The ‘Sir Nigel Gresley' Locomotive Trust Ltd have published their latest update on the restoration of their locomotive, London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) A4 Class No.60007 (4498) “Sir Nigel Gresley”.
Brake Gearing
The hangers around the trailing wheelset have seen some modifications, in particular machining a slot in the nuts to match the pins. Sent off site to a forge for work, the leading brake pulls will have their length altered.
Cottering and washering of the brakeshafts is progressing well, with repairs like fitting new grease nipples.
Valve Gearing
Good progress is being made on reassembling the valve gearing. All valve guides have been finished, with work now focusing on producing shims to assemble the crossheads correctly. New pivot bushes are being made to correct the misalignment in 2:1 and 1:1 levers.
Work is being carried out to evenly dress up the clearances on the slidebars, with the right hand side signed off. Adjustments have been made to the left union link, which now fits with no binding.
Overhauling of the six drain cock reliefs and the six main cylinder end relief valves has been finished by one member of the team.
Boiler and Smokebox
A visit by the boiler inspector, insurer and mainline certification authority has gone very well, all three were happy with the work being undertaken.
Following alterations, all three main steam pipes only require a small amount of work before being ready for service. Damaged holes used to secure the superheater header cover plate have been welded and re-drilled.
Tender
Work has progressed on rebuilding the vestibule, seeing brackets returned, new steel plate work fitted, and new concrete floor made.
On the top sides, towards the back of the tender, filler is being applied in readiness for primer paint to start being added.
The housing for the ‘Global System for Mobile Communications-Railway' (GSMR) has been improved to provide further protection for GSMR equipment.
Pipework is being refitted across the tender.
Cab
Attention has recently turned to the cab, where priming is taking place across the whole cab. Checking of the wooden window runners and brass runner sides has shown some bits are damaged and may need replacements made.
Coach
The project for the new toilet system is in the final design stages, with funds now obtained from Network Rail. Tests have gone well on a replacement air tank on the coach. Volunteers have also recently washed the coach.
For more information or to support The ‘Sir Nigel Gresley' Locomotive Trust Ltd in overhauling their engine, please visit their website here.
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I am excited to see 60007 back on the mainline although it’s overhaul seems to be taking an eternity.