After many years being moved from pillar to post, the long-awaited restoration of the last ‘standard

Scotland was not exactly a stamping ground for Robert Riddles’ superlative ‘9F’ 2-10-0s. Indeed, none of the original 251 locomotives were ever allocated to Scottish sheds and, of those that did run north of the border, such occasional incursions were mostly made by those based out of Carlisle Kingmoor, which only received its first batch of ‘Spaceships’ as late as 1964. So, when No. 92219 – the penultimate ‘9F’ to be built – moved to Boat of Garten on the Strathspey Railway in May 2023, it made a little bit of history in becoming the first of its class to be officially based at a Scottish shed. But, more significantly, the move also heralded the start of its long-awaited restoration from Barry condition, and the beginning of its eventual return to steam after many years waiting in the wings.

Monday, 16 December 2024

Front tube plate removal.

 This week we have removed the front tube plate, first hundreds of rivets holding it in place had to be burnt out.  Then the main steam pipe would not release it, here it is being heated.

 

 Then, after being heated, apparently the best method of freeing it is to throw a bucket of cold water at it, this shocks it into submission.  This then creates the illusion that the boiler is in steam.

  

 The tube plate finally gave up and came out.  Whilst hanging from the overhead gantry, it has revolved, showing the remaining ends of the tubes still attached.

 

 An easier route into the boiler now.  The main steam pipe and longitudinal stays can be seen inside at the top.

The old tube plate on top of the new one, this is to check the dimensions of the new one.




 

at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)