Progress Report: November 2011
Having had the side-tanks and bunker returned to Quainton and expertly placed on the frames by Midland Crane
and Grab Hire, we then had the task of squaring them up on the frames.
We first had to grind surplus metal off the underside of the side-tanks; once this had been done we found that
the tanks did not sit flush on the frames. After much deliberation by the team, we decided to take the bull by the
horns and, after running a drill through the holes, we placed the nuts and bolts and tightened them. This had the
desired effect, and the tanks now sit flush on the frames.
Next step was to sort out the bunker. We had stipulated that no holes should be drilled in the connecting plate,
as the existing holes in the frame seemed to be randomly drilled. We are now in the process of aligning and drilling
the holes; once this has been achieved we hope to put the cab roof on, and hope that everything is thus aligned.
On Sunday 13 November we had a visit from some members of the Kent & East Sussex Railway
from Tenterden, who have purchased a 42xx
(4253) and were interested in obtaining surplus parts and acquiring drawings.
It was nice to see other peoples views on things, and I think that they went away with a few ideas on restoration.
Unfortunately, due to circumstances unknown, our regular Christmas stall - where our dedicated team of knitters
sell items of clothing to raise funds for 7200 - has not been allowed at Quainton this year.
John Porter
Vice Chairman
