It has been a bit chilly in the FRT shed of late as it is taking some time to get the air source heat pump back in action. However, there is plenty of work to keep us warm!
Some of the jobs that we have to do aren’t all that exciting, but the team has been valiantly getting on with the cleaning of ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST Cumbria’s chassis and motion in preparation for attending to a list of mechanical jobs. Anthony Fisher, a new volunteer worker to us, is seen here attending to the frames.
Jon and Sim have also been part of the team cleaning up Cumbria.
Furness Railway locomotive No. 20’s annual boiler inspection is due before the start of the new operating season so it was decided to remove the ashpan on Saturday to enable the boiler surveyor full access to the firebox. This work includes disconnecting the linkage to the ashpan door and the removal of the ejector and two sand pipes, so not a two-minute job. Once the necessary blocks of wood have been assembled to assist with lowering the very heavy ashpan onto the ballast, it is necessary to move the locomotive forward over the ashpan to enable it to be taken away and cleaned. Unfortunately, the yard shunter had been commandeered for track work, so it was necessary to use a pinch bar to move FR 20 forward and then return it back to its original position once the ashpan had been lifted clear of the track. Ron is seen here taking his turn with the pinch bar whilst John looks on, waiting for his turn. The lowered ashpan can be seen sitting on the sleepers under the firebox of the loco.
Talking of track work, Ade and Ed have been taking the lead in preparing the south catch point on the main line along with Mick and Richard Parker. Ed captured Ade, Mick and Richard having a short rest from their exertions.
The next two photos show the old point being lifted clear and the new point in situ.
Finally, Mike Rigg informs us that there has been disruption to his local postal service with second class items taking as long as nine days to reach him. There may, therefore, be some unavoidable delays in dealing with membership correspondence at the moment. Please bear with us.