Things have started to move more quickly again at Manning Wardle Project HQ , as more components start becoming real. We firstly report on progress with the dome covers and then have good news of more machining of parts being given the go-ahead.
Dome Covers
Ted, The Dorset Copperfish is making significant progress with our dome covers. Looking at photographs of the locomotives they appear perhaps rather diminutive, but not so. They are large pieces of brass when seen from close up!
Figure 1. Ted with the tube of a dome cover. The part-formed top is on the stand to the left.
Ted and the dome covers will be featured in a future edition of Steam on the Moor, the YouTube channel of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway. Look out for that if you would like to see more about his work.
More machining ordered
We are pleased to announce that the machining of the pony truck axleboxes and their keeps will be carried out by Statfold Engineering and the castings will be delivered to them before the end of the month. As with much of our work at present, there is no firm ‘required by’ date and so we work with our partners for our mutual advantage. Nevertheless we hope to see at least four sets of axleboxes and keeps, enough for one locomotive, completed early autumn. The reason? We should have news by then that the first fabrication work of the new builds has started with commencement of the pony trucks.
Figure 2. Four sets of axlebox and keep castings ready for Statfold Engineering. Honey jar for scale - they are chunky things.
In other machining news, we have asked Shawe Engineering of Welwyn to machine the pistons and to manufacture the Clupet piston rings and the piston rods. There are not many shops that offer to make Clupet rings and this is another example of us getting difficult-to-source items done sooner rather than later.
They are also going to make the slide valves with their balancing strips and strip carriers. This is a rare case of us only asking for two, just for YEO. After time in service they might indicate changes worth incorporating into the second pair.
How to join us
If you are perhaps thinking of joining The 762 Club to become a team member bringing Yeo and Exe back to the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway then please look at our website, Contributing | The 762 Club. Alternatively please contact jonpain762@outlook.com Every member is welcomed and appreciated in our family.
Becoming a sponsor by buying a part, or two, is another great way of becoming involved in our movement. Whilst the boiler is our main priority there are many other vital bits of steam locomotive that might be tempting. If axleboxes or pistons are not to your taste, I just mention superheaters, injectors and exhaust nozzles to whet your appetite. Our website has many items to sponsor but, if the part you fancy is not listed, just mention what you wish your name to be associated with.
Straightforward donations are always gratefully received.
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If you are able to Gift Aid please confirm to Jon Pain.
