A busy weekend for Matt and Ben

Yet more stripping of the frames!

After much drilling and gas cutting the side valances are ready for removal (all pictures Matt Holloway)

Another weekend of drilling and gas cutting took place this week.  Matt was ably assisted by Ben during the weekend.  The side valances and footsteps have now been removed and set aside to be used as patterns for new parts to be made.




The countersunk holes in the footplating following removal of the rivets

The holes that were exposed following the removal of the rivets show the shape they should be!

The Right Hand side valance removed using the fork lift.

The two side valances were removed in quick succession using the fork lift to support and then lift them away from the frames following the removal of the temporary bolts.

The second (LH side) valance was removed shortly after the first

With the removal of the valances it is possible to get a better view of the severely corroded rear end of the frames

Once the valances were removed, it was easier to see the corrosion at the rear of the frames and the amount that will need to be removed and replaced with new material.

The two side valances on a small trolley prior to being stowed before use as a pattern for new parts

The corrosion on the inside faces of the valance is evident in this picture

This end of the vallance is quite evidently totally life expired!

The work continues, but it is only possible due to the volunteering of enthusiastic and skilled engineers and with support from donations and other income raised by the project.


If you would like to help in our aim of having this loco working in 2019 please make a donation to our funds. 

We can receive donations via a number of means including via the Bluebell Railway Trust, using one our forms. These can be obtained by e mailing us at thefenchurchfund@gmail.com  or seeing us on one of our information stands.


We can take cash or cheque donations (with or without gift aid)  Or you can donate via our just giving page or by text giving.

http://www.justgiving.com/Project27

Or for Text donations Simply text "FENC72 £10" to 70070 to donate £10
    - you can donate £1, £2, £3, £4, £5 or £10;
    - you can also elect to Gift Aid your donation;
    - your operator's standard text charge applies.

Please keep popping back for updates which are made on a fairly frequent basis.

Thank you for your support

Clive D. Emsley