3 weeks of variety! More vacuum, assessing old and drilling new, and resinating stuff!

 Vacuum pipework has continued and the process of achieving it is thoughtful to say the least! We are still working on the route under the running board weaving our way past steps, sand box, injector pipes etc.The sanding box levers and handles have been partially fitted and painted and the rods are also in place. Other work has seen the old boiler barrel angle ring heated to measure the expansion and the marking out and drilling of the new one. The makers plates have had a layer of resin poured onto the back and now have a flat surface for fitting to the cabside. Highlighting the lettering and borders is ongoing - with Ruston gloss paint. I tried with Humbrol and it was too runny - filled between the letters! The ejector has been mounted on a plate - its final position has still to be decided. 

Alan aligning the elbows at each end of the pipe.

Threaded pipe and checking elbow.

Vacuum pipework under front right.

Testing the vacuum on 26th March. This will be done for each section rather than for the entire pipe.

Nathan has marked out all 88 holes on the boiler barrel angle ring for drilling.

Nathan countersinking the rivet holes.

 

  

Right hand sanding box handle.

And in finished black along with the left one drying.

 

Rear of the makers plates - a dam built and resin poured in. A level playing surface!

Painted and ready for highlighting.

First coat of "Buttercup" to lettering.

Ejector mounted on plate.

And finally for this Blog- on a cold snowy Easter Sunday - some heating on the old boiler barrel angle ring to measure expansion!