Orders set to be placed for Sir Lamiel parts
THE Great Central Railwaybased 5305 Locomotive Association, which is overhauling National Collection-owned SR ‘King Arthur’ 4-6-0 No. 777 Sir Lamiel is hoping to begin ordering materials in the coming months and is now appealing to well-wishers to help fund the necessary costs.
Current material requirements include: new valve and cylinder liner castings £10k; copper bar for stay production £1k; boiler tubes – small £7k; boiler tubes – flue £3k; bottle ends for flue tubes £1.5k; and steel bar for set screws £1k.
Alan Berck-May, the association’s chairman told The RM: “We have our initial materials shopping list. A growing concern is the rise in inflation and how that will impact our material costs. Although it will be a year before we need things such as tubes, we will be placing orders in the next few months.
“Over the first three months of this year, we have raised more than £1500 through the sales stand and shed shop. Anyone who can help us source or pay for these materials is asked to email Comms@5305la.org.uk please.”
Dismantling of the loco and tender continues to progress at Loughborough. After the brake cylinder on the tender was removed, attention turned to the brake beam support brackets and steps.
Following the positive news from the boiler inspector in January, work was quickly underway to start the stay removal. This involves drilling out each stay starting with a very small drill and gradually using bigger drills until the drill touches the sides of the platework. This must be done on the outside and inside of each stay. There are 70 stays to drill out.
The loco’s cab, floor and fall plate have been removed, while all the electrical gear associated with the TPWS system has been disconnected to enable access to the rotten back boards.
Once removed, components are being cleaned and painted with several coats of paint.
Meanwhile, dismantling of LMS ‘Black Five’ No. 45305 for overhaul continues. Large tubes were cut at both ends over the Easter weekend ready for removal. All nuts holding the main steam pipes were also removed.