New-build County of Glamorgan progresses
THE boiler for new-build GWR No. 1014 County of Glamorgan returned to Didcot Railway Centre on July 7, from contractor HBSS for trial fitting to the 4-6-0’s rolling chassis. Although the boiler is by no means complete – it has yet to have the new tubeplate fitted and the tubes, header, grate and ashpan are still to be manufactured – it is however, a significant milestone.
While at Didcot the new smokebox and safety valves will be trial fitted and the boiler installed in the frames to ensure a good fit. Staff from HBSS will then visit Didcot to ensure that everything is properly lined up and to bolt the smokebox to the barrel.
The opportunity to sort out some critical plumbing issues will be taken prior to it returning to Liverpool for completion.
It is hoped to arrange a supporters’ day in the late autumn where the opportunity will be taken to fit the double chimney from No.1006 County of Cornwall and the safety valve bonnet originally from No. 6868 Penrhos Grange – and attach the newly completed Hawksworth flat-sided tender.
With an estimated £100,000 needed to complete the loco, progress is dependent on fundraising. Visit www.county1014.org or call 01235 817200 for details.