Overhaul of Locomotive 34072 '257 Squadron'

[34053]

Many thanks, Robert.

PW

[34053]

The January 'Volunteer Session' took place recently at Herston Works. Unfortunately, again I was unable to attend this Session. However, Southern Locomotives Ltd have posted some pics on the website. These include:

a) Some pics showing the process of aligning the axle boxes with the cylinders, before the 'Re-Wheeling' is carried out.

b) Some pics showing the progress of the 'Boiler Restoration/Repair' work, being carried out 'off site'.

Here is the link (Pics 1 to 28 incl):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 7149196562

PW

[34053]

There was a 'Volunteer Session' at Herston Works in February and which I was not able to attend (I do hope to be able to get to the next one, in April). A few photos have been added to the Southern Locomotives Ltd website, as shown on the link below (Pics 29 to 34 incl.):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 2452449186

PW

[Minty4371]

Thank you Ray. Nice photos.

[Dougs]

Cracking on well it will be back chuffing in no time

[34053]

Cracking on well it will be back chuffing in no time

Money permitting, the target is to have her running by September 2015: the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain (this being a 'Battle of Britain Class' Locomotive).

PW

[34053]

Have you missed me???????????????????

Just returned from the April 'Volunteer Session' at Herston Works, Swanage. Hope to be able to post a brief Report and some pics, in due course.

PW

[Minty4371]

Have you missed me???????????????????

Just returned from the May 'Volunteer Session' at Herston Works, Swanage. Hope to be able to post a brief Report and some pics, in due course.

PW

Of course. Hope you enjoyed your time. Looking forward to seeing your report soon. Is it May already???

[34053]

Have you missed me???????????????????

Just returned from the May 'Volunteer Session' at Herston Works, Swanage. Hope to be able to post a brief Report and some pics, in due course.

PW

Of course. Hope you enjoyed your time. Looking forward to seeing your report soon. Is it May already???

Well spotted Robert. My only excuse is that I posted in haste and have now corrected 'May' to April (or perhaps it was yet another 'Senior Moment' ). The year is going fast enough as it is!

PW

[Dougs]

Report and pics ooooh can't wait I would love to play on a full size loco very jealous PW

[34053]

Have you missed me???????????????????

Just returned from the April 'Volunteer Session' at Herston Works, Swanage. Hope to be able to post a brief Report and some pics, in due course.

PW

I must apologise to you all that I have not yet been able to give you my Report and pictures of all the latest 'goings on' at Herston Works. It has been 'all go' here since I returned from Swanage, plus a few PC problems into the mix as well (now sorted, I hope!).'Normal Service' is now returning and I will let you have all the info' as soon as I can.

PW

[34053]

Here is my brief Report (and some photos) following the April 'Volunteer Session' at Herston Works, Swanage:

Three of us were given the task of working on the existing Spring Hanger Bolts for the Driving Wheels of '257 Squadron'. There were a total of 12 steel bolts (1.75'' diameter) plus 2 large nuts and a plate, off the Locomotive (2 assemblies per spring, for each of the 6 Driving Wheels). The nuts had to be removed and then each item (nuts, bolts and plate) thoroughly cleaned. This was quite a task, considering that most of the nuts were well rusted on!
Thankfully, out of the 24 nuts, there were only 3 which simply refused to budge, despite all efforts - including the application of heat. So these had to be cut off with an angle grinder and scrapped. Even then, these nuts didn't yield without a fight! Another case of a lot of work involved, but not a lot to show for it at the end. All part of the 'Joys of Steam Locomotive Restoration', as we always say.

Other work being carried out at the time included:
- Re-fixing the existing, cleaned, copper lubrication pipework to the Frames, for the Axle Boxes, etc. Each section of pipework being annealed (heated up and then quenched in water) before fitting.
- Cladding work to the Cab.
- Preparation work for the fitting of the new Axle Boxes for the Driving Wheels.
- Refurbishing of the 3 Mechanical Lubricators. (These will be refitted to the Running Plate and pump oil to the Axle Boxes, etc.)

Here are the pics (my grateful thanks to Roger Hughes for the use of these photos):

A 'typical' Spring Hanger Bolt assembly:


In the vice with one of the nuts removed:


PW applying a bit of heat 'persuasion' to shift a reluctant nut:


8 out of the 12 assemblies 'dis-assembled'. All the bolts will be sent for 'Non-Destructive Testing' (NDT):


1 of the 3 Mechanical Lubricators being dismantled:


Some of the dismantled components, including 5 of the 6 'plunger' type pump units:


Here's a good 'sense of scale' - PW inside 'Squadron's' 6'-2'' dia. Centre Driving Wheels. Note the sprocket for the chain driven valve gear:


Please use the link below to see some more photos that have been added to the Southern Locomotives Ltd website (Pics 35 to 48 incl.):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 5227756818

PW

[Minty4371]

Very good report of work undertaken. Nice photos as well. Thank you.

[Dougs]

cracking work PW its a very fine thread on those spring hangers not supprised a couple did not yeald!

[Spitfire]

That is a stunning picture for an idea of scale - didn't realise the wheels would be THAT big ... even the width of them is astonishing

It's certainly BIG engineering

[Minty4371]

Posted on Facebook about 1 hour ago.

[34053]

Thank you, Robert. As usual, it's the Middle cylinder which seems to have the problems!

PW

[Minty4371]

What size are the driving wheels?

[34053]

What size are the driving wheels?

They are 6'-2'' diameter.

PW

[Minty4371]

What size are the driving wheels?

They are 6'-2'' diameter.

PW

So you must be about 5'-8" tall.

[34053]

What size are the driving wheels?

They are 6'-2'' diameter.

PW

So you must be about 5'-8" tall.

That's about right, Robert.

PW

[34053]

In addition to the YouTube clip added above, by Minty, Southern Locomotives Ltd have now also included some interesting photos (and informative captions) showing the Re-lining of 'Squadron's' Middle Cylinder. Please use the link below (Pics 49 to 63 incl.):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 5367201378

PW

[34053]

Included below is a link to the 'Latest News' section of the Southern Locomotives Ltd website.
The latest 'update' is March 2014 This includes some interesting news and information on '257 Squadron' plus: 80104; 34053 'Sir Keith Park' and 34070 'Manston':

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/News/news.html

I intended posting this some time ago, however, circumstances dictated otherwise. Please accept my apologies.

PW

[Dougs]

Thanks PW I still can't get over how much work goes into keeping these loco's running

[34053]

Thanks PW I still can't get over how much work goes into keeping these loco's running

Yes Dougs, it was certainly also a bit of an education for me when I first started getting involved, in a practical 'hands on' way, back in 2009. I thought I knew about most of the things that make a Steam Locomotive function. How wrong I was! I'm a lot wiser now.

PW