DIDCOT’S COUNTY OF GLAMORGAN GOES BACK ON ITS DRIVING WHEELS
The Great Western Society’s recreated ‘1000’ 4-6-0 County of Glamorgan has been re-wheeled.
The converted frames of donor engine ‘Modified Hall’ No. 7927 Willington Hall were first placed on the new 6ft 3in driving wheels in 2016, but it was found that rivet heads were fouling the larger wheelsets, necessitating removal of the former.
The re-wheeling took place on November 17, coinciding with the unveiling of Didcot’s other new 4-6-0, ‘Saint’ No. 2999 Lady of Legend, in its temporary black livery (see separate story).
In addition, the links between the axleboxes and springs were found to be of incorrect profile and so are now being replaced.
The GWR County Project has ordered the components to complete the engine’s face, namely the smokebox, its saddle, door ring and rear ring. Meanwhile, the coupling and connecting rods have been forged.
Parts for the boiler, including the firebox from ‘8F’ No. 48518 and new barrel, have been delivered to Heritage Boiler Steam Services for final assembly. The £125,000 work is nearly half-funded.