Tornado ready and waiting for new season to begin…
NEW-BUILD A1 Peppercorn Pacific No. 60163 Tornado has completed its routine maintenance in the engine shed at Leeming Bar on Wensleydale Railway in readiness for the 2020 operating season – whenever that begins.
Critical areas of the coupling and connecting rods were subjected to Magnetic Particle Inspection crack detection and all coupling and connecting rod bushes have been checked with renewal of white metalling where necessary. Both injectors were cleaned and inspected and worn removable tips replaced where appropriate.
Following investigation of two known broken stays in the firebox, others around them were showing signs of fatigue and have been replaced. While the cab was off, the opportunity was taken to replace several rigid boiler stays and welding repairs have also been carried out to foundation ring corners. Since the grate had been removed to facilitate firebox repairs, the side and middle carrier bars have been renewed as the old ones were becoming tired and repairs have also been made to the self-cleaning plates and screens in the smokebox.
Lubrication system
New piston rings have been fitted on all three cylinders, while the lubrication system has undergone a full check, with oil pots being cleaned and new trimmings being made and fitted where needed.
The bottom belly door on the underside of the boiler barrel was opened so that a new washout door aperture could be welded into place.
Following the replacement of the safety valves studs and reassembly of the safety valves, the boiler passed its hydraulic test.
On March 20, Tornado departed from Northallerton and headed along the East Coast Main Line light engine to York and the National Railway Museum yard, earlier arranged as a positioning move for a railtour that was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.