The first day of spring realized mild temperatures that were a welcome relief from the summer heat. The day started with the usual drill of running out of the power leads and a cup hot strong coffee.
The first job was to screw down the two large tension bolts that form part of the self adjusting pivots. They are designed to be pre-set at a tension which allows the pivot to self adjust for any wear. The adjustment of the screws required the combined effort of Paul, Tony and Andy utilizing four foot long pipe on the end of a four inch AF spanner. After about an hour of grunting and groaning both screws were at the required tension. For the record, a gap of 11/8" is called up on the manufactures drawing. The male pivots on both engine units had accumulated some minor surface rust and David soon cleaned off the offending iron oxide and applied a liberal coat of cylinder oil.
All this activity was leading to the project milestone of once again having the three major elements of the two engine units and the boiler cradle back together. Both the engine units were positioned to approximately the correct distance from each other. The boiler cradle was gradually lowered onto the engine unit’s, one end at a time. The end result of seeing the locomotive back together satisfied the crew to no end.
With the boiler cradle off the ground, the opportunity was taken to give the site an overdue clean up. The clean up will facilitate the long anticipated lifting of the boiler onto the boiler cradle. With only some minor prep work to complete it is anticipated that the boiler lift will take place in the next few weeks. This has only been made possible with the generous donations made recently by our project supporters, thanks to all who have contributed.
Our next workday is Sunday the 20th of March 2011
Alan Gardner
