NEWS
Work to repair the boiler of this locomotive have been progressing well at Cranmore. After taking out the boiler tubes, work has been concentrated on removing the foundation ring to permit a more detailed inspection. Most of the foundation ring rivets were accessible and could be drilled out with the boiler in situ. The boiler has now been lifted to enable the remainder to be removed. The condition of the foundation ring, which had been partially welded to the outer wrapper plates, looks better than had been initially thought and it is hoped that it will be possible to reuse it.
With
the boiler removed, a detailed inspection of the axle boxes, valves and motion
is under way to try to find the cause of the oscillating motion which the loco
suffered from. The axle boxes appear to be in good condition with little play
but wear has been found on the port faces which would permit the valves to rock.
Machining the valve seats in situ will not be easy but is preferable to removing
and splitting the cylinder block which quite probably has not been out of the
frames since the loco was built in 1877. Loco Superintendent Steve Masters is
devising a special cutting jig to do this task since restricted access to the
seats prevents any conventional machine being used.
25 26 27 AUGUST 2001
This Bank Holiday the East Somerset Railway had a visit from Bill Pertwee (Mr Hodges the Warden From Dads Army) on 25 and 26. He signed his books. Also visiting were military, commercial vehicles and model steam engines. Steam Trains will ran at 10.45 12.15 1.20 2.30 3.40 and 4.30.
On Saturday there was a 60s night in the engine shed and we turned the clock back even further on the Sunday to the 40s with the Colin Ford Band.THOMAS
WEEKEND AUG 11/12
Record
crowds turn up to see Thomas at the East Somerset Railway passenger
figures were up on last years event and also the May bank holiday
weekend.
The visitors and volunteers enjoyed a great day out with Thomas and Oliver
working hard sometimes double headed, Foster Yeoman 08 No 33 MENDIP on loan gave
brake van rides and Lord Fisher on DRIVER FOR FIVER duties. Other attractions
included face painting and a Punch and Judy Show.
AUG 10 2001
FOSTER YEOMAN 08 number 33 MENDIP arrives to have some work done on it.