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June 2024

After re-wheeling the loco we moved the tender frames onto the accommodation trollies
ready to bring them into the shed for attention.

 

The engine back in the shed after re-wheeling.

 

The re-wheeling team pose for a record of the event after the smokebox has been
re-positioned on the saddle.

 

The engine is finally back on it's wheels after 35 years.

 

The big day arrived and with a 110T crane on site we lifted the frames to put 45163
back on her wheels. Just preparing for the lift in this image.

 

Prior to re-wheeling we removed the smokebox which had been sat on the saddle for
some time following a trial fit. This was to clear the straps for the big lift for re-wheeling and
to access these exhaust steam pipe elbows so that we could fit the proper studs and
permanently fit them with joint sealant to the exhaust flanges on the cylinders.

 

In preparation for re-wheeling we re-faced the bogie bearing pads and re-established
the oil grooves which had all but worn away.

 

The bogie and wheelsets all prrepared ready for re-wheeling.

 

Lubrication pipes to the bogie all made and fitted.

 

The finished trailing crankpin after modification for the speedometer drive return crank.

 

The trailing crankpin after the threaded sectio nhad been removed and the end cleaned up and faced off.

 

The tool used and jigs we made for cutting off the threaded section.

 

The left trailing crankpin has to be modified to mount a return cranl to drive the speedometer.
This will entail removing the threaded section shown here and drilling holes for dowels and studs.

 

Final fitting of the axleboxes and springs in perparation for re-wheeling.

 

After the spring hanger pins came back from case hardening they just needed polishing up before fitting.

 

Trial fit of the dust shields and retaining straps following machining.

 

Machining one of the dust shields for the driving axleboxes.

 

We've just taken delivery of a set of steam pipe glands that fit to the sides of the smokebox.
There are two sets here, one for 45163 and one for 45293.

 

Trial fit of the keep pads(Armstrong Oilers) prior to soaking in oil ready for final fitting.

 

Machining the split pin groove in the spring hanger pins prior to them going off for case hardening.

 

A new set of spring hanger pins made in EN36 for case hardening, an original pin can be seen to the right.