Locomotive Summary - November 2008

Trustee Ian Scarlett has provided an update on the status of both locomotives, with additional information supplied by K&ESR Engineering Manager, Paul Wilson:-

No.3 “Bodiam”

No.3 has been having problems with the air pump for its Westinghouse brake.  Consequently, this has been stripped out and new gland components fitted to the steam cylinder.  New stuffing boxes have been made and fitted; the pump piston rod is away at a contractor to have the metal built up.  One locking ring has been made and fitted with a second underway.

Specific attention has also been given to one of the injector steam valves as well as routine running repairs.  The engine is popular with the crews: Ian described it as “a lovely little machine to run”.

The blow-down valve had split due to frost last December and a replacement borrowed from 32678.  Rolvenden have confirmed that 32678 has been fitted with a replacement as part of the overhaul process.

32678

Having been lifted in the summer, axle bearings and boxes were checked and the oil pads replaced.  Now lowered back onto its wheels, the springs have been replaced.

The motion itself has not been stripped down, being considered to be in a suitable condition for the next period of running.  At the front end, new slide valves have been fitted, the steam chest cover has been replaced and Lawrence Donaldson has been working on new piston rings. 

The boiler has passed a hydraulic test; some rivets have been built-up with weld and others repaired.  No date has yet been set for a steam test but it hopefully will not be long before it is done.  It has previously been agreed with the boiler inspector that the steam test could be carried out with the boiler in the frames, significantly reducing the duration of the overhaul.

The tanks have been internally coated and are ready for fitting.  No major repair work has been identified so just routine overhaul tasks are outstanding.  A date has yet been pencilled in for a return to service, although sometime in 2009 is still anticipated.

There is no major outstanding work.  Quite how and when the new “Tenterden” plates might be fitted, commissioned for a K&ESR marketing initiative, has not yet been agreed and is subject to further discussions with the railway.

The valve seats and cylinder bores are okay for now, but the indications are that the latter are at their 14.5-inch maximum diameter.  Lawrence Donaldson had advised that in his opinion the cylinder bores should last the next 10-year period, but that the valve ports, particularly on the RH cylinder are becoming thin.  All locomotives are subject to routine valve and piston exams, and their condition will be monitored.

It has been pointed out by Chairman Tom White that it might not be necessary to replace the block on life-expiry.  They could, for example, be sleeved like “Norwegian” and such is the pace of technological advance, other repair options may be available when the time comes.  Indeed No.3’ s cylinders have been successfully fitted with liners.