Progress Report: August 2011
We have been working hard over the last weeks towards the return of the bunker and side-tanks.
The problem has been that when we attempted to pull 7200 out of the restoration shed: due to the very tight
radius, the rear wheels came off the track. We have tried to solve this problem by ratcheting up the rear
wheels and inserting some blocks of wood in the tops of the keeps.
It was just as well that we attempted this as, if we had waited until the lorry came
with the tanks on it, things could have gotten problematic. The main hope now is that the driving wheels stay
on the track.
Not much else to report. Work has mainly been concentrating on fitting bolts and securing parts
prior to the tanks being positioned on the frames.
All of the newly made cladding on the front end has been bolted in place, and given two or three coats of paint.
The loco is starting to look quite smart.
It is hoped that the tanks and bunker will be returned about the middle of September (2nd or 3rd Wednesday) -
it is just a matter of arranging transport and volunteers to help.
John Porter
Vice Chairman
From July
We have managed to install the refurbished vacuum pump (not the easiest of jobs).
The task of making and fitting the new cladding for the front end of the loco is nearly complete.
Much work has been done on the cab, and we are nearly ready to fit the new window frames. Glass can then be
ordered and the new window safety bars, which are being forged, can be fitted.
Pete Gransden, the boilersmith, has now removed most of the stays, and is proceeding well with that task.
John Porter
Vice Chairman
