CYLINDERS FOR ‘MOGUL’ TO BE CAST IN JANUARY
The cylinders for the RPSI’s recreated ‘Mogul’ No. 105 are due to be cast in Scotland in January.
The contract has gone to Specialist Castings, an iron foundry near Glasgow, using pattern equipment which was completed in November.
Peter Scott of the RPSI’s locomotive department said: “The main motion brackets have already been cast and work is progressing on marking out the frames for drilling, and also the machining of horn guide and horn stay castings.
“Work is almost complete on machining the tyres for the 6ft diameter driving wheels, new tyres having been acquired in South Africa at the same time as the tyres for No. 4.”
Several firebox parts are already available for the boiler, which is suitable for either the LMS (NCC) Class ‘W’ 2‑6‑0 or the Society’s ‘WT’ 2‑6‑4T No. 4.
The ‘Mogul’ and ‘Jeep’ also share the same cylinder design, and the use of a wooden pattern means that replacement cylinders can be made for No. 4 in the future.
No target date has been identified for the completion of the project, which got off the starting blocks in August with the cutting of the frame plates (SR496/497).
The interrupted overhaul of GNR(I) 4‑4‑0 No. 171 Slieve Gullion is also well under way at Whitehead, with the boiler lifted out of the frames and transferred to the works. It has been turned onto its side for access to renew the firebox crown stays.
Mr Scott added: “The frames have been lifted off the wheels and the bearings dismantled for assessment. It has been established that two of the bogie bearings require re‑metalling.”
Slieve Gullion last steamed in July 2002 and was transported to Shildon in 2014 for overhaul.
It was repatriated to Whitehead after the Shildon contractor ceased trading, and work on the locomotive recommenced in September (SR498).