Weekly Update with some more pictures

Preparation for repairing the cracks in the frames

The historical weld repair adjacent to the middle driving axle on the RH side (Photo: Clive Emsley)

The photograph above shows the area of a welded repair that was carried out many years ago.  The weld has been ground flush with the surrounding material and cleaned ready for cleaning out and re-welding to improve the integrity and appearance (not that many people will see it once it is reassembled!).  The top two bolts restraining the horn guides have been removed and the remaining three will, hopefully, have been removed by the time this is read. Once the horn guide has been taken off, a weld will be possible.

The newly discovered crack adjacent to the middle driving wheel on the LH side (Photo: Clive Emsley)

Similarly, the newly discovered crack on the opposite side of the frames has been cleaned ready for repair.  The crack will need to be ground out to enable a good weld to be made which will vastly improve the integrity and looks of the area. Again the horn guide will need to be removed prior to any welding taking place.

Matt beavering away getting the frames cleaned up (Photo: Clive Emsley)

The picture above show Matt Holloway cleaning up the frames prior to painting, the picture was taken a couple of weeks ago but I have included it here as it shows the work in progress and the dedication of the small group of regular volunteers working on the loco.

If you would like to help us in any way with the restoration, sales or administration please contact thefenchurchfund@gmail.com

We are on target to get a coat or two of gloss black on the frames before the worst of the winter sets in.  This will allow us to keep the frames protected over the winter whilst we carry on with the smaller parts inside the villa. 

It is also hoped to clean up the wheel sets in the not too distant future and get a few coats of paint on them up to a coat of Maunsell (Ashford) green gloss - a clue to the ultimate livery of the loco!

The tank on the platform displayed as a tribute to the SECR's time in Boulogne during the Great War is in need of some minor work to the paint owing to persons unknown damaging it by scrapping something over it.  This is relatively minor, but very irritating!

We will be putting on a small display of items during the Giants of Steam Weekend.  We will be having a stand close to the loco frames where we will be on hand to answer your questions and show you what is happening.  We are located on the route to Atlantic House which is also open during the weekend. we look forward to seeing you there.