16th March 2014 - Toddington

                                                       ALL STEAMED UP

 

     The tender of 9017 has arrived at Toddington and is receiving

 some attention both internally and externally

 

  7820 is still paired with the Hawksworth tender and is in light steam

      as attention is focussed on the lubrication system in readiness for her first

 move under her own power

                            Having lifted the engine to the correct height above rail level by
                            adjusting the spring hanger bolts, the crucial task of weighing
                                                       each axle load is undertaken

 

       With volunteers crawling all over the engine and underneath,

          jacks under the buffer beam and in light steam, quite correctly

       the lamp bracket carries the warning instruction to all that

she is NOT TO BE MOVED

                               Finally, late on Saturday afternoon in the fading light and with
                               cylinder cocks open, she moves triumphantly along the yard under
                              her own power after nearly 10 years of storage and restoration.
                                                   Some finishing work is required but
                                              DINMORE MANOR is alive and kicking!!!

7th to 9th March 2014 - Toddington

                                                     INSURANCE STEAM TEST

 

 On Friday, paired with a Hawksworth tender kindly loaned by the

 7903 group, 7820 is prepared for her steam test

 

Steam up and blowing off

 

 

Final setting of the safety valves is undertaken during the steam test

 

  Measurements for the spacer tubes on the safety valves

 can now be taken, manufactured and fitted once the

steam test is complete

 

 

With the gauge at 225 p.s.i., 7820 passes her steam test with flying colours

 

 

         On Saturday, 7820 stands in the sunshine in the company of 5542.

        Running plating is being refitted whilst final setting of the

 piston valves is undertaken

 

 

   A new lubrication pipe is manufactured for fitting to the

regulator box inside the smoke box

 

  Steam chest cladding, which should have been fitted prior

   to the boiler being lifted in, has been modified to allow

it to be fitted after installation of the boiler

 

Steam pipe casing is cleaned ready for fitting

 

Steam pipe casing and seat hinges being prepared for fitting

 

 

    Inside the shed, 4270 will join 7820 as part of the GW steam

 fleet whilst work has started on 7903's 10 year overhaul

 

                                 Plenty to do when 7820 is back in service as 2874, one of DML
                               Group's Churchward 2-8-0's, waits its turn in the restoration queue.
                                               So if you are at a loose end for a few years,
                                                           you know where we are!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, 28th February to Sunday, 2nd March 2014.

 

 

 

                                                             TODDINGTON

 

      7820 is moved into the yard over the inspection pit. in the

             background in red oxide paint is the tender it was hoped to use initially.

                              Backed up to 5542 in readiness to move from the yard to..................

 

the watering facility to have the boiler filled

 

      And finally the tender which it is hoped will run initially

 behind 7820 loaned from 9017

 

 

      Just a pity the engine will not come with the tender as a black Manor

     and black Dukedog double headed would be a sight to behold!!