Wash-out, new baffle plates etc

Having removed all the old corroded baffle plates Tyler replaced them with new and, making sure all the tools were removed, the tank was given a thorough wash-out. The water ran clear through the water inlet and, to make sure, another wash-out was done. Wooden blanks were made to cover the equalising/balancing pipe holes and the injector ones, to stop any grit getting into the tank when it is blasted. John Bratchell-Hunt is welding the replacement ends back in, along with the bracket to attach the tank to the cab. The last rod was attached to the radius link and an oil pot for the piston glands was given a coat of 20C40. The chimney will need some attention, including welding in a broken piece, and Nick cut off the bolts and drilled a centre pilot hole so that Nathan can burn them out.

 

Water running clear.

New baffle plates in. Thanks Tyler.

RH bracket and opening welded back in place. 

LH opening partly in place. Bracket still to go on.

Blanking plate on injector valve.

Blanking plate on balancing pipe.

All rods attached to radius links.

Oil pot for piston glands in 20C40!

Nick drilling the bolts on the chimney. The piece needing repaired is by Nick's left knee.

Watching the weather now for a dry spell to grit blast the tank - and quickly prime and protect it!

Removal of old baffles & clearing out of detritus!

To facilitate work on the inside of the saddle tank the footplate ends were partially removed. These were corroded where the water is fed to the boiler and were needing replaced. New plates have been fabricated and will be welded back into place. This allowed Tyler Playfair to gain entry and has completed the removal of the old baffles and cleaned the rusted detritus from the tank. This was a great effort by the only human on site that could access the innards, being small, agile and fit enough for the task. An extractor fan provided fresh air at all times. I did get into the tank but was unable to even turn over! Hoovering removed the detritus from the water point on the bottom/top of the tank. The baffles, which were rusted and corroded, were removed and will be replaced with new one. We did discover one hidden baffle on the top which Nathan passed as acceptable on seeing photos. Shot blasting the tank is what is required now - weather permitting.

LH side cut out. This is of course upside down! Access now possible.

 

RH side with Tyler ready for work. 

One of the 6 baffles that were removed.

Extractor fan providing fresh air. Another baffle gone. 

Some of the detritus being hoovered via the water inlet.

The hidden baffle at the top of the tank.

All 6 new baffle plate primed.

Alan preparing the new tank end.

Where the detritus was pushed out - the water inlet.

                                               

A tight fit on the last baffle on the RH side!

 

Tyler 1 - tank 0!