2011 Blog

December 2011

  • Boiler lifted
  • Leading truck removed
  • Wheels removed and sheeted
  • Fames returned to site outside rear of shed

November 2011

  • Springs and brakes removed
  • Under keeps removed and steam cleaned
  • Pony truck compensating beam and crossbeam removed
  • Pony truck spring beam nuts undone.
  • Blastpipe removed from smokebox.
  • Fabrication table built and new bunker floor laid out.
  • First angle drilled for bunker

October 2011

  • Bunker completely dismantled, (over 500 rivets ground out!).
  • Key parts have been saved and stored ready to be copied or used in the new fabrication.
  • Two-day shareholder working weekend organised in October.
  • Over 20 shareholders helped during the two days. Numerous parts removed, cleaned, painted and stored in container.
  • New steel profiles for bunker delivered, painted and stored.

September 2011

  • Boiler now free from frames and prepared for lift
  • All inner motion parts, from crank axle/eccentrics to valves, now sourced and secured

August 2011

  • A pattern of Sunday and mid week working parties established
  • Removed from locomotive: cab/side tanks /bunker/ buffers/draw hooks/valves/running plates/slide bars/super heater elements/steam pipes/some brake gear

June 2011

  • Shipping container for storage of parts obtained
  • 4253 successfully moved from Wales and stabled in front yard of Rolvenden Works

May 2011

Two weekend working parties at Blaenavon Railway to prepare locomotive for transfer to Kent

April 2011

  • The 4253 Locomotive Company Limited incorporated at Companies House
  • Business Plan for the project presented and agreed with Board of Trustees of Kent and East Sussex Railway.
  • Permission granted to bring 4253 to KESR and commence restoration at Rolvenden Locomotive Works
  • 4253 Purchased