The 6024 Preservation Society Ltd, custodians of Great Western Railway (GWR) 6000 ‘King' Class No.6024 “King Edward I” on behalf of owners the Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust, have released an update on the overhaul progress on 6024 “King Edward I” at Minehead Locomotive Workshop on the West Somerset Railway.
The team had hoped to complete “King Edward I” in time for the King's 90th birthday in late June 2020. Unfortunately, this target cannot be achieved due to COVID-19 lockdown leading to the West Somerset Railway being closed.
Nevertheless, the team will continue with work off-site and back at Minehead when safe to do so.
Before the lockdown began, the team was making good progress on refitting many components following the return of the boiler in January 2020.
Boiler Lagging, Cladding and Fittings
A start has been made to fixing the lagging, with the first ring of the boiler covered. Further work on the lagging has been halted while the lockdown is in place.
Work on forming and painting the cladding has come along very well, with most sections now covered in three covers of primer. Only one topcoat has been applied to the outside face of each sheet as the team know some panels many sustain damage while fitting.
Both the four cone ejector exhaust pipe on the driver's side and handrails have been refitted, the handrails making refitting lagging and cladding easier.
Pipework, Fittings and Cab
Modifications have been made to the roof vents in the cab by fitting grills to reduce the chance of items or hands from catching overhead wires. Black paint has also been applied, but more coats will be needed.
Repairs and dimension changes have been to the whistle. Corrosion on the shrouding has been addressed, with work being carried out to ensure the new lowered whistles fit correctly.
Overhauling of the blowdown system is in progress, with work before the lockdown seeing machining work on the bronze elbow. Repairs are being made to firebar patterns.
For more information or to support the 6024 Preservation Society Ltd in overhauling 6024 “King Edward I”, please visit their website here.
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Has any thought been given to cast a proper brass/bronze nameplate for King Charles 111 as a new tribute to the passing of Queen Elizabeth. I feel sure you will be able to raise the money by subscription/ lottery/incentive.
The King class would be eminently suitable
Didcot announced several weeks ago that their Locos would no longer work on the mainline and those previously modified (dimensions) to do so would be brought back to standard. So what are Minehead doing?!
My mistake! Wrong King! Thank goodness. A King is for the main line, not a 25 mph 10 mile trundle !
It will be Brunswick Green as before.
It will be Brunswick Green as before.
B&Q are reopening. Green is the colour paint that is to be used please.