Week Four

This week has involved yet more of the same for the 4253 boiler crinoline team with sections of flat bar getting shaped, welded together, 

drilled and, where necessary, the holes countersunk which, on long curved lengths is not that easy.

However, more and more of the sections have now been successfully fabricated and trial fitted.

Also, a batch of lubrication line joiners that we will need have now been machined.

Others in the team have been busy making clock bodies for our sales stand at the forthcoming Santa Specials

plus loading the trailer with all the stuff we’ll need as it’s now only a week away.  On that subject, many thanks to the shareholders who have stepped up to help us man the stand over the next few weekends – it’s much appreciated.

On the 541 tender tank front, we are coming down the home straight now with the countersunk rivets put in last week all having been dressed back 

and, this Sunday, all the remaining sections of top beading have been riveted into place 

together with the final lamp irons.  The tool box doors had the holes for the hinges marked

and then drilled 

after which they too were riveted into position and,

as a finale, the water filler lid was riveted onto the neck section.

Week Three

This week, the 541 tender tank side sheets were rubbed back so we could spot and sort out any irregularities and then apply a second coat.

The 4253 crinoline team were, once again, hard at it fabricating more of the bands by bending them to the correct shape against the plywood patterns we made, 

tweaking where necessary with the hydraulic press, 

clamping and welding bits together 

and drilled and tapping the various joining holes.

In fact, that part of the job seems never-ending. The ‘toilet seat’ that fits around the safety valve base received more work and, what with all the strengthening plates and attachment brackets, it’s starting to look like a work of art in its own right.

With the Santa Specials getting ever closer, some of the team were engaged in cutting and welding more clock bodies for our Sales Stand.

Sunday was mainly a riveting and welding day on the 541 tender tank with the curved and back sheet beading all getting attached, more welding of the water space seams, and the rear coal space panel having the side brackets riveted on then the main panel riveted to its mounting angle.

Additionally, the rear lifting eyes were riveted in and the tool locker doors had spacers fitted to the hinges and drilled ready to rivet into place on the front of the tender.

Week Two

No Update this week.

Week One

During this week, the side lengths of top beading were straightened where necessary in the hydraulic press and then offered up and the fixing holes all drilled, the coal shovelling plate that was fitted last week was dressed back

 and the rear grab handles were bolted into place.

The never-ending welding was continued, 

the attachment holes for the coal space back plate were marked and drilled through, 

the final bit of curved beading was bent into the correct shape (and proved to be the most time-consuming piece of the lot)

and the closing panel for the coal space floor was measured and cut out.

On the 4253 boiler front, it was all crinoline work with a great many joining brackets being made and drilled.  Those for the horizontal bars on the firebox sides were carefully positioned and marked 

before being welded into place.

while other sections of banding were subjected to a degree of ‘percussive adjustment’ to achieve the right contour.

We also rolled some more bands from flat bar ready for the next section to be installed.