A glorious sunny day greeted the Wednesday regulars today as we set off to the sheds to see what awaited us...
Lord Nelson as reported last week is in our wheeldrop for attention to rear wheelset; since last week, bearings have been removed from axle and an inspection carried out with regard to work that needs scheduling.
An interesting package had been delivered to the car-park outside loco shed; It was the wooden patterns for the valve and cylinder casting for the Standard 5 It had never ocoured to me that before you manufacture a casting, you have to have a (wooden) mould. So this is accurate in every detail to the finished product, though made from wood. It now belongs to us, should we ever need another left cylinder and valve cast!
Inside the shed, the Standard 4 still has its boiler firmly attached to the frame; Bob was again cutting away at the remaining saddle bolts, the lift having now been put back a couple of weeks. Whilst he and Rob continued removing bits, Steve has started manufacturing new crinolene and cladding to replace the rusty remains of the original; most of the original crinolene had been cut off some while back. The level of craftmanship in making new bits to replicate scrap originals is amazing to see; he's a clever sod!
The 9F is needed to be in steam tomorrow (Thursday) so Bob Allen asked Jim to set a warming fire in it. Jim invited me to help which I gladly did as this is all new territory for me. So all you experienced drivers, firemen and cleaners reading this will probably want to go watch the tele; for those like me wanting to know how it's done stick with me!
An first inspection revealed little water in the boiler; photo of empty siteglass didn't really show (it was empty!) So we reeled out the water hose and connected one end to hydrant and the business end to an input point just below the injectors. Jim reckoned it would take up to an hour to fill, so we could inspect the loco for any possible problems (water leaks) before going to tea...
Suitably refreshed and site glasses showing full, I wandered round with barrow to fetch wood, rags and kerosene. Jim shovelled a suitable amount of coal to the front of the firebox and then placed wood and kerosene soaked rag on top. The lighter was produced for the last bit of rag and it was administered on the shovel Firebox doors shut, we sat back and watched for smoke.
I was surprised at how much work went into making sure fire lit (and stayed lit!) and the physical effort of getting the coal where it was needed to the front and front corners of the firebox. Jim demonstrated the technique which I did my best to imitate, but there is a real knack to it (which I don't yet have!)
Anyway, suffice to say, by the end of the day with much coaching and encouragement from Jim, we had a good fire and were raising steam! 40psi was enough to leave at 5pm when we cleared up and headed back to Ropley Manor to get changed before heading home to a beer and some pain killers for the aching back!
Until next week.
Dave.
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Nelson wheelset awaiting attention
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Guess what this is
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New crinolene for Standard 4
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It may still be coming apart, but Steve has already started making new bits for it
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Including these, made from scratch; he's a clever sod
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They fit in boiler cladding around clack valves; Steve is also re-making all the cladding as original is past sell by date
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First job on 9F is to get some water in the boiler
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Then an inspection all round
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Next a visit to the woodshed
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Water going in, wood next to cab
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All the ingredients for a good fire
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All to be got in here
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Coal right to front of firebox
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Jim applies the flaming rag
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And smoke appears from chimney
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Best inform NATS of no-fly zone over Ropley
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From small beginings
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To more heat
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To a decent fire
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And steam pressure
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