Engineering notes:

By Tony Massau

Since last month's update a great deal of effort has been expended on preparing 82045 for its visit to The Greatest Gathering event at Derby works. The smokebox liner plate has been installed and a number of holes drilled through into the saddle in order for the bolts to be fitted to secure everything in place. Once the loco returns the remaining holes will need to be drilled. The chimney and smokebox door have been attached as has the cab roof. The left hand side tank has been fitted on to the loco but not the right hand tank which has been deliberately left off in order that viewers of the loco can see the boiler, the first traditionally built standard gauge steam locomotive boiler completed for many years (although we are aware of another new loco following in our footsteps with a traditionally constructed boiler). The mechanical lubricators and the associated pipework have also been fitted and the loco given a clean. Departure by road for Derby was on the morning of 14th July.

During 82045's absence, the superheater header is being prepared for a hydraulic test which first entails making blanking plates for the various orifices.

In the machine shop large washers and the gradient pins for the coupling rods are in the process of manufacture.

Upon return it will be back to crinoline and cladding manufacture and trial fitting plus completion of the above mentioned smokebox work. There will be a lot of pipework to make connecting up all the various fittings, not to mention progressing work on the motion.