A little stream reverser update

A couple more pictures from Ben Dingley

Ben has completed the manufacture of the studs which hold the hydraulic valve to the cylinder on the steam reverser.  This has allowed a trial fitting of the valve to the cylinder.

The studs fitted and the valve trial located upon them to check clearances and fit (Pictures by Ben Dingley)

With the majority of the major machining work now done it is a matter of time before the reverser can be reassembled properly and tested for the fit and resistance of the moving parts.

Amongst the bits still to do, or get, before a "proper" reassembly can take place include the delivery of a new set of piston rings from an external source and a new piston cover casting which will need to be machined to tolerance once it has arrived and seasoned.

A new Hydraulic seal is required to be manufactured from leather. This will hopefully be made in the Loco Workshop at Sheffield Park in the near future.  

We need to source a new brass oiler, which sits on the top of the cylinder, but unfortunately has been lost, or used on one of the other SECR steam reversers. Whilst this is a small and relatively inexpensive part, it is vital to the restoration of the loco.

A new link rod, which is part of the operating linkage will have to be manufactured or the original one located.  Again it is possible that this could have been used on one of the other steam reversers.

Once these parts are located or made, it will be a case of re-assembly and testing.

The Valve and cylinder assembly on the test bench.

Please keep popping back and taking a look at the progress as the blog is constantly changing as work proceeds.




We are still concentrating on creating a set of cylinders for 27 (and 178) and this will be our main thrust for a while.  We are always grateful to receive help with paying for parts, minor or major, and a set of cylinders is certainly one of the major parts of the loco!




There will be a project 27 stand at the Giants of Steam Weekend where, hopefully, we will be in a position to show you the progress on the loco in the last 21 months.  We will be setting up the stand close to the frames and on the way to Atlantic House, which is also open during the weekend.




Thanks for reading this far!




Clive D. Emsley
Chairman - The Fenchurch Fund
Project Manager - PROJECT 27
A Sub-Committee of the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society
www.bluebell-railway.co.uk
http://wainrightsfinestsecr27.blogspot.co.uk/

Why not support us by making a donation at
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.