Engineering Update - November 2024

Submitted by alaws on 11 September, 2025 - 19:18

Our move from West Shed to Tyseley is continuing to impact on the overall progress of the build.

We reported our July move inside the Tyesley workshop area in the last Warrior. Since then, as well as the obstacles to getting our engine into a position where work could start on the frames, there have been other unforeseen issues at play.

In particular, the need to ensure that we have the appropriate insurance in place for our assets and volunteer staff, has resulted in further delay in the Service Agreement discussions and also our ability to use our enthusiastic Patriot Volunteer Warriors. The volunteer days are on hold for the time being until the aforementioned insurance is sorted, at the time of writing this is making good progress. However, prior to the delays our volunteers were able to spend some time cleaning and painting a good number of our components and we all are looking forward to getting back on the job as soon as possible. In the meantime we have now taken delivery of a heavy-duty work bench that will provide for much easier working than directly on the floor.

Main Frame Assembly

After an initial forecast for the engine to be inside Tyseley Works by the end of May it finally made it inside on the morning of the 17th July from the turntable road where it had been stored under tarpaulin. We were hopeful the engine would be in the allocated position by July – Road 1 in the workshop – but this was not possible due to delayed works within the shed.

We were also hopeful that some work on the frames could commence in its temporary position but this has not proven to be possible for reasons previously stated. We have since been given assurance that frames will be in the final build position this November and we continue to liaise with Tyseley on an expected start date. In parallel we are continuing to seek agreement on our Service Level Agreement and Tyseley’s own Terms and Conditions, which are being revised.

The Reset plan has been amended to reflect the current forecast.

We reported previously that Riley’s resourcing situation had improved considerably. Work was carried out in August and September on fitting the cylinder liners to the outside cylinders. These were delivered to Tyseley free of charge at the end of September by our new volunteer, Alan Owen, using his HIAB truck and trailer. Unfortunately, belated checks have revealed that further machining work at Riley and Son is needed, which will now be arranged.

All six new wheels have been machined ready for pressing onto axles. Axle machining is the next stage in the process. Close liaison is taking place between our team, Tyseley and Riley’s to ensure that the specifications and detailed drawings for successive stages of the wheelset reassembly work package are agreed between the parties. This is a complex process. The first stages of the wheelset reassembly work started in September, this involved machining the wheelpans. We have also received notice that our replacement spring hanger brackets have been cast and tested. These will be required as part of the first scope of work to be carried out at Tyseley Locomotive Works once the frames are in situ.

Boiler

Good progress is continuing to be made on the boiler work packages. Along with items mentioned in Warrior 62, work has commenced on fitting the main steam pipe and regulator system. The order for the third and final work package of boiler assembly is in place, and delivery of the tubes is expected around the end of the year. A plan is under preparation which may see the completion of the boiler up to the initial testing stage in 2025.

Boiler Work Packages
Task 6 to 12

6. Finish all internal pipe work
7. Fitting of the Dome
8. Regulator and Steam Pipe fitting
9. Fit all internal Brackets (in progress)
10. Fitting of Palm Stay brackets and stays
11. Fitting of Fire Hole Door
12. Finish front Steel Laps (Boiler in shed and turned)

Task 13 to 18

13. Finish Foundation Ring
14. Repair Copper Laps
15. Finish welding Backhead pads
16. Drill and Fit Corner longitudinal stays
17. Assemble and fit longitudinal stays
18. Finish Tubeplate

Task 19 to 24 (To Completion)

19. Fit tubes and flues
20. Fit washout plugs, mud hole doors and fusibles
21. Produce and fit mounting studs
22. Blanking plates
23. Hydraulic test
24. Steam test