We are delighted to report our new angle ring for boiler No. 799 has arrived on site at Ropley. The angle ring, together with the previously delivered new tube plate, were funded by member donations to our boiler appeal. The ULS is very grateful to everyone who has supported this part of the project, which was over and above the original scope of the boiler’s overhaul.
Although these key components are now fully funded we are not resting our our laurels. Our new appeal is to fund the machining of 499’s coupling rods. We are targeting £5,000 to fund this work and will commence fundraising at this weekend’s Watercress Line Gala. The unmachined coupling rods have been in storage for many year so we are hoping to fit them shortly after the loco has been rewheeled. Any donations, large or small, are very much appreciated and this will be a lovely part of the project to tick off. Alternatively, why not visit out sales stand for some merchandise to help give 499 ten coupled wheels once more!
More engineering progress on 499 and our tender from around Ropley is below:
