Workshop Updates

WLLR’s No822

In the workshop work restarted on The Earl in December 2020.

The frames have now been inspected and repaired. All the loose rivets have been replaced and loose bolts tightened. The frames have had all new horn cheeks manufactured and fitted and the assembly has been painted. The axleboxes have been machined and are being scraped to fit the wheel journals. Once this is complete the loco can have its wheels refitted.

The cylinders have been off the loco and re-machined and are now back in place. The slide bars have been machined and

re-fitted to line up with the cylinder bore. The crossheads have had new white metal cast in them and are being machined to size. The pistons have been machined and new piston rings have been fitted.

The water tanks have had the beading straightened and riveted in place. They have been thoroughly cleaned and have been painted in undercoat. Work has also taken place on the cab with the sunroof being repaired and the rain strakes replaced.

The old coal bunker was very badly corroded and twisted and has been replaced by a new one to the original drawings. This has been riveted together and awaits re-fitting to the locomotive.

Steam Winch

The railway workshops have also been working on a steam winch for the Hollycombe Steam Collection. This was formally on a steam ship and has been stripped down to component parts and totally rebuilt. The restoration is now just about complete and should be ready to return to its owners very soon.