Group Update Ausust 2023

Tuesday, 22nd August, 2023

Standard 4 Tank Loco   80097

After much delay the new large flue tubes for 80097,  which were due in March, finally arrived in May. Our Boiler Inspector then required the welds on them to be tested, so 10% were sent away and passed the British Standard test. He then required them to be tested to a more stringent American Standard test  and so another 10% were sent away and again all passed.

Nigel and our workshop team have started fitting them into 80097's boiler.

When the fitting is completed, the flues will be professionally machined into the boiler and then steam pressure testing can be carried out.

During the downtime other improvements have been carried out, such as new support brackets for the boiler longtitudinal stay.

Our current aim is for 80097 to be back in steam in the autumn.

Ivatt loco 46428

Our workshop team have continued steadily making progress on our Ivatt loco restoration. They have lifted the new smokebox into a temporary storage position on the frame saddle.

Work on the new cab has also continued and it is now having the initial assembly screws replaced with the final rivets.

The rusted studs on the cylinders have been drilled out and a new smokebox door baffle plate fabricated.

New brake hanger metal for the six hangers has been delivered and they are now being machined. A new steam brake fulchrum has been fabricated, as well as front guard irons and steps.

The old Ivatt chimney has been adapted into a ‘Chimney Fund’ donation point and is located on the walkway to the Shop. If you’re down there, please drop a few coppers in.

Wagons

Taking a very supportive role at the recent Thomas Event was a rake of wagons making up the 'Troublesome Trucks' train.

The goods wagons are owned by The Bury Standard 4 Group and Keith Savory, who with his Wagons Team, restore and maintain them and several others in the Group's ownership. They looked very impressive and quite a reminder of the old 'clanging' days of goods trains. Good job Keith.

Anyone who would like to join Keith and our Wagons team in their varied and interesting jobs should call in at the BS4G Shop at weekend and we'll put you in touch.

Shop Coach

A very successful raffle was held in the Spring. Another raffle, where the first prize will be a full line ride on the footplate of 80097, is planned to be held in September. Tickets will be available in the Shop Coach and from BS4G staff at Bury Bolton Street platforms.

Our Shop is open every Saturday and Sunday and most Wednesdays. Come down and visit us.

The Shop Coach itself has had the outside refurbished by our Wagons master Keith Savory, which has spruced it up nicely.

Photos

Our workshop team working on fitting the new flue tubes into 80097 

   ( Photo by  John Cowburn)

The new Ivatt cab taking shape

A small rake of our wagons in use at the recent Thomas event