Progress report on Bon-Accord as of September 2006

General - September ‘06 has been a good month for Bon Accord with the lowering of the chassis frame off its blocks and onto temporary tracks within the workshop. This will now permit a short rolling check of wheel bearings and valve motion but more especially will allow steam valve timing. Well done to all involved in carrying out this very difficult task !

Coupling Rods - Rebuild and machining of all eight bearing brasses for coupling and connecting rods is progressing very well and is at an advanced stage. ’Fitting’ and scraping of the bearings / matching them to each wheel pin is now being done.

Cab - Preparations are in hand for temporary fitting of the cab housing onto rear chassis frame to check each fastening down bolt position. This will involve attaching temporary jig pieces to allow lifting the assembly up to two metres without distortion. - A good dry-run check procedure, for eventual installation, prior to the boiler’s arrival.

Fitments - Work is continuing on what might be called the locomotive ‘furniture’, namely all manner of levers and linkages for cyl. drain cocks, sander mechanism, knobs and grab rails. One major bonus during September was the return of Bon Accord’s original regulator lever - a great acquisition !!

Boiler - After the traumatic events following 2005 preliminary steam test, repairs are well advanced at Chatham. ( Hidden cracking had been discovered between rivet holes at foundation ring and four vertical seams to firebox outer wrapper.) Copper internal box is in good condition.

The 9in deep front skirt plate with both vertical corner seam plates have been fabricated / inserted and tack welded at firebox throat plate. Please see latest boiler photographs in gallery. Remaining backhead arch material is on order and may even have been received by now. Target for boiler repair completion is still end of the year. - 2006 that is !!!