An eclectic round up this week.  I am trying to keep the update posts at least weekly, with feature posts as and when they are relevant.  Work is very busy so the blog has suffered a little lately.  Jonathan is also contributing more, featuring the mining and industry aspects of the department’s activities.  We are still looking at a new format for the site, perhaps more of a website with news feed rather than strictly a blog, as there is a lot of information now tucked away in the various drop-down menus above (if you are viewing on a PC/Laptop – it isn’t so attractive if viewed on a phone or in e-mail format!).

Below: One of the smaller jobs through the works – this is the footplate for the Fordson tractor being cosmetically overhauled for display in the Second World War themed Home Farm (due to open later this month).  Chris has patched rather nicely the perforated section as part of a number of repairs to enable the tractor to be sat on by visitors exploring the farm.

Below: All hands to the gallopers – Terry is seen here painting the decks of the gallopers, giving a head start for David when he gets back to work next week.

Below: Dave Young has drilled the first steam passageways on Samson’s cylinder block – seen here to the left and right of this shot.  He will then end-mill the passageways into the surface between these, corresponding with the valve ports on the port plate which forms the next layer of the assembly.

Below: Also completed is Samson’s piston, with rings yet to be fitted.  It is seen here complete with piston rod, end cover and misc fittings.

Below: We now have a breeding colony of Lister D petrol engines!  The one in the centre was our original, collected some years ago. The other three were purchased recently, to give us four working examples of this type.  Why?  We have been running various classes for young engineers/school science students involving this type of engine, its dismantling, reassembly and operation on a fixed load.  With this likely to increase, additional engines were sought and purchased to enable us to meet the demand.  They will also make attractive additional exhibits for use around the Museum, two being on replica Lister trolleys.

Below: The tram service today was operated by 167, 196 and 280. 167 is seen here in the Town area, with a reminder of what 196 looks like as we haven’t seen it on the blog for a little while!

Below: In awkward conditions this photograph shows something of Sunderland 16’s transformation.  The impact of the re-varnished paintwork is not readily apparent – it looks stunning though!  New adverts on the side panels are a feature of this refurbishment, advertising the tram’s same sponsor, but now in a more authentic manner than was previously the case.  Newcastle 114 lurks in the background, also re-varnished and now waiting for its overhauled trolley mast to be re-fitted.

Below: How good does this look???!!!  The finish is so deep that any attempt to photograph it becomes something of a ‘selfie’!