‘G5’ appeals to ‘get connected’

CONSTRUCTION of 0-4-4-T No. 1759 by the Class G5 Steam Locomotive Company Ltd CG5SLCL is moving on at pace at the Hackworth Industrial Park, Shildon. Daniela Filová, former assistant mechanical engineer at the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has set up a machining business in the same industrial estate as the G5 unit. Ms Filová has started the machining of the two cylinder covers and the valve chest covers – and has completed the manufacturing of a full set of studs for when the sets of covers are fitted. Drawings of the tanks are being reviewed and it is hoped to finalise discussions with potential suppliers before choosing a fabricator. The eccentric sheaves drawings are complete and discussions are under way with potential suppliers regarding costings and lead times for the patterns and castings.

Next stage

The Get Connected appeal has recently been launched to fund the next stage of the project – purchasing the connecting rods and straps. There are two connecting rods and two straps on the locomotive which connect the pistons to the crank axle. The cost for forging and machining is estimated to be around £25,000. Open days are on the first Saturday of the month, 10.00-13.00. Visit www. g5locomotiveltd.co.uk for details.