Key achievements for Saturdays 16th Feb, 2nd and 16th March

Its been a while since the last progress report, but here it is.

The Aladdin’s Cave team have pulled miracles and returned a beautiful stoker motor – well done Ian... We must not forget though that at the same time, deep in bowels of the engine shed activities have progressed as well. The efforts of many involved in the project have continued across the last month with many achievements and milestones being met.



The workdays of Saturday 16 February, 2 March and 16 March have seen some tasks closed out that are on the critical path to placing the coal bunker over the hind engine. The much needed live steam pipes carry steam to the rear valves and cylinders has been bolted and joined. The massive “flexible” joint that allows the engine to articulate has been cleaned, primed and awaits reassembly with appropriate large amounts of grease. Then installation under the driver’s cab – that should be a fun task!

The wooden mounts that separate the mounting points on the frame from the bunker’s mounting points to minimize wear have now been bolted down and painted. The all important coal trough not only received shaping, cutting and drilling but a total covering of primer. The task of drilling the steel for bolt holes and cutting excess off was no mean effort but let’s not forget that the painting, single handed, has meant we now have a trough ready and awaiting installation. In fact it has now been moved around to be position in front of the coal bunker ready for such a moment.

The coal bunker has not been left alone and has received some well needed attention – again a single handed painting effort for most of the time plus some assistance late in the day meant that the inside was primed and the top coated. A further milestone was applying top coat to the rear deck and a first coat of spayed on top coat on external surfaces. Alan even got carried away and painted the numbers on the rear panel. Surprising for some, but that final touch did actual mean we are really moving towards the “fire on” phase of the project.

The driver's side rear, engine valve gear has caused some frustration due to one particularly stubborn pin and locking split pins on the union link (ref: Walschaerts Valve Gear ). To date all other rods and pins are now assembled and we await the links inspection before we can finish the reassembly. Once completed, this will mean all valve gear and connecting rods are complete, awaiting a quality and assembly inspection to verify pins are all locked and bolts correctly tightened.



There have been other achievements that have been hidden away from many – for example a proof of concept was conducted on the lighting system. This involved the use of switches and LEDs to produce the required red and white needed at either end of the locomotive. The fun part will be running the cables – there is a lot of them and many meters of conduit to be thread through.

The steam turbine has been restored in Aladdin’s second cave – it has been tested and works when being turned by a hand drill. Another superb example of restoration work and it too now awaits mounting on the boiler.

The boiler cladding has been installed – the crinoline straps need aligning and tightening but that is a minor step. There has been some very handy welding work conducted on the cladding to allow holes to be placed for wash out plugs and regrettably cover over holes that were not quite in line. The cladding does look good though.



The power reverser reach rod was placed in location – stretching from cab, forward to the link on the power reverser itself – it now awaits pins and surrounding items to be assembled prior to complete mounting.

The ash pan and grate are also receiving attention – the rusted hulk is being steadily cut back and built back up with new steel. This will be another fun task to install as we have to slide it under the fire box and lift it up. Such challenges are all part of the fun of getting this locomotive moving under its own steam!

We must not forget the need we have of rings for the valves and pistons – we need yours and all your friends to dig deep for that extra small amount of cash. Many small donations can easily add up to a considerable amount so please spread the word and see how you go.