The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has released the next update on winter maintenance work being carried out on their locomotive new build London and North Eastern Railway Peppercorn A1 No. 60163 “Tornado”.

Cylinders and Lubrication

New piston rings have been fitted to both outside pistons, with some difficulty found in servicing the centre gudgeon pin and cross-head cotter.

The lubrication system has undergone a full check, with oil pots being cleaned and new trimmings being made and fitted where needed.

Boiler

The most significant and most time-consuming task on the boiler was the removal of the bottom belly door. Located on the underside of the boiler barrel, access to the door is very restricted, making removal of the 20 securing bolts very difficult.

Once freed, the new washout door aperture could be welded into place.

Unplanned work included replacement of the safety valves studs, but now fitted and safety valves reassembled, the boiler passed its hydraulic test.

Exhaust Injector and Steam Cone

Once the main injector was disassembled, work could be carried out on the water valve, water control valve piston, overflow clack and cones. The sacrificial tip for the combining cone has been replaced and the new one refitted.

Both O rings on the exhaust steam cone were found to be broken when undergoing clean so have to be replaced.

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust needs your support to continue operating “Tornado” on both Mainline and Heritage tracks with minimal downtime as possible. There are many ways to support the Trust, with becoming a Covenantor one of the best ways.

Covenantors donate regular amounts on a weekly or monthly basis to support the Trust, allowing them to raise funds for maintenance before its needed.

For more information or to support the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, please visit their website here.

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