T&I News Update Week 40/41 2014...

T&I News Update Week 40/41 2014…

The usual thread of these updates has been slightly interrupted by a week’s holiday then a frantic week of catching up.  At least this means that there is lots to report on in this post!  You will see separate posts regarding the Leyland Cub restoration, so I will start this posting with a look at Samson and the latest developments with its construction, followed by a look around the RHEC…

Samson

Below: Dave has finished machining the coupling rod blanks and this first view shows the lovely shape and graceful fishbelly curve that I think goes a long way to ensuring the overall adherence to producing a Victorian locomotive, rather than simply fabricating something that will suit but perhaps be less elegant.  As referred to before, such work adds considerably to the overall timescale, but is in my view essential to getting the finished product ‘right’.

IMG_3577

Below: With the shape created, Dave then bored the rod ends, and made bushes (again cast from his own pattern and machined by him at home) to fit.  These are press fitted into the rods, with one at each end being left loose for now and with both machined under-size to allow some scope for adjustment on final assembly.

P1160559 P1160558

Below: The rear coupling is trial fitted – the reason it projects is because the oak bufferbeams are yet to be fitted.

P1160557

Below: The second-shaft (or intermediate) gear wheel following machining is seen above, with both spur gears below, these mounting onto the wheels to impart the drive.

P1160351 P1160352

Below: The boiler has had the various bushes and pads welded onto the shell, this work being carried out locally by a coded welder, followed by testing (the white powder) to assure they conform with the required standards.

P1160553

Below: An internal view of the blind bushes that save the need for caulking of bolts or studs and ensure the boiler remains steam tight.

P1160555

Duke of Sutherland’s Saloon 58A

Below: Stripping of this coach continues, now surrounded by its bespoke lighting installation to enable work to carry on with the doors of the shed closed (its getting cold!).

P1160339

Below: Droplights have been removed for refurbishing.

P1160338

Below: Matt is seen making internal relieving plates for the doors to strengthen the door skin where this has cracked.

P1160341

Below: A repaired crack – note the crack itself and the line of screws that tie it together via the relieving patch internally.

P1160349

Below: Internally some of the panel infill (Beech) have shrunk and cracked as a result of being fixed too solidly (and therefore unable to ‘breathe’ as the coach body dries and swells in different climates-  particularly in the very dry and cold Canadian environment which was home for 40+ years).  Tony has managed to remove these and make a repair using hessian and glue.

P1160342

Below: Internally the coach is sound, though conservation of the saloon interior roof is planned and re-panelling of the quite badly cracked guard’s compartment ceiling is also needed.  A marmoleum floor cover will also be fitted in place of carpet, to protect the original floor and ensure a durable surface able to deal with wet shoes and wheels.

P1160343 P1160344 P1160346

Below: Some doors have been removed to enable work to make them fit better to be carried out, as well as being more convenient for stripping.

P1160350

R025

Below: The team have turned their attention to the roller’s gearbox, whilst still waiting on valve guides.  Here is the gearbox, sans gears!  Also shown are various painted components waiting re-fitting.

P1160546 P1160548

Other RHEC Projects

Below: The horse tram is now back on its wheels to enable the platforms to be fitted and final adjustment of the body bracing to be carried out.  Window beading has also been manufactured and we now have new brake blocks for the tram in stock.

P1160549

Below: The living van is now complete with steps and internal lighting (and as of today, a stove and chimney!).  A marmoleum floor covering has been fitted in line with its future use as a staff room.

P1160353 P1160551

Below: Sunderland 16’s truck is being rapidly reassembled by Tom, now that we have all of the bits to hand.  264’s will shortly take its place and so we should see the truck back in the depot imminently, to enable the motors to be refitted and the truck replaced underneath the body (hooray!!!).

P1160552

Below: The Fairground staff have being cleaning the organ and the difference is remarkable.  It is usually very hard to access, to this opportunity has been well used to prepare if for winter operation.  A coat of varnish is planned too.

P1160560 P1160561

Below: As a break from the norm, Tony is making a sleigh for use as a photo opportunity at the Christmas Festival through November and December.  I suppose it is a sort of transport!  Also shown are various handrails for new stairs made for the admin offices, to replace a rather awkward ladder presently fitted and not entirely to the liking of the team who may have to use it!

P1160562

Below: The eternal Beamish challenge of watering engines equally applies to the narrow gauge, so we are making a suitably industrial water tower using sleepers and a cast iron tank we happened to have.  Here is the tower sans tank and on its side awaiting planting alongside the railway.  Depressingly dark very early nowadays…

P1160566

Something for the future…

I won’t say too much about these oddments of timber and an ancient wheel pattern – except to say that a few of us are looking at a staff ‘evening’ project that will see us produce something rather special using bits and pieces gathered from around the site over recent weeks and months.  More on this anon…

P1160564 P1160568