Frames and Cylinders

LBSCR Railway Service Badges

We look forward to seeing you at the weekend during the Bluebell Model Railway Weekend where we will be launching the new replica LBSCR Railway Service Badge, see picture below. It is offered in a blue presentation box, then badges are individually numbered and are clearly a replica due to wording on the reverse. This is a strictly limited edition of 100 pieces and when they are gone they will be gone! One will be yours at a cost of £14.50.

The replica LBSCR Service Badge available this weekend!

Frames

I have heard from Matt that the quote for the frames should be with us very shortly.  Once we have the quote the project team will sit down with the Loco Director and agree a way forward with the ordering process and what we actually want to have done for us.  It may be that the frames come "flat packed" and ready to assemble, alternatively they may arrive with the holes centre drilled but left for us to drill and ream.  There seem to be pro's and con's for both.  At the same time we will have the new drag box and some other bits and pieces cut so that we will have a complete "chassis kit", with plenty of donor parts from the old frames too!

Cylinders

The electronic drawings for the cylinder patterns are now with our suppliers for final approval. again once we have this approval, and a firm quote the project team will meet with the Loco Director.  When the order is made, it will be for two sets of cylinders, the second for 178.  This will allow 178 to return to "proper" work, it is also likely that whilst the boiler is out of the loco it will be made good for a further 10 years of service.


Hopefully within the few weeks we will be able to give you more news on this front.  In the meanwhilst, Matt is pressing on with small parts restoration and Ben is finishing off the steam reverser overhaul.