Sales and Information stand this weekend

Just a short message this week.

27 Standing at Sheffield Park in the early 1970s

Mainly I wanted to remind you all that we will be attending the Wealden Railway Group "personal" model Railway Exhibition in Steyning on Saturday 2nd April (opens at 10:30) and will be promoting the project and the railway in general.  We will have the usual stuff for sale!

Stuart was hoping to get the small patch welded into the frames over the weekend, but due to the adverse weather other (indoor) jobs took priority!

We hope to have some more interesting news in the next couple of weeks.

Thanks for your support of the project so far.

Please see  below a couple more of the images for the new cylinders.

Right hand cylinder with the top half cutaway

The Right hand side showing the machined faces to join the two halves together

The original cylinder drawings re drawn using CAD (computer aided design)

Cylinder Drawings - the first views!

A lovely pair of cylinders!

The first view of the new cylinder drawings have been shown to the restoration gang and fundraising group.  I have decided that it would be good to let you see a couple of the views available.  There will be more available for viewing at the Diesel Gala and the AGM where we will be having sales stands.

View of the cylinder block assembly

The view above shows the assembled cylinder block drawing with machined faces being highlighted in red. This is the basic drawing from which the detailed drawings were taken.  From this 3D drawing a set of 2D drawings will be produced for machining purposes, fully dimensioned and with machining tolerances added. 

The Right hand half casting drawing 

This view shows the Right Hand half of the cylinders again with machined faces highlighted.




We look forward to being able to show you more pictures at the forthcoming events there will be enlarged paper copies to be seen on the displays.  There will also be an animated slide show available at selected events.

March Update

So, where did February go to?

The progress since the last report has been a bit on the slow side. With the weather playing a big part in the delays.  Also, both Matt and Stuart have been out of action to a greater or lesser degree for various reasons.

However, the "plug" has been cut ready to fit in the hole cut into the frames to replace the bad weld.  This just needs to have the profile of the axle box hole cut into it before it can be fitted and welded in.  This has been cut and cround to the correct thickens by Stuart who hopes to have it fitted soon.  The keeper plate has been refitted using a temporary bracket for location.  This is to ensure the frames do not sag during the time before the plug is welded into place. Once this repair has been carried out attention on the frames will turn to the crack on the opposite side that was discovered during the non-destructive testing.  This will be ground out and welded on both sides of the plate frame.

The main thrust at present is to able to get a set of cylinders manufactured to replace the very life expired set that was removed earlier in the year.  As we have reported previously, Matt has produced a 3D computer generated model for the manufacture of a 3D printed polystyrene pattern. This model is currently being checked by an independent expert to ensure the correct allowances for contraction, and other tolerances.  Once the checks and approvals have been carried out we will be in a position to consider ordering castings from the foundry.  

We need to raise finance to pay for the rough castings, transport and machining, this is expected to be in the region of £10,000 to £15,000.  If you would be interested in helping us to pay for the castings please do not hesitate in contacting us for details of how you can help us.  

We can be contacted by E mail at thefenchurchfund@gmail.com or by post to PROJECT 27, Millfield, Manor Road, Upper Beeding, West Sussex. BN44 3TJ. 

Thank you for your continued support.  Without your help we would not be in the position we are at, let alone be able to carry on with the restoration.