Samson - October update...

Samson – October update…

The construction of Samson is making good progress on various fronts as this selection of pictures shows:

Below: The cylinder block is seen here, set on the milling machine in order to face the landing points for the cylinder drain cocks.

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Below:  With the casting faced, holes drilled and tapped and studs made and fitted, the cylinder drain cocks are trial fitted, as seen here.

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Below: Meanwhile, the chimney has been machined to fit the base snuggle and the pair are seen atop the boiler shell.  The spikey appearance of the smokebox reveals the rolled ring that forms part of the front angle ring is now fitted and awaits tack welding to the front door ring (we are fabricating this in place of trying to source a rolled alternative – the weld will be invisible, hidden inside the smokebox).

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Below: A donation of steam fittings (I am always very glad to receive such donations…!!!) included a pair of non-return valves which will be modified to fit flanges and incorporate shut off screws – the finished result being a pair of clack valves very close in appearance to that shown in the photograph of Samson.  We also have two spares in stock which will be useful for Samson’s longer term operating future.  Dave has taken these away to start working the usual magic on!

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Below:  Dave has also progressed the patterns for the axleboxes and keeps, shown here still under construction.  Note the tapered sides – a means of making them castable (as the mould has to be drawn out of the sand) – the finished result will be machined square.  The pattens consist of the main axlebox as well as a pattern for the underkeep, including oil reservoir (for a felt pad, bearing upon the journal at a point where the oil is most effectively applied).  Lubrication will be from above, and the primary springing will also be mounted atop the axlebox, for which a small additional piece of pattern is fitted pre-moulding.

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