First up this month, I want to highlight the upcoming Watercress Line Engineering Open Weekend and Swanage Railway Autumn Gala. Both events are on the 13th and 14th of September. Our Urie Loco Society open day will be on the Saturday of the open weekend, at Ropley. However, we’ll be open and available for members and visitors on both days.
Meanwhile, 30506 will be flying the ULS flag at Swanage. We will have a presence at the gala with some great new merchandise. The team really enjoyed hosting our friends from Dorset with their T3 earlier this year, and we are looking forward to returning the favour. So why not come along to either or both events and say hello! We’re a friendly bunch, we don’t bite (much) and welcome anyone interested in learning more about the unique 499 project.
Since 499 has entered the main workshop at Ropley our focus has been on keeping up the momentum. We are at a pivotal part of our program of works and intend on making as much headway as possible in the rest of 2025. Two jobs on the loco frames which we have held off are now underway. The first being the replacement of the drag box buffer beam.
While we had experimented with building up the original plate with weld, it is clear that replacing the entire beam is the best option. Having now removed the original, this will form a template for the marking out and drilling of the new steel. Removing this also gives us more access to clean up the massive drag box casting.
Secondly, we are rectifying the worn brake hanger pivot holes to return them to ‘true round’. Due to the size of these holes, it is the most difficult part of reconditioning the brake rigging. Fortunately Kevin, one of our volunteers, is assisting us with his specialist boring equipment. Each brake hanger pivot is riveted in place, so the small holes have been patched up and re-drilled to ensure a firm fit for many years to come.
Some very hot days at Ropley have seen only gradual progress on the tender tank. In the last few weekends we have fitted and riveted the next side sheet. The second long sheet and rear corner will follow, giving us three side of the tank completed. The rear side will only be fitted in place once we have completed the lid of the tank / coal sheets, to allow us access.
Photos thanks to Jamie Karslake, Jacob White, Sam Wyatt and Pat Bell.