Engineering Update - November 2025

Good progress continues to be made with the engine build. Importantly we have witnessed a good degree of continuity of work with multiple tasks ongoing.

The rear cylinder covers have been cast and have passed their testing. Machining of the covers is currently in progress. 

The three rear cylinder covers, all at various stages of work, pictured on 6th November 2025. Photo: P. Sikes

Work ongoing currently involves the fitting of the outside motion brackets, and inside motion bracket. Horn block fitment is complete, and the fitting of the horn ties is also ongoing. The brake hanger brackets have been machined and are also being fitted. The next steps are to prepare the axle boxes for fitment. The frames are also being prepared to fit the running plates and these will provide additional rigidity to the frames for when we come to level up the engine.

Commencement of machining work on the wheels will start soon after an agreed process of quality control inspections which will take place at critical stages of assembly.

Boiler 

Two meetings have been held recently at HBSS. The first meeting was to discuss the method of fitment of the boiler tubes. We also discussed what would be the appropriate break point for the boiler to be temporarily moved to Tyseley Locomotive Works and it was agreed that it would probably be in June 2026. The matter of the need for a boiler inspection was also raised as the last report was carried out by Mr. A Wright and dated July 2019. This was arranged and a boiler inspection took place on 28th October and did not produce any major issues although the boiler tubing is out for a wider review and direction from BES. We await the outcome of the inspection and subsequent report.

Work on the regulator has been paused until we are able to progress and agree the installation and record (draw) accordingly. This also applies to the safety valve installation. In the meantime the copper firebox stays continue to be fitted.

Tender

The tender axles have undergone NDT (non-destructive testing) and we are happy to report that no defects were found. No further progress has been made with the tender at Leaky Finders. Discussions are taking place, and a visit will be made to Exeter at a mutually agreeable date.


The Motion Girder and Motion Brackets have been fitted, the photo shows the right-hand side. Photo: P. Sikes

Plan

The following is the outline plan for the next few months before we take delivery of the boiler circa June 2026:

• Complete the fitting of Spring Hanger Brackets, Brake Hanger Brackets, Motion Guide Brackets, Internal Motion Stretcher (all ongoing)
• Prepare running plates and supporting bracketry (volunteer work ongoing)
• Finish remaining welding of incorrect bolt holes (requires smoke box lift)
• Finish rear cylinder covers and prepare slide bars (volunteer work ongoing)
• Final fit cylinders (end of November, work ongoing)
• Level up engine
• Inspect and repair Dragbox 
• Check alignment
• Commence wheel assembly 
• Progress the bogie frame rebuild  and bogie wheelset repair at Riley Engineering.
  
  

The fitted Inside Motion Bracket. Photo: P. Sikes