High and Dry

February 27, 2026

The last few weeks has seen excellent progress on all fronts. Despite the incessant rain, Barry’s patent shelter system has kept us well shielded from the elements while working on the tender. In the (slightly) warmer environment of the boiler shop, the final rivets are now in on the inner firebox, save for the foundation ring. We have also taken delivery of more new components in the form of the spring hangers for 499’s front and rear driving wheels. The centre driving axle has a different suspension arrangement with coil springs.

External view of the final of the copper lap seams now riveted on the boiler.
Viewed from the inside, the front two firebox lap seams riveted up. Progress could now continue on fitting the outer steel wrapper.
New backhead steel tacked in place for final fettling.
The new throat plate also offered up for adjustment.
Mike assembling one of the expansion links.
Vacuum brake pipework in the cab area close to completion.
New spring hangers for 499’s front and rear driving wheels, with an original for comparison.
On the tender coal raves, attention has turned to the finer details. The raves themselves are almost complete, with the final section to be riveted on the fireman’s side front corner.

Photos by Sam Wyatt, Pat Bell and Jamie Karslake.

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