Smokebox: It was decided that before the Smokebox Wrapper was welded into position, it was preferable at this stage to commission some extra items. To this end, front and rear reinforcing rings have been designed as per the LNER 1948 drawings, the rear one to only be tacked welded at the present time - this ring will be finish machined when the boiler is offered to the smokebox. Chimney reinforcing plates are also being designed. An order was placed with CTL Seal mid-December for the manufacture of these two rings. An order has been placed for minor items, for the fitting of both these rings along with the final assembly of the smokebox door components into the Smokebox Wrapper.
Rolling Chassis: With most items already received to make up the Driving Wheelsets and either being machined in Shildon or already finished and waiting for assembly, the remaining items to be manufactured are on their way - the two plain axles for the Intermediate and Rear wheelsets.
Somers Forge, having already forged our Crank Axle components, was given the order for these two axles. During early December, they were forged from the special steel required and are now ready to go through final machining to include the cutting of the keyways to match those already on the Driving wheels. Delivery is expected in January.
The finished forgings - one still red hot. The size is deceptive, given they are each over 5ft long (actually 5ft 4.5") and approx 9&5/8" in diameter.
Photos courtesy of Somers Forge Ltd.
Cab: CAD design of the basic cab framework is finished and a rig to assist construction of the cab has been made by Elvar Engineering. Construction of the cab has commenced. In the meantime, design work has continued on the cab floor and the rear sections of the footplate, to include some sections forward of the cab including the rear and middle splashers.