Overhaul of Locomotive 34072 '257 Squadron'

[34053]

Here is a little 'appetizer' for the next Task to be undertaken by Southern Locomotives Ltd (following the completion of 34053 'Sir Keith Park') namely 34072 '257 Squadron'. This Locomotive had been Restored, from 'Scrap Yard' condition (by the Group which was eventually to become SLL) some 20 plus years ago. Here is a link to that section of the Southern Locomotives Ltd website, describing that original Restoration and Main Line operation to Folkestone, Dover and Ashford (Kent) for the 50th Anniversary Commemorations of the 'Battle of Britain', in 1990:

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/3 ... ation.html

'Squadron' then moved to the Bluebell Railway for their 'Battle of Britain 50th Anniversary' events, before moving to the Swanage Railway until May 1991. She then visited a number of Preserved Railways, before returning to the Swanage Railway in October1992. Unfortunately, due to serious Firebox problems, 'Squadron' had to be withdrawn in January 2003 and was moved into Herston Works in 2006 to await overhaul.

So here's looking forward to seeing another 'original' (unrebuilt) Bulleid 'Battle of Britain Class' Locomotive back in steam, together with 34070 'Manston' (which was SLL's latest completed Restoration) on the Swanage Railway.

PW

[Minty4371]

Thank you .

[Mayfly]

keeps you all out of mischief for a while!!

It's so good to see this sort of actively going on - too many things are just scraped these days.

[RLN]

keeps you all out of mischief for a while!!

It's so good to see this sort of actively going on - too many things are just scraped these days.

Disturbing thought.

[34053]

Now that 34053 'Sir Keith Park' is approaching 'the final furlong', I thought it appropriate to remind you of the next big Restoration Project :

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/3 ... ation.html

This Locomotive has already been Restored from 'Scrap Yard' condition' but, following withdrawal in 2003 (with Firebox problems) after more than 12 years service on the Swanage Railway, needs a major overhaul.
It would be fantastic if '257 Squadron' could be operational again in time for the 75th Anniversary of 'The Battle of Britain' in 2015. (When the Locomotive was first Restored, this was achieved in time for the 50th Anniversary in 1990). As always, it is all down to money and the way things are at the moment, we really need help in this respect, if we are to make a significant start on the Locomotive. By becoming a Shareholder, you also get the opportunity to 'Drive and Fire' one of the big Bulleid 'Pacifics' (eg: 'Manston'; 'Eddystone' and not forgetting 'Sir Keith Park') in October each year. Please use the link below to find out more and become a part 'owner' of this important 'Battle of Britain Class' Locomotive:

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/C ... cheme.html

Thank you.

PW

[34053]

I will not be going to Herston Works, Swanage until the October 'Volunteer Session'. Therefore, I thought it appropriate to 'whet your appetites' with a few pics showing the work already carried out so far, on 34072 since the Departure of 34053 'Sir Keith Park' for the Severn Valley Railway. Here is the link to that particular section of the 'Restoration Galleries' on the Southern Locomotives Ltd website:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 1151837106

Currently these pics are Nos 130 to 162 incl.

[I will, of course, keep you informed of further developments with 34053 under that particular Topic. [Any other contributions are also gratefully accepted. You could possibly know before I do!].

PW

[Xplumberlives]

Thanks Ray

[RLN]

Thanks, PW. There is an awful lot of work to be done to "257". I bet it give you a sense of déjà vu.

[34053]

Thanks, PW. There is an awful lot of work to be done to "257". I bet it give you a sense of déjà vu.

Yes, there certainly is a lot to be done. As you can see from the pics, all the 'air smoothed' casing is well and truly 'shot' and will have to be re-made. However, looking on the bright side, there is not quite as much 'new stuff' to be made as there was on 'Sir Keith Park'. (Although a New Tender is still required). Also, being an 'Unrebuilt' (or 'Original', as we like to call it) Bulleid 'Pacific', there are certain differences between the two Locomotives (eg: the 'chain driven' Valve Gear and the 'steam driven' Reverser, etc).

Looking forward to it!

As a matter of interest, here is the link again for details of 'Squadron's' original Restoration, from Barry Scrap Yard condition:

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/3 ... ation.html


PW

[Minty4371]

Ray. Thank you for the links to the story & the latest photographs .
Hope there will be the usual reports on here as there was with 34053 'Sir Keith Park'.

[34053]

Here is another interesting link, to that section of the website of Southern Locomotives Ltd, which tells you all about the 'Preservation Service' by '257 Squadron' (following the completion of the Restoration in 1990):

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/3 ... ation.html

PW

[34053]

I will be going to Swanage this coming week for the next 'Volunteer Session' at Herston Works. This will be my first time working on this particular Locomotive (following the completion of the Restoration of Locomotive 34053 'Sir Keith Park'). Here is an Update on the latest pics on the SLL Galleries (Pics 163 to 176 incl.):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 6435802386

PW

[34053]

Just returned from Swanage, working on 34072 and then a visit to 'The Watercress Line' (Mid- Hants Railway). Hope to be able give you a Report and some pics on both soon.

PW

[RLN]

Looking forward to it.

[Dan4th]

Me Too!!!!!!!

D.

[34053]

Here is my brief Report, following the October 'Volunteer Session':

The Workshop looks strangely empty, following the departure of 'Sir Keith Park'. However, plenty of room is now need for all the parts being taken off of '257 Squadron'!

The first task was to move the 40 Superheater Elements (which had been removed from the Locomotive some time ago) away from the RHS of the Locomotive, to covered storage outside in the Yard. This was to improve the access to that side of '72. These elements will most probably be reused as they are in quite good condition, having been in the Boiler for not too long a period of time.

The task of removing the Brake Gear was continuing, as was the removal of all the numerous sections of conduit and copper lubrication pipework ('miles' of it - a bit of an exaggeration, but it seems like it!!). As with the Brake Gear components, these are all being carefully and painstakingly identified, for future reference when being re-installed (hopefully!).

The bolts securing the Boiler to the Frames were removed. However, these had to be cut off using the cutting torch, as the nuts were inaccesible from above the Frames, plus the nuts had 'round' heads!

All the above work being in preparation for the future 'Boiler Lift' (off Site) so that the Frames can be thoroughly cleaned and the work needed on the Boiler fully assessed.

Following helping with the moving of the Superheater Elements, I was given the job of continuing the work that had already been started: degreasing and cleaning the piles of the sections of filthy copper lubrication pipes (varying in length from 'medium' (about 6ft) to 'long' to 'very long' to '(I think I will leave those ones for the time being)'. This work was carried out using a proper 'cleaning bath' using recycled degreasing agent, pumped through a hose and brush. 'Stubborn' areas then had to be finished off (and the pipe generally cleaned up) using a wire wool 'comb'.

For photos of the above and other activities taking place during this 'Session', please click on the link below (Photos 177 to 199 incl.):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 2557603378

My grateful thanks to Southern Locomotives Ltd for their permission to use the photos in this Report. For more information on this and other Restoration work carried out by SLL please visit:

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/

PW

[RLN]

Nice marigolds, PW. Great stuff, thanks for sharing with us.

[MOD]

Great report and pics Ray. Thanks.


ibw

[Dan4th]

It's the sheer scale of some of the parts
which impresses me the most!

Thank you, Ray, for an informative
report and the great pics

Danf.

[34053]

Here is the Latest News/Appeal from Southern Locomotives Ltd regarding the Overhaul of 34072:

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/3 ... ppeal.html

It will be such a great achievement if we can have the Locomotive back in operation again, ready for the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain in September 2015.

PW

[34053]

I will be off to Herston Works, Swanage later this week for the November 'Volunteer Session'. Most of the work involved in removing and identifying all the parts and components should now be coming to an end, ready for the Locomotive to be moved off site for the Boiler Lift and subsequent cleaning of all the accumulated filth from the Frames. etc. Will update you upon by return.

PW

[Minty4371]

Enjoy yourself as always Ray. Look forward to your report.

[Dan4th]

Sounds like the start of another Great Adventure!

Just remember to keep on smilin', Ray

(...everyone will be wondering what you're up to )

Danf.

[Dougs]

Ooh can't wait for the next update have a great time

[34053]

Here I am, back from the November 'Volunteer Session' working on '257 Squadron'. Got absolutely filthy dirty, what with all the grease, oil and dirt on this Locomotive (luvverly!). All the 'best' (!) jobs are always saved for us Volunteers. Will let you have my Report and some pics in due course.

PW