The recent Watercress Line engineering open weekend was a successful event for the ULS, with a very pleasing turnout of interested WLHRT members and visitors. It was great to see the level of interest in our work on 499. Barry for one struggled to get a break on the Saturday with there being so many questions. It is particularly rewarding for the team to show our progress during events like this, and we hope to translate this appeal into increased financial support.
Boiler
This month’s progress on boiler 799 has centred on the foundation ring. We have completed building this up with weld where required and this will soon be reinstalled on the inner firebox. It is straightforward welding but slow work, with the need to avoid distorting the ring with too much heat at any one time.
Once the foundation ring is in place, we can then rivet up the rebuilt copper lap seams, after which we can turn our attention to fitting the new steel outer firebox plates. Although the repairs on the foundation ring were a small part of the project, the fact that we can soon start putting the firebox back together is an important milestone.
Tender
On tender 3223, we have almost completed the installation of the tender pivot lubrication pipework, and holes for the low-level water fillers have been cut into the floor. Although not an original feature, the Watercress line’s home fleet including 506 carry these hydrant type fittings to enable easy replenishment of water whilst in the vicinity of the pit road at Ropley. Loco crews certainly appreciate the ergonomic benefits, especially when we are prepping visiting engines without this feature.