PROGRESS REPORT ON EX-GWR LOCOMOTIVE No 6695 AT THE WILLITON WORKSHOPS JULY 2008

Photo Report from Nigel Clark - dated 27th July 2008
6695 Locomotive Group
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Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 in the workshops at Williton

Nigel Clark writes:

Here is an update on recent activity on ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 together with photographs showing the engineering work taking place.

I have also provided some pictures I took this week which are of the almost complete right leading 'box with new horn liners being milled to size.

Work is progressing slowly, unfortunately there have been some hold-ups outside of our control including delays in supply of materials. Axleboxes were in very poor condition and, as work has progressed, have required more work than originally foreseen.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695's axlebox horn faces being cleaned up/squared off with a cutter

Whitemetalled bronze crowns have been pressed into the axleboxes, whitemetal has been cast on the thrust faces and these have now been machined to size. The axlebox horns have been machined square ready for the fitting of new horn-liner plates which are being cut to size and drilled for fitting, first axlebox (right leading) is now virtually complete apart from final fettling. Whilst this may not sound like much, the work is actually very time consuming due to the number of different operations required.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695's axlebox axlebox underkeeps being squared off

Additionally, Group members have continued with other jobs including general maintenance and getting the boiler ready for its annual cold exam. The boiler passed this cold exam on Thursday 24th July, and will require steam testing (following completion of axlebox work) for re-certification to be complete.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695's axleboxes with new crowns pressed-in and horn faces squared off

There is as yet no date for re-entry to traffic, once the work is complete there will be a period of running-in to be undertaken on the West Somerset Railway to ensure all is well. Whether the engine returns home immediately after this or stays with the WSR for a while has yet to be discussed, though attendance at their Autumn Steam Gala has provisionally been agreed (as announced on their website). However 6695 will return home and take up its normal duties at Swanage before the end of this year.

Left: Jig in place for casting whitemetal thrust face. Right: Left Trailing axlebox with underkeep in place

The following photographs show the complex machining processes needed to restore 6695's crown bearings to pristine condition. The additional unforseen work has needed additional funding by 6695's supporters. Please scroll down to the bottom of this page to see how you can help

Left: Whitemetalled crown being bored to size. Right: Whitemetalled crown being bored to size, whitemetal thrust face yet to be machined

Fully machined crown bearing and thrust face

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695's new horn liner plates cut to size and being trial fitted before drilling

No 6695's right leading 'box having new horn liners shaped to size on the milling machine.

Photo 1 shows new horn liners fitted to RH leading 'box and being set up for machining, and Photo 2 shows LH leading 'box with new horn liners being drilled ready for fitting.

Swanage Railway's 6695 Locomotive Group always welcomes help and support. For further details of how to join us and to see further information on the specification and history of 6695, please visit our dedicated homepage at http://swanagerailway.co.uk/6695/index.htm by clicking here. You will find background information on the locomotive and links to all 6695 news items.

Nigel Clark
6695 Locomotive Group