Main (Coupled) Wheels - Cannonbox and Axlebox: Work at Shildon (Daniela Works Ltd.) on the Cannonboxes for the main driving wheels continues, with the production of various components to hang the springs from – these are pictured below. In parallel, some machining has been completed on the two Axleboxes (for the front Coupled Driving wheel), in readiness for the Crank Axle forgings; as reported in the last newsletter, these are on order from Somers Forge. An additional lubrication point has been drilled into the two Cannonboxes at each end, a learning from Tornado’s recent overhaul.
Lower half of Cannonbox showing Spring Hanger.
Photos by John Pearson
Bogie: Some final detail has been added to the report to be sent to the Rail Regulator, seeking their approval for the bogie design changes (to accommodate Timken Tapered Roller Bearings fitted to each of two axles to be housed inside their respective Cannonbox, which the original B17s didn’t have), as well as the design change to the Bogie Centre (chassis) which is to be a fabrication and not a casting as was the original.
Smokebox: With the Smokebox Wrapper, the Ring and Seal groove and the Door all now in our possession, attention has turned to the components needed to fit it all together.
Smokebox Ring and Seal manufactired by Tees Components Ltd.
Photo courtesy of Tees Components
Smokebox Wrapper dispayed at the 2024 Open Day at CTL Seal on the Frames. In front are five of the Coupled Driving wheels awaiting the final machining (now complete) and the bogie wheel pattern.
Photo by John Pearson
Chairman Brian Hall adopting a 'Rank Organisation' style pose with our Smokebox Door, manufactured by Purdie Dished Ends.
Photo courtesy of Daniela Works Ltd.
The manufacturing drawings were completed at the end of November and RFQs prepared for two companies, one we have used before and the other, in Suffolk, being recommended to us; unfortunately, we hit a problem, as one company could make the larger of these components and the other could only make the smaller ones, whereas we ideally preferred to go to a single supplier. Fortunately, Daniela Works