Sit back in the winter sun and watch Rood Ashton Hall chuff by to the turntable.

Back to the hard work. The main springs were dug out from storage and moved up to the wheel sets for refitting under the axle boxes.

We are not sure why but sometime in the past some of the underkeeps were modified so that no oil was returned to the sump. Here you can see the original drain holes being reinstated to return things to original design. Only job left to do now on the underkeeps is to fit the early style inside fillers (this speeds filling and allows easier removal of any water) and the installation of some nice new felt pads.

More boiler progress

Above is 7820's boiler after repairs to the copper firebox plates. Here the repaired plates have been refitted and are held in place with bolts in preparation for riveting and patch screwing the laps back together.

At the front end of the barrel the old tube plate has been removed ready for a new one to be installed. The wasted front lip of the barrel has been cut away and a new section welded in place.

Due to the corrosion and wasteage found in the steel plates a new door plate, side plates and throat plate are required. Above you can see the boiler plate for the new door plate bolted to Dinmore Manor groups new cast former ready for shaping.

The shaping begins, with the plate being heated to enable the metal to be worked around the former using hide mallets. Care has to be taken not to burn the plate and not to force the plate uneavenly thus avoiding cracking or thinning the plate.

Out come the big hammers, with well timed blows three people keep a steady rhythm on the plate working it over the former until it cools and needs reheating.

More heat to keep the metal relaxed and workable.

At the end of the day the plate has been beaten around the former. After cooling and removing from the former the firehole door ring gets turned back to form the lip to which the copper door plate is riveted. This is done in a separate process using a separate former.