The New Counties David Bradshaw

David Bradshaw

Since the first article was published late in 2020, 3840’s main frames have been erected at Tyselay Locomotive Works, the hornguides and spring hangers (four new and four reclaimed) have been fitted and the dragbox manufactured, with installation expected to take place within the next few weeks. Second hand items obtained have been four axleboxes, four tiebars, four T links, a pair of driving underkeeps, two crossheads, four slidebars and a chimney. The first bogie wheelset complete with axleboxes has been delivered to Tyseley and successful discussions have taken place over the removal of the other wheelset, eccentric sheaves, boiler and tender chassis from Didcot whilst we continue to search for more surplus items.

The casting of the cylinders has been delayed because the first contractor pulled out at the last minute and a new one had to be found. Having achieved that goal, casting of the first is expected to be undertaken in the next few weeks. The Cylinder Club set up to fund the new inside steampipe cylinder block has reached the stage where we can fund the castings but not the machining, so further support would be gratefully received.

(Above) The bogie Wheelset (Below) The frames

Nameplate sponsored by John Buxton of Cambrian Transport

(Above) The refurbished pattern (Below) Two driving wheels

(Below) The dragbox

In the early part of the year we entered into a contract with Trefoil Steel of Sheffield to cast the 6’2” (6’8 ½” with tyres) driving wheels using the refurbished pattern originally made for 2999 Lady of Legend. The first two were successfully cast in late Spring this year and work will start shortly to alter

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Diagram of the Cab and Splashers

the pattern so that the remaining two can be cast. The alteration is necessary as the centre boss is larger on the driven wheelset than on the trailing one. The Forty 4-4-0’s Club appeal where supporters can donate £1000 and adopt one or more of the 40 original County 4-4-0’s was set up fund the casting of the driving wheels but is now out of date and we believe that this sum (plus Gift Aid) should cover the cost of assembling the wheelsets as well. The appeal has reached the three quarters stage with 28 names adopted. Ten of the class were named after Irish and eleven after Welsh Counties and some of these remain to be sponsored. We are currently researching the acquisition of tyres and axles for the driving wheels so that we will be ready to complete the wheelsets when we have successfully raised the remaining money.

The next phase of the build will focus on cab, splashers and running plate for which production drawings are being prepared by Bob Meanley. All the items mentioned above apart from machining the cylinder blocks and extension frames are fully funded. We are looking for additional supporters to allow the project to continue to progress.

Fund raising continues satisfactorily and our membership base is growing. We have also reached agreement with the Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway for the engine to be based at Toddington after completion. It will of

Crosshead

course be available for hire on other Heritage Railways during this time.

We are frequently asked whether it is our intention to ‘make improvements’ to the design the answer to which is an emphatic ‘no’. These engines were known to haul huge loads and reach speeds in the mid-eighties, despite their reputation as rough riders. Our objective is to replicate the design as closely as possible and the only changes will be methods of producing the parts such as the use of poly patterns and changes to anything which may be considered safety critical.