Time for another catch up with work on Furness Railway Trust projects.
The decision has been taken by the Trustees to offer the work to overhaul its ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST Cumbria’s boiler to the Mid-Hants Railway. All being well, the boiler should depart Preston tomorrow, Wednesday 1st April. In readiness for this, the boiler has received a coat of protective paint.
It is expected that Cumbria’s chassis will also depart shortly for repairs by a contractor. In anticipation of this, the eccentrics have been re-fitted after cleaning and examination. Ed is seen here in the frames during re-assembly.
Further repair work to the ashpan will be needed as can be seen from this photo:
Meanwhile, John Dixon has fabricated a new door for Cumbria’s ashpan.
Work is proceeding on the repairs required to complete the overhaul of Great Western Railway 0-6-2T No. 5643’s boiler at the premises of Riley & Son at Bury. The return of the piston heads and rings has heralded the start of the re-assembly of the chassis.
Sam is seen here cleaning the face of one of the cylinder covers.
Meanwhile Tim as completed the lining out of the right-hand side of 5643’s bunker.
Last Saturday saw Furness Railway locomotive No. 20 take part in the Ribble Steam Railway’s Spring Steam Gala. This attracted an unusually high number of visitors and the loco is seen here topping and tailing with ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST Walkden hauling the Ribble Steam Railway’s ‘Queen Mary’ brake van which was offering rides to visitors.
Later in the gala, FR 20 passes the chassis and tank of former Furness Railway No.25.
Thanks go to Anne and Phil who staffed the Trust’s sales stand. Visitors were also given the opportunity to visit the FRT shed where a second-hand book stall raised some welcome funds for the Trust.