Workshop Update Oct 2023

Tuesday, 3rd October, 2023

Work continues at a steady pace on our Ivatt loco 46428.

The new cab has been rivetted together and is being primed. Newly cast brake hanger mounting brackets are being machined.

The boiler is being cleaned up and the top feed housing is being refurbished. A shelter cover has been erected over the boiler and it is planned to have an official boiler inspection carried out this week to determine the state of the boiler.

Progress is being made on the fabrication of a new drag box. The two sides have been cut out and are being reinforced with supporting fillets ready for eventual assembly.

Alongside this loco work, a mineral wagon is being refurbished so that it can be used by the ELR. After many years in the open it is in a sorry state and work has started on replacing the base of the rotted door pillars and refurbishing the door hinges.

It was great to see several of our Group wagons forming the 'Troublesome Trucks' train at last weekend's Thomas event. They will be back out for the shunting demonstrations at the Autumn Steam Gala - look out for them.

Our Workshop Team, Wagons Team and Shop Team are always happy to welcome new volunteers. If you would like to join us, use the 'Contact Us' option on this website or call in at our fund raising Shop Coach at the end of platform 2 at the East Lancs. Railway's Bury Bolton Street staion any Saturday or Sunday.

Pictures are:

Erecting the Ivatt boiler shelter cover

 One of the wagon doors refurbished

Some of our Group wagons at the Thomas event