Work on the leading tank and engine unit is now almost complete. The
team finished off fitting the myriad of split pins that are part of the
bolt assembly securing the leading tank to the engine unit.
The piping that runs the water from the tank to the engine units was
fitted with all new bolts and fixtures. This also included the
flexible pipes that bridge the engine units to the boiler cradle.
These 10 inch diameter flexible pipes are in fact are very hard to
line up and screw into place. After a few hours of pushing and pulling
the pipes were in place and ready for use.
The cab work continued with the fitting of the windows to the cab side
doors. Safety glass has been ordered for the leading windows
including the two round port holes that the NSWGR blanked off many
years ago. The re en-statement of these windows is part of the overall
plan to out shop 6029 in its 1950's configuration as far as
practicable.
On Sunday work commenced on the fit out of the smoke box with the
installation of the blast pipe. With the blast pipe fitted the next
job will be to fit the smoke stack aligned and secured home. The steam
pipes and elbows that deliver steam from the super heater header to
the the cylinders were taken out of storage ready for fitting. These
pipes are bolted together with convex lenz rings that allow for any
mis-alignment. The rings will have to be lapped in by hand and we are
looking for volunteers who have the willingness and patience to
complete this vital task.
