Stuart has a bolt loose

Well he has two loose actually!



The horn guide bolts to be removed to facilitate the weld repair (Photo: Clive Emsley)

 Stuart has made a good start on removing the fitted bolts that hold the horn guide in place. This needs to be remopved to facilitate the weld replair to the crack at the top corner of the cut out in the frames.  To ensure the frames do not twist or sag, an additional frame stand has been located to support the crack.  our thanks must go to the Atlantic Project for the loanm of the stands, without which the job would be much more difficult.
Once the frames have been prepared a skilled welder will perform the repair and it will be fully tested before the painting of the frames is completed.



Matt cleaning grease and "gunge" from the frames (Photo Clive: Emsley)

Matt has continued cleaning and painting the frames. As can be seen in the picture above, this process starts with a thorough de-grease of the surfaces especially around bolts and rivets where oil and detruitus can amalgamate and penetrate any gaps.  This is a laborious and long process but it pays dividends when it comes to the needle gun and wire brush stage.  as soon as the needle gunning and wire brushing has been completed an initial coat of red oxide paint is applied.  It is hoped to get the frames up to at least one coat of gloss paint before the worst of the winter weather sets in. this will stiop the penetration of the weather and save having to do more wire brushing and cleaning of rust in the spring.
 

Matt's handywork between the frames (Photo: Clive Emsley)

Another little job that has been carried out has been the cleaning of paint from the ends of the axles and crankpins to allow an ultrasonic test of them to take place in the not to distant future.  The cleaned surfaces have been protected with a film of grease until the test has been completed, following which they will be dereased and painted.


The right hand end of the trailing axle cleaned ready for ultrasonic testing (Photo: Clive Emsley)

The picture not only shows the end of the axle cleaned ready for testing but also allows the axle number to be seen (No.3838).  The test is expected to take place shortly.

We will be having a sales and information stand at the giants of steam weekend where we hope to be able to display some of the parts of the loco.  we are also hoping to show small groups or individuals around the loco restoration.
Of course we will have a fund raising stand selling all of the usual items, we hope to see you there.  We will be situated close to the loco frames on the walking route to Atlantic House where, I understand, there may be something exciting to see!