Some more news from Project 27

Shot blasting of components started

The 4 guard irons and the associated struts from 27 were taken to Horsted Keynes to be shot blasted clean in the large shot blaster based in the carriage works. 



The guard irons waiting to be taken to Horsted Keynes prior to shot blasting (Photo by Clive Emsley)

The strut that was seized to the guard iron in the picture has since been persuaded to remove itself and has been straightened to its original shape.

The opportunity was taken to carry out some minor welding on the guard irons prior to recieving a coat of primer and two coats of undercoat.  Other work ongoing involves some minor welding repairs to the footstep struts. The welding repairs are being carried out by Matt Holloway with whom we are continually amazed  by his versatility and skill.

The material for the manufacture of the fitted bolts which will be used to locate the cylinders to the frames has been delivered and machining has started in so much as the bolt lengths have been faced off and centre drilled ready for the machining to take place over the Christmas and New Year period. We are grateful to Ian Ferguson for his continued assistance in the restoration.

The "left over" material is safely stored away, having been treated to a film of oil to prevent dampness affecting the steel. Thanks to Steve Booth for doing this.

We are currently trying to locate the correct machine tap and thread cutting tips to be able to carry out the machining over the forthcoming festive period. Hopefully they are available, otherwise we will need to procure them from outside the railway.

Our plans for fundraising and information stands for next year are progressing well, and we can announce our first couple of events.

We will be having a stand either close to the loco, or close to the tank on Platform 1, during the Branch Line weekend (19th & 20th March). We are hopeful that we will be able to let you see the progress on the frames and other items as well as tell you about our plans for the future.

The Project has been invited to attend the Wealden Railways Group's model railway exhibition in Steyning on the 2nd of April. This will be a larger event than that last year, and we should have slightly more space! Please, if you can, come along and support them, and us, on the day.

Other events that we will be attending will be publicised in due course.
Thank you for your continued support.