Engineering notes

The crown stays are now fitted into the firebox.

The flanges have been welded on to the balance pipe between the water tanks and the assembly fitted into place. Brackets and support packing have been made. The drawing suggests a drainage point under the middle section, however we have decided to move this facility to the section under the driver's feet for ease of access and this job is on the to do list.

In the machine shop the tapered socket in the crossheads has been machined and likewise the matching taper on the ends of the piston rods machined. This is a job that once started must be seen through to completion without the settings of the lathe disturbed with regard to the taper.

ICYMI

The September 2023 of Chairman’s Chat was published earlier this month with details of funding the remaining boiler components.