July 25

During July work advanced steadily on both the eight-plank wagon and locomotive 30075. On the wagon, painting featured prominently, beginning with primer and progressing through grey and brown coats to glossing of the sides, ends, wheels and chassis. Steel capping was refixed, a tarpaulin support bar and framework fabricated, and thirty planks of timber delivered for the new floor. By the end of the month the wagon was looking tidy and presentable, with much of the glossing completed and the structure for the cover well in hand. The photo below demonstrates the fantastic progress made by the 8 plank wagon team in just 12 months.

On 30075 a series of mechanical and boiler tasks were carried out. Early in the month the right-hand clack valve was refitted, the blower joint remade, new steps installed on the smokebox, and the left-hand steam pipe lagged and clad. After delays waiting for machining, the steam dome lid and new copper gasket were fitted and preparations made for a fresh steam test.

A warming fire was lit mid-month, but during the next day’s attempt the clack valve joint failed and a leaking stay was identified. Subsequent sessions saw gasket replacements, tightening of fittings, and the manifold valve removed, cleaned and refitted. Further warming fires followed, and on 30 July Richard Vincent successfully repaired the leaking stay. Boiler pressure was raised to 195 psi with a safety valve lifting as expected. Although no test run was possible without a crew, the day marked a successful stage in the overhaul, leaving only minor leaks to be dealt with before arranging for the boiler inspector to attend under steam.