Further update on the stuffing glands

Ben has been hard at work again!

Following on from last weeks silver soldering exercise, this week Ben Dingley has finished making the remaining two bronze stuffing glands, ready for assembly. The outside dimension of the bush being carefully turned down to match the internal diameter of the bore of each individual gland.

Following this a pilot hole was drilled through the centre of the bush, before being bored out. This is undersize relative to the final dimensions of the piston rod which will pass through this hole. The bush will be bored out to final size after silver soldiering the bush to the gland.

The bush being fitted to for size to the stuffing gland prior to being removed from the stock material
(all pictures: Ben Dingley)

The three stuffing glands with the new bushes inserted, the one on the left is the one silver soldered previously

One of the glands needed further work in the shape of boring a step in the internal diameter as the original material was contaminated by previous white metaling processes and the silver solder would not have adhered to the surface in a correct manner.  

The third gland and bush clearly showing the step machined in the and on the bush

We must express our sincere thanks to The College for allowing Ben to carry out the work using their facilities, Ian Furguson for helping and Ben for the actual work being carried out.  I would imagine that there is not too much more to do before a start can be made on re-assembly!

We are starting to formulate plans for sales and information stands next year. We have a few definite dates already, including (at Sheffield Park)  Branch Line Weekend 19th/20th March and the Atlantic House open weekend 11th/12th June.  Away from the railway, we have been invited to attend the Steyning Model Railway show on the 2nd April, and of course we will be at the BRPS AGM 21st May. We are just awaiting dates for the remaining "Gala" dates before arranging stands at these.  If there are any events close to the railway that would like to invite us, we are always interested in getting our message out there!

We are also looking at a way to organise a regular working group, on a monthly basis, from early in the new year. This will require a bit of work, but it is believed to be a good way to bring new blood to the engineering side of the railway.  There are a few minor things to sort out, but we are hopeful that we can do this next year.  If you would like further information on any aspect of the project including how you can help us either physically or financially please contact the project on thefenchurchfund@gmail.com

Thanks for your continued interest in Project 27