Guard irons, vacuum brake and steam pipework.

 4 new guard irons have been sourced and alterations made. Some 3.5" had to be cut off to make them fit and the holes reamed to the correct size. All were primed, and fitted to No 9 and given a coat of midnight blue. It is nigh impossible to tell from old photos what colour they were but the consensus is - blue! They wouldn't stay that colour for very long working at a colliery. The vacuum pipework was retrieved from the wagon and grit blasted and primed. The long pipes may need to be replaced. Brackets have been made to support the pipes. Next job is the fitting.

 

4 new guard irons primed.

Cutting 3.5" of to fit on No 9.

 

Squared edge shaped.

 

On in midnight blue!

The vacuum pipework cleaned, grit blasted and primed awaiting further attention. 4 new brackets have ben formed.

Some of the pipework primed.

Nick applying heat to form the bracket.

2 partially formed brackets - and an original.

The jig that Alan made to form the new brackets. Applying heat to bend the fixing points round.

Brackets undercoated.

                                    
 

Bunker progress etc.

 The internal supports for the bunker have been riveted in place, primed and top coated in black. Possibly never to be seen again as 2.3 tons of coal will be covering them! The bunker and cab roof have been given a top finish coat of black (as promised) and the cab has also been given a top finish of black. The riveting on the coal door has been done, along with a straightener/strenghtener. 2 countersunk bolts had to be used at the top on one side as it was impossible to rivet inside the locker.The window frames have been fitted, although the glass will be put in at a later date. New guard irons have been sourced and another job will be the vacuum brake pipework which required making new brackets.

Straightener and support inside bunker.

Wire brushed & primed. Riveting still to do.

Bunker undercoated.

 

 LH straightener in bunker primed.  

Coal door guides riveted. 2 bolt top left replaced with countersunk - locker. 

 

Coal door strenghtener ready for riveting. Done

 

 

Rear window frames.
 

Nick applying black finish in bunker. 

Inside cab black with cream ceiling for light.

 Cab roof in black.

A new handle or knob for one of the rear window frames. Alan's work! 

A separate posting will see the guard irons and vacuum pipe work covered.