August 2026
On August 1st, 30076's steam dome cover was removed and taken into our shelter, where along with the two sander domes, it was abraded to remove excess rust. The underside of the front buffer beam was also derusted, and a start was made on cleaning up the loco's cylinders.
On August 5th, 30076's steam dome cladding was lifted off, then taken to the shelter. General cleaning around the front buffer beam, cylinders and smokebox saddle continued and some areas were treated for rust, then primed. Firebox cladding continued to be repaired. The loco's water tanks balance pipe was shortened by 55mm, then tack welded.
On August 12th, repair work on 30076's backhead cladding continued and priming of the underside of the buffer beams was completed. One of the two sand domes continued to be derusted and the operating mechanism is being overhauled. Loco 30075 is still at the Plym Valley Railway, and its inspection continues. Two new steam heat hoses for 30075 have been acquired and clips fitted.
On August 19th, a drain was welded onto the water tanks’ balance pipe. With John Drew operating NDR’s digger, 30076's lefthand water tank was lifted off, allowing the tank balance pipe to be manoeuvred into position. The lefthand tank was then refitted and the balance pipe successfully connected to both water tanks, indicating that the pipe had been shortened correctly. The pipe was then disconnected, and the lefthand tank lifted off again, and positioned outside our workshop. The balance pipe is now ready for its welding to be completed.
As regards 30075, the loco's two safety valves will be delivered to Barry Gamble in Portland in the next few days, for refurbishment. When the safety valves have been returned, and refitted, hopefully in early September, Plym Valley will be in a position to proceed with a steam test.
On August 26th, 30076's lefthand tank was moved into the shelter, and the sander pipe channels were welded up. The sander domes and the steam dome cladding continued to be derusted and the blowdown valve was removed from beneath the boiler. The balance pipe for the water tanks had its welding completed. 30075's safety valves are now fully serviced and next week it is intended for a working party to visit Plym Valley Railway to fit them to 30075 and to attend to the loco's leaking balance pipe.
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