Overhaul of Locomotive 34072 '257 Squadron'

[34053]

A 'Volunteer Session' was held at Herston Works last week and some photos have just been added to the Southern Locomotives Ltd website. Various activities took place, including that work which can be carried out until the Restored Boiler is completed (and arrives back from the outside Contractor) as well as some useful work on the component parts for 'Sidmouth'.

Please use the link below to see these photos (Pics 16 to 26 incl):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 4023740754

I am looking forward to attending the next 'Volunteer Session' in March.

PW

[Blue_2]

Nice to see the progress!

[34053]

As planned, I attended the March 'Volunteer Session' at Herston Works, Swanage.

A lot of work is still 'on hold', awaiting the return of the Restored Boiler for this Locomotive. The only 'productive work' that can be carried out is the manufacture (on site) and (temporary) fitting of the crinolines (support frames) and new cladding which fit around the Boiler. This is all useful work and very time consuming, so now is a good opportunity to 'get it out of the way'. However, the down side is that it will all have to come off again, when the Boiler arrives, for painting and then refitting. (The old, rotten, cladding sheets were retained, when the Locomotive was dismantled and are being used as templates for the new sheets).

Please use the link below to see a Southern Locomotives Ltd photo of the progress of this work (Pic 27):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 1364136226

The work us Volunteers were given was associated with the Tender Frames (ex 34028 'Eddystone' - now in the 'Overhaul Queue') destined for use with 34010 'Sidmouth' (the next Restoration, after 34072). This involved removing all the dirt and grease from each of the 6 wheels (inside and outside faces) ready for painting. Not a simple task, due to the 'unique' design of the Bulleid' wheels!

PW

EDIT 1(31.03.16):

Some more pics have now been added to the SLL website (Pics 28 to 42 incl:

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 6808144866

These include some of the Tender (referred to above) and associated fittings, plus some of 34028 'Eddystone' returning to Herston Works for the 'Boiler Lift'.

[Dougs]

Wow still can't believe yet another Bulied is coming back awsome

[34053]

Wow still can't believe yet another Bulied is coming back awsome

Yes, isn't it great!! It's been a long time since '257 Squadron' was withdraw from service on the Swanage Railway. It was, in fact, in January 2003 have run for 12 years and 4 months since Restoration from (Barry) 'Scrap Yard' condition (having received an extension to her 10 year Boiler Certificate). Apparently, to date, no other Locomotive in Preservation has operated continuously for so long a period. (She would have been back in operation sooner, had 34053 'Sir Keith Park' not 'jumped the queue'. However, personally, I am pleased that SKP was completed first, being a 'Restoration' rather than a 'Major Overhaul'. I believe that to have been the right decision, especially in view of the amount of interest shown and financial support given, at the time, to get the SKP Restoration started.).

It gets even better: The Restoration of rebuilt Bulleid 'Pacific' 34010 'Sidmouth' is next in line. In fact, a lot of 'enabling work' is already being carried out, due to the delay in the return of the Boiler for 'Squadron'. (There was me thinking that I would be able to 'retire' after 'Squadron' was finished!).

PW

[34053]

Here are some photos, taken during the April 'Volunteer Session' at Herston Works. These also show some of the work being carried out on 34028 'Eddystone', now also in the Works. Please use the link below (Pics 43 to 60 incl.):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 4350674002

PW

[Dougs]

Thanks PW and southern loco's, these pics are awsome just the stuff I need for my loco build

[34053]

Unfortunately, a new area of 'wastage' has been discovered on the Inner Firebox of '257 Squadron', necessitating the manufacture of a further patch for this area. The weekly inspections at Dalgleish's Teesside Works, by SLL, continue and it is hoped that the hydraulic pressure test on the Boiler will soon be carried out.

Due to the delays with '257 Squadron' and notwithstanding the commitment to Restore 'Sidmouth', the decision has now been taken to 'fast track' the Major Overhaul of out of ticket 'Eddystone', alongside the Restoration of 'Sidmouth'. The plan being to get 'Eddystone' back in operation as soon as possible. This means that work will be carried out on no less than THREE Bulleid 'Pacifics', at the same time. It is well worth a visit to Herston Works to witness such a remarkably unique scene these days!!!!. (This is all in addition to the work also being carried out on Locomotive 80104).

It was intended that the (Restored) Boiler from 'Eddystone' would go back on 'Sidmouth' (and vice versa). However, under the new plans, 'Eddystone' will now retain its own Boiler. Similarly, 'Sidmouth' will also retain its own (Restored) Boiler. It is now envisaged that the Restoration of 'Sidmouth' will not now be completed until some time in 2019.

Some new photos have been added to the Southern Locomotives Ltd website, taken during the May 'Volunteer Session' at Herston Works. Please use the link below (Pics 61 to 73 incl.):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 6727280194

PW

[34053]

More photos have been posted on the Southern Locomotives Ltd website, taken during the recent June 'Volunteer Session' at Herston Works. Please use the link below (Pics 74 to 95 incl.):

https://picasaweb.google.com/1168391414 ... 2173137890

As mentioned in my previous Post, due to the ongoing situation with the Boiler for 'Battle of Britain Class' 34072 '257 Squadron', priority is now being given to the overhaul of 'West Country Class' 34028 'Eddystone'. Therefore, many of the above photos are applicable to 'Eddystone' (plus some for 'West Country Class' 34010 'Sidmouth'). However, to make things simple, I intend keeping Updates for all of these three Bulleid 'Pacifics' under this same Topic.

'Eddystone' is now virtually ready to be moved by road to the 'South Devon Railway', for the Boiler Lift and for them to carry out the Boiler Overhaul. The remaining 'Rolling Chassis' will then be sent to Tyseley Works, where work will be carried out on the Axle Boxes and Frames.

The plan is for 'Eddystone' to be in operation in 2018, to take over from 'Battle of Britain Class' 34070 'Manston' which is due to be withdrawn then, for overhaul, at the end of its 10 year Boiler 'ticket'.

Busy times ahead!!!!

PW

[Dougs]

Awsome news lots and lots of material for my design work on my SKP too I have hundreds of pics of parts now shows how popular these bullieds are.

[34053]

Thank you, Dougs. I am very pleased that these Posts are proving to be so useful for you. I look forward to seeing the results, some time in the future.

PW

[34053]

As mentioned in one of my earlier Posts, Restoration/Major Overhaul Work has been progressing concurrently on three Bulleid 'Pacifics ('257 Squadron'; 'Eddystone' and 'Sidmouth'). This Post (and future Posts) therefore covers all three, under this one Topic.

34072 '257 Squadron': The Cladding Work looks complete. However, there is just the 'small' matter of there being no Boiler underneath! Hopefully, the Boiler will soon undergo the Hydraulic and Steam Pressure Tests at Adam Dalgleish's Works on Teesside and make the journey back to Swanage. The Cladding will then be removed and the Boiler reunited with the Frames. The Locomotive can then be completed, ready for the 2017 Season on the Swanage Railway.

34028 'Eddystone': The Locomotive has been stripped of all its fittings and left Herston Works, on 3rd August on a Low Loader. The Locomotive was taken to the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh, where the Boiler was lifted the following day. (The SDR will be carrying out the Boiler Restoration Work for SLL). The Low Loader then continued with the Rolling Chassis to Tyseley Locomotive Works, in Birmingham, where the 'Bottom End' will be overhauled. The current Plan is to get 34028 back into Service in 2018.

34010 'Sidmouth': Work on this Locomotive cannot really start in earnest until '257 Squadron' is finished and left Herston Works. The Frames can then be brought into the Works. However, work continues with the procurement of missing parts and the cleaning/repairing/remanufacture of the parts that we have.

As usual, Southern Locomotives Ltd have posted some Photos on their Website. However, since my last Post, Google have replaced their 'Picasa' system with 'Google Photos'. This means that the photos are not only displayed somewhat differently but also, unfortunately, the cumulative Photo Numbers have 'disappeared'. I include the link below and the photos are actually Pics 96 to 111 incl. (continuing on from my last Post of Tue June 21) but are not identified as such. (Fortunately, the Captions are still there!):

https://get.google.com/albumarchive/116 ... quSjWh8YMm

PW

[34053]

Breaking News: The Boiler for '257 Squadron' is due to have its witnessed hydraulic test today (26th September) followed by the steam pressure test on 29th September. Each test being witnessed by the Boiler Inspector (on behalf of the Insurance Company). So, all being well, the Boiler should soon be on its way from Teesside, back to the 'Seaside' (Swanage) at long last!

PW

[Minty4371]

Well done to all involved. Hope she is back running soon.

[34053]

Unfortunately, there were some minor problems highlighted during the Boiler's Hydraulic Test. These have been rectified and the Boiler has been warming through this week, ready for the Steam Pressure Test tomorrow, 13th October. (The first fire in the Firebox since the Locomotive was withdrawn in January 2003). So fingers crossed that all goes well!

PW

[34053]

Unfortunately, there were some minor problems highlighted during the Boiler's Hydraulic Test. These have been rectified and the Boiler has been warming through this week, ready for the Steam Pressure Test tomorrow, 13th October. (The first fire in the Firebox since the Locomotive was withdrawn in January 2003). So fingers crossed that all goes well!

PW

Great News: Steam Pressure Test passed by Boiler Inspector and Certificate issued! So another 10 years starts from now for '257 Squadron'.

PW

[Minty4371]

Unfortunately, there were some minor problems highlighted during the Boiler's Hydraulic Test. These have been rectified and the Boiler has been warming through this week, ready for the Steam Pressure Test tomorrow, 13th October. (The first fire in the Firebox since the Locomotive was withdrawn in January 2003). So fingers crossed that all goes well!

PW

Great News: Steam Pressure Test passed by Boiler Inspector and Certificate issued! So another 10 years starts from now for '257 Squadron'.

PW

Congratulations.

[34053]

I am pleased to Report that the Boiler for '257 Squadron' has (at last) now returned to Herston Works, Swanage and reunited with the Rolling Chassis.

Southern Locomotives Ltd have now posted the photos on their Website. However, as previously reported, the 'new' system (Google Photos) does not include any numbering system for the photos! Therefore, when you click on the link below it will take you to what would be Photo 112 (carrying on from the last photo on my previous Report dated Mon Aug 22, 2016:

- Photos 112 to 116 show activities on Locomotive 80104. Photos 117 & 118 are associated with 'Sidmouth' and 119 with 'Squadron' and 'Eddystone'.

- Photos 120 to 138 incl. show the Re-Boilering of 'Squadron'. (Great Pics!).

- Photos 139 to 144 incl. are again associated with Locomotive 80104.

- Final Photo 145 relates to 'Sidmouth'.

Hope the above will help you navigate your way through the various Photos. (We now find ourselves working on FOUR Locomotives at the moment ( 'Squadron'; 'Eddystone'; 'Sidmouth' and 80104). I did say that we were going to be busy!!!!

Please use the link below to see the Photos (which would be Pics 112 to 145 incl.):

https://get.google.com/albumarchive/116 ... 4I2iMW7vI3

PW

[34053]

Southern Locomotives Ltd have posted some photos, taken during one of the November Volunteer Sessions at Herston Works. Please use the link below (these are Pics 146 to 154 incl.):

https://get.google.com/albumarchive/116 ... t7st4LJ594

Some work on 80104 is shown, as this is taking place at the same time as the work on 34072.

I attended a Volunteer Session at the beginning of December. However, we carried out further work associated with 80104. This involved retrieving all the Cylinder Covers from the Goods Shed at Swanage Railway, transporting them to Herston Works and refurbishing them (plenty of scraping and wire brushing involved!! Unfortunately, no photos are available, showing this work.

During our time at Herston Works, an interesting activity also took place - the Rewheeling of the 'N' Class Locomotive 31874. Use the link below to see some photos:

http://swanagemoguls.com/

This Locomotive will be equipped for Main Line Operation.

PW

[Old Rigger]

Appreciate the updates, not really into railways, but any engineering work of this nature is of interest. I do travel on steam trains when on holiday or break in the UK and my daughters treated me to a lovely meal on the Great Central Railway at Loughborough for my last birthday.

[Dougs]

Looks like they are nearly done

[34053]

In the latest Issue (No 462) of 'STEAM Railway' Magazine, there is an interesting feature (Pages 70 to 75 incl.) titled 'Burgeoning Bulleids'. This article describes in detail the achievements and the work being carried out by Southern Locomotives Ltd. Well worth a read.

PW

[Dougs]

In the latest Issue (No 462) of 'STEAM Railway' Magazine, there is an interesting feature (Pages 70 to 75 incl.) titled 'Burgeoning Bulleids'. This article describes in detail the achievements and the work being carried out by Southern Locomotives Ltd. Well worth a read.

PW

Thanks for the heads up

[34053]

It's been a while since I last posted any photos showing the progress on 'Squadron'. This is because there has been no further posting of photos on the Southern Locomotives Ltd website.

However, to make amends, I am including below the link to the 'Latest News' section of the website. This does show some recent pictures, etc. under the 'March 2017' heading (after the 'Strictly Photo Competition' section) which I think you will find of interest:

http://www.southern-locomotives.co.uk/News/news.html

PW

[34053]

As mentioned in my previous Post of Sat Mar 25 2017 (above) there have not been any photos posted recently on the Southern Locomotives Ltd website. In fact, nothing since December 2016. The reason for this has been that '...the 'Picasa' Galleries product has been retired by Google.' SLL have now set up a totally new system under the 'SLL Galleries' section of their website, which is much simpler to navigate.

I am, therefore, very pleased to report that photos for '257 Squadron' (plus 'Sidmouth' and 'Eddystone', etc.) have now been published and which cover the period from January to March 2017 incl. Unfortunately, the photos do not include a numbering system. However, for my own purposes and for future photos I shall refer to these photos as:

- Pics 1 to 56 incl. Please use the link below to see these photos:

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipN ... UwVm1Ja2V3

Note: To see the captions, just click on the (i) symbol (in the top right hand corner, to the right of the photo) and these will appear on a sidebar.

PW