Side panels off the cab. Frames cleaned and primed.  


Frames welded, in filled and ground back. Note temporary fixings to keep true shape  


View through part primed cab of welding and gas cutting  

This month work has progressed on the Cab structure, which has now been removed and placed by the side of the Loco, thus providing a more convenient working level and greater access. The side panels have been unbolted and placed ready for cleaning and general minor maintenance. Removal of some structural steel work has been required as these have shown signs of corrosion and wear. As can be seen in the photo, painting of primer and undercoat is underway and it is expected that progress in this area will be rapid and hopefully completed soon. One step at a time! Talking of which, you can see in one of the photos the two steps to the cab painted in black ready to go back on soon.

The welding of the frames has continued apace to replace wasted and worn out metal work. The welding has mostly been ground back (a steady hand on the grinder required) and now the frames will need to be checked to ensure they are true. That is, straight, upright and in line with each other. You will note the steel bars providing temporary bracing and fixing to ensure the frames did not distort during the welding.

The inside of the frames and other components such as the brake hangers have continued to be needle gunned back to bare metal. This allows us a closer inspection of the parts and provides a key for the primer and other coats of paint. Ear defenders have been the order of the day whilst the air operated needle gun work was ongoing. I would like to thank the P & O volunteers for their patience whilst this has been taking place, as at times, it did make conversation difficult!

Other components have been taken apart and are receiving cleaning prior to painting. This allows other members to carry on with building our store of completed parts ready for assembly. I only hope we know which part goes where!

The dragbox has been removed and part of this will need to be completely fabricated anew, due to the high wear and tear in this area and general wastage of the metal, which necessitates its replacement. This area is below the footplate where the loco crew work and also forms the structure that the drawbar is anchored from.  The drawbar allows the loco to attach to the Tender and thus other rolling stock via the couplings. The Tender, at the moment, is in another shed awaiting our attention but that will be subject to another report later.