Leaky Finders Ltd has posted another monthly update, detailing progress on a number of locomotives, including 6024 King Edward I and 35011 General Steam Navigation.
GWR ‘Churchward' No. 4709
Work has now started on a number of parts for 4709. The main component has been the pony truck which has been donated from 4115, this requires major work to make it usable on 4709. Currently, the pony truck is being stripped to allow the horn blocks to be machined to remove corrosion.
Whilst the pony truck is stripped, Leaky Finders Ltd will test the framework for any flaws before reassembly takes place. A lot of CAD work is being completed in house to make full 3D models from old Swindon drawings for components like the vacuum pump bracket, brake pedestal and the main compensating beam. The brake hangers and cross beams from 2861 have begun being overhauled by Leaky Finders, and these are nearly identical to those fitted to GWR 47XXs.
GWR ‘King' No. 6024 ‘King Edward I'
Leaky Finders Ltd continues to help the 6024 King Edward I Society with the overhaul of GWR King No. 6024 ‘King Edward I'. The superheater header and elements have now been passed by the insurance company. Leaky Finders have now taken delivery of the main steam pipes for hydraulic testing, these have now also passed with the insurance company, and now await fitting.
The header, elements and chimney have now been fitted along with the boiler cladding. Work is progressing in house with CAD work to design a new self-cleaning smokebox and spark arrestor gear. Now that the cladding is coming along well, 6024 is starting to look like a locomotive once again.
SR ‘Merchant Navy' No. 35011 ‘General Steam Navigation'
Leaky Finders has been working with the 35011 General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society to design, manufacture and paint the front cleating sheets above the buffer beam. These have now been sent back to the society and are now fitted to the locomotive. Leaky Finders will continue to support the society to restore 35011 General Steam Navigation.
LMS ‘Patriot' No. 5551 ‘The Unknown Warrior'
Work has continued on the tender for The LMS Patriot Project and 5551 ‘The Unknown Warrior', with the countersunk rivets now fitted behind where the lifeguards sit. Work can now focus on rivetings the rear spacer boxes on both of the frame plates, with the top plate and buffer beam now being trial fitted to make sure it is all aligned properly.
GWR ‘Pannier' No. 6435 and CME work at the Bodmin and Wenford Railway
Leaky Finders continue to support the Bodmin and Wenford Railway as their CME. Work is currently focusing on GWR Pannier No. 6435. Now that boiler repairs are complete, work has been focusing on the bottom end whilst the railway remains closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
New tyres are currently being fitted to the wheelsets and gives Leaky Finders the chance to see to a number of smaller jobs whilst the wheels are removed.
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This so-called ”Leaky Finders” must be doing A fine/good job on Restoring & Maintaining to these Glorious ex-Great Western Engine Locos.
I do hope these ex-Great Western Locos Aimfully Return to Steam within the Foreseeable Future… They do well on Running within Preservation, Roaming the Restored Rails of the Exact Heritage Railways these ex-Great Western Locos where and still may so, Whenever they so really do.
Furthermore, I do believe ”Leaky Finders” is Quite A Pun on the Period Drama TV Programme ”Peaky Blinders” (Not A Fan of this Darkly Grim Show though), But still forever Enthusastic on Steam, Especially Great Western style.