August has seen a flurry of items to report. Not only do we have positive news on the Coupled Wheel front, but we can report progress on the Bogie, the Smokebox and the Cab.
Coupled (Driving) wheels: Machining has continued and is now complete. The crank bosses have been drilled for all six wheels and then the wheels finished to the correct thickness, by placing them back on the rig that machined smooth the first side of each wheel in April, as seen at the Open Day. Finally, the keyways were cut last week. When all the various Cannonbox components (see next section) are completed, we have everything we need for the wheelsets, so just awaiting delivery of the plain axles.
Cannonbox and Axlebox (for the leading Driver) components: With the Cannonboxes and Axleboxes machined, attention has turned to the multitude of spacers and rings needed within them. The photos below show various rings. The whole job of machining these rings is almost done, although we still need to machine four thin split spacers and weld up the oil covers. As you can judge from the photos, it has been a massive undertaking, as everything is of very precise dimensions and finish.
Various views of the various spacers and rings so far machined for the two cannonboxes. Photos courtesy Daniela Works Ltd.
Bogie: Work continues with Ricardo Rail, to get overall approval for the design and in particular to get the authority to proceed with casting of the two Bogie Cannonboxes and the four twelve spoke wheels, the patterns for which we already have. Casting will be done at William Cooks.
Smokebox: As previous reported, we have the Smokebox Wrapper and liner already in situ in Sheffield on the frames. The Smokebox door has now been delivered to Shildon (Daniela Works Ltd.) for finishing, whilst at the same time the next component needed, the Smokebox Ring and Seal Groove has been ordered from Tees Components Ltd. This only leaves minor components to be made (dart, hinge, locking bar etc.); the manufacturing drawing for these are currently being finished, from the CAD drawings already available.
The smokebox door, spun by Purdie Dished Ends Ltd.