The Didcot Railway Centre has released an update on the progress of the restoration of steam locomotive 4079 ‘Pendennis Castle’.

Progress has been made and is continuing, in the cab of the GWR Castle. Didcot Railway Centre has been making their way through the controls and valves, and there is now beginning to be a healthy majority of overhauled components being fitted back to the locomotive.

The backhead cladding is largely complete but is in small condition, and a small group has the task of returning it to its former glory.

The group has also have taken delivery of the first batch of components that have been made up for them to start the reconstruction of the live steam feed pipes, these of which sit between the superheater header and the cylinders.

The parts are now in story pending the final boiler lift as currently, it is sitting a little too far back to accurately use the engine itself to set them up. The fabrication of these will form part of the final tranche of boiler work when the unit is finally fitted again.

Another big focus for the team has been the pipework for the locomotive, with the remaining copper, rubber and steel parts being assessed, replicated and/or repaired, these have then been fitted to the locomotive to have a visual check on progress.

The coming few months will finally see the beginning of the installation of the main line equipment.

For this to be achieved, one last round of fundraising must be completed. The Didcot Railway Centre are hoping to kick this off with a gathering containing as many people who have direct or family connections to the locomotive either in service or preservation at Didcot Railway Centre on Saturday 25 May. Already confirmed is the attendance of her last fireman in BR service and veteran of the famous 9 May 1964 run, Doug Godden.

If you have a connection to 4079 then please contact the Didcot Railway Centre (email [email protected])

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