FORWARD MOTION: ‘G5’ RODS ARRIVE AS CHASSIS ASSEMBLY CONTINUES
‘G5’ No. 1759 continues to progress towards the ‘rolling chassis’ stage, with its coupling rods delivered to its Shildon base, and its motion bracket being fitted.
The NER 0-4-4T’s coupling rods have been machined by Stephenson Engineering, while the motion bracket and slidebars are being assembled using the time-honoured technique of placing piano wire through the cylinders to ensure that the slidebars are parallel with the cylinder centre line.
The engine’s leading coupled wheelset is assembled, while the crank axle is currently being machined by Lincoln Crankshaft & Machine Ltd, and when finished will be sent to the South Devon Railway along with the tyres and wheels for assembly.
Other parts delivered for the bottom half of the Worsdell engine include the main springs, tank support brackets (which have been mounted on the frames), the combined front splashers and sandboxes, and the footsteps.