Overhaul of Locomotive 34072 '257 Squadron'

[34053]

Thank you, Dougs.

Look forward to your future Updates 'as and when'.

PW

[34053]

A 'Volunteer Session' was held at Herston Works last week which, unfortunately, I was unable to attend. However, Southern Locomotives Ltd have posted some photos on their website, showing some of the work that took place (including the installation of the Locomotive Springs). Please use the link below (Pics 1 to 10 incl.):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 9182796050

PW

[Minty4371]

Thank you Ray.

[Dougs]

Great work thanks for sharing Ray
The cross head looks big
And I am not looking forward to making one of those coupling rods that's one seriously complicated part.

[34053]

Another 'Volunteer Session' took place at Herston Works this past week. (Yet again, unfortunately, due to other commitments, I was conspicuous by my absence. Will definitely be there for the March one though; getting serious 'withdrawal symptoms'!!).

Some photos have been posted, by Southern Locomotives Ltd, on their website and which show some of the work that took place. Dare I say that things seem to be coming together quite well at the moment. I hope that we achieve completion in good time for the 75th Anniversary of the 'Battle of Britain' this year.

To see the photos, please use the link below (Pics 11 to 30 incl.):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 1136419026

PW

[Dougs]

Not completely off topic but I have a great look around " Boscastle" a rebuilt West Country last week those guys fixing these loco's have my complete admiration they are massive
Great work and I am loving the progress photo's it's all helping with the design phase

[34053]

Southern Locomotives Ltd have just posted the 'Latest News' for February 2015. I have included a link to this below. There are some interesting items that I hope you will like:

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

PW

[34053]

It's been a couple of weeks since I returned from the March 'Volunteer Session' at Herston Works, but I can now let you have my brief Report on the progress with 'Squadron':

A considerable amount of work has taken place over the past months. However, the amount of work required on the Boiler has increased, following additional requirements by the new Boiler Inspector (the previous one, who carried out the original inspection, having now retired). This obviously has an effect upon the planned programme for this work and will also considerably increase the budgeted costs of the Boiler Restoration. It now looks like it will be the end of May (at the earliest) before the Boiler returns to Herston Works and can be reunited with the Frames.

However, there are still many other jobs that are being done, both on the New Tender and the Locomotive Frames. Whilst I was there:
- A new 'fall plate' (the large metal section across the floor of the Cab, filling the gap between the Cab and the Tender) was being completed.
- The Crosshead and Piston Rod, for the Middle Cylinder, was installed and lowered into the Oil Bath.
- The main task I was involved with was the preparation of the steel on the sides of the Tender, ready for priming. An important, but 'mind-numbing' task, involving carefully and very slowly, going over every square inch/centimetre with a 'flap disc' (used for light surface removal, etc.) attached to an angle grinder, for hours and hours and hours................. At one stage there were 5 of us involved with this, at the same time!

Some photos have now been posted by Southern Locomotives Ltd, on their website, showing some of the work that was being carried out during this 'Session'. Please use the link below (Pics 31 to 40 incl.):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 8764664674

(See if you can spot 'Papa Wedgy'!).

Unfortunately, it is now evident that there will not now be sufficient time to get 'Squadron' completed for the 75th Anniversary of the 'Battle of Britain' this year. We will now concentrate on getting her completed and 'run in' ready for the 2016 Season at the Swanage Railway.

PW

[Minty4371]

Thank you very much for the report, and link to the photos .
Sorry to hear about the boiler .

[34053]

The 'June 2015' News Update has just been added the Southern Locomotives Ltd website. This gives the latest on 34072, plus other SLL Locomotives, etc. Please use the link below:

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

PW

[Dougs]

that tender looks nice its all making me very envious

[34053]

Some more photos have recently been added to the Southern Locomotives Ltd website, showing the progress on this Locomotive. Please use the link below (Pics 41 to 49 incl.):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 7014508754

PW

[34053]

Southern Locomotives Ltd have posted their August 2015 'Latest News' Update on the website. Please use the link below to see this:

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

This includes an interesting account of how Sean Day-Lewis (author of 'Bulleid - Last Giant of Steam') came to meet Oliver Bulleid. Sean has a distinct preference for the 'original' (unrebuilt) Bulleids and was recently invited to have a footplate ride on (unrebuilt) 34070 'Manston' on the Swanage Railway. (Previously, he had been one of the invited guests to the 'Recommissioning' of 'rebuilt' Bulleid Pacific 34053 'Sir Keith Park' at Kidderminster, on the Severn Valley Railway, in 2013).

PW

[Spitfire]

recently invited to have a footplate ride on (unrebuilt) 34070 'Manston' on the Swanage Railway.

A bit off specific topic .. but ...I have visited the Swanage railway for the first time today and was pleased to see two engines plying back and forth between Norden and Swanage. I was thrilled to note that BR 31806 has a most emphatic and pleasing series of very loud 'WHOOOMPHs' when she starts off ... made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up

I was also glad to catch a brief glimpse of 34070 Manston in a siding - looks in pretty good condition.

I also saw a Devon Belle Observation car in a siding - completely identical to one we went on last year on the Paignton railway - apparently this one is not in use as it leaks badly and needs a load of TLC - but as usual with these volunteer railways time and money leave it mouldering in its siding... for now

[34053]

The Swanage Railway now has its 'Main line connection' between Norden and Network Rail at Wareham. The plan is to run trains to Wareham (albeit these will probably be mostly 'diesel hauled').

I also love Swanage because (apart from the Steam Railway) its other plus is that it is a 'traditional' Family Resort. They even still have a 'Punch and Judy' on the beach, during the Summer months. That's the way to do it!

PW

[Spitfire]

The Swanage Railway now has its 'Main line connection' between Norden and Network Rail at Wareham. The plan is to run trains to Wareham (albeit these will probably be mostly 'diesel hauled').

I also love Swanage because (apart from the Steam Railway) its other plus is that it is a 'traditional' Family Resort. They even still have a 'Punch and Judy' on the beach, during the Summer months. That's the way to do it!

PW

We had a nice chat with a volunteer porter on Swanage station who told me about the Devon Belle and also told us about the Wareham extension but he said that there's probably only one Diesel DMU that'll be authorised to do it

We stayed in Dorchester as it gave access to my old haunts as a child ... Weymouth/Lulworth etc and also the Bovington Tank Museum (Not really my 'bag' but I wanted to see the only running Tiger [131]) and Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museum Weymouth also seems to have a brilliant beach Punch & Judy

I was well impressed with Swanage Railway and will return one day

A flavour of the day .... WHOOOMPH

[34053]

Thank you David. Great shots at Norden Station. That's the sort of 'Buffering' I don't mind experiencing.

PW

[Spitfire]

Thank you David. Great shots at Norden Station. That's the sort of 'Buffering' I don't mind experiencing. PW

Not bad for a handheld iphone eh

Just gotta love that 'WOOMPH' 'WOOMPH''WHOOMPH'

[34053]

Southern Locomotives Ltd have just posted the October 2015 'Latest News' on their website. Please use the link below to read this:

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

I am now looking forward to my annual 'Drive & Fire', at Swanage this year (on 34070 'Manston') later this month.

PW

[34053]

Some more photos have now been added to the Southern Locomotives Ltd website, showing further work associated with the 'Heavy Overhaul' of this important Locomotive. To see these photos please use the link below (Pics 50 to 69 incl.):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 3909787922

The Boiler is due back, from the Contactors at Stockton, this month (hopefully). Delayed somewhat (approx. 9 months) due to the additional work required by the Boiler Inspector, which included replacement of the two Thermic Siphons inside the Firebox.

PW

Edit 1 (01.11.15) [to original Post dated 12.10.15]: 'Additional' Pic now included ('new' No 68)
Edit 2 (16.11.15): Re-numbering (original Pic 55 deleted)

[34053]

Here are the Southern Locomotives Ltd photos taken during the October 'Volunteer Session' at Herston Works. Please use the Link below (Pics 70 to 81 incl:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 8059456642

I did not attend this Session, but will be at the one this month (November).

Unfortunately, the Bad News is that there have been further delays on the Boiler. The latest news (from the off site Contractor) is that the witnessed Hydraulic Test is not now going to take place, at their Works, until 4th January 2016.

The Good News is that there is a 'now or never' opportunity (after the completion of '257 Squadron') for Bulleid Pacific 'West Country Class' 34010 'Sidmouth' to be Restored to full operational condition, provided that there is sufficient interest (and the money coming in!). The Frames are at the Swanage Railway and the Boiler is at the Severn Valley Railway (who have used it as a 'template' for their Restoration of 34027 'Taw Valley').

PW

Edit 1 (16.11.15) [to original Post dated 02.11.15]: Re-numbering (due to Pic 55 deleted)

[34053]

I am pleased to say that I was able to attend the November 'Volunteer Session', at Herston Works.

Unfortunately, until the Restored Boiler returns from the Specialist Contractor in Teesside (in January, hopefully) there is very little 'semi-skilled' and 'non-skilled' work for us Volunteers to undertake on this Locomotive. However, there are various other 'skilled' tasks, which are being undertaken by the paid Staff, on various important components which are non-dependant on the Boiler.

However, other work was still available to us and mine was to degrease and clean some (mostly) non-ferrous component parts taken off 'out of ticket' 34028 'Eddystone'. While this was going on, down the road in Swanage Station Yard, 'Eddystone' was being separated from its Tender and the 'life expired' Tender Tank lifted off its Frames, onto a Truck, for scrapping.
This operation is shown on some photos, via the link below.

There was a 'treat' (?) for us the next day (Friday). We were based at Swanage Station Yard to work on the Tender Frames for Eddystone, removing the worst of the 10 years worth of accumulated 'crud', prior to the Frames being taken away, on the Monday, for Steam Cleaning. Fortunately for us, the heavy rain of the previous day and early this morning had moved on by the time we had gone through the necessary formalities to give us access onto the Railway.With the six of us working together, plus a bit of friendly 'banter', this not very pleasant task was completed in good time.
There are also some photos of this work, via the link below. It is interesting to see both 'Manston' and 'Eddystone' (minus its nameplates - for security reasons) together in the Station Yard. Reminiscent of scenes towards the end of Southern Steam in the 1960's !

Please use the following link to see the Southern Locomotives Ltd photos referred to above (Pics 82 to 93 incl):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 7896984834

Included in these photos are two showing the New Tender for '257 Squadron' being moved from Herston Works the following week, for off-site storage.

PW

[34053]

A further 39 photos have been posted on the Southern Locomotives Ltd website, showing various activities that took place during the December 'Volunteer Session' (which I was unable to attend, due to other commitments). There are also some 'unique' photos of TWO 'original' (unrebuilt) Bulleid Pacifics in the Works, at the same time. (34070 'Manston' is currently in the Works for Winter Maintenance).

Please use the link below to see these photos (Pics 94 to 132 incl):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 3508467778

PW

[34053]

Here we are, the start of 2016 and a time to look forward to the completion of 'Battle of Britain Class' Locomotive '257 Squadron' and the start of the Restoration of 'West Country Class' Locomotive 'Sidmouth'.

A 'Volunteer Session' was held earlier this Month and the photos have just been added to the Southern Locomotives Ltd website. Please use the link below (Pics 1 to 10incl):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 1163453042

PW

[34053]

Here are some photos, showing some of the extensive (and expensive!) work being carried out on the Boiler from '257 Squadron'. Please use the link below (Pics 11 to 15 incl.):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 6581946194

(These photos were taken on 22nd January, during a visit to Adam Dalgleish's Teesside Works, by Southern Locomotives Ltd, to review the progress of this work).

PW