Status report on progress with Bon-Accord as of September 2005

The current status of the project is as follows:

Boiler – boiler repairs have been completed to the extent that a hydraulic test was completed satisfactorily on 20th June 2005. Repairs to the boiler included the replacement of 36 firebox stays. The test was witnessed by our boiler Insurance Inspector and a member from the Society. The subsequent in house steam test was done at Chatham Steam’s premises and there was a slight weep from just above the foundation ring.

Saddle tank – New tank received from Wilkie Eng and has been undercoated. No further work to the tank will be carried out until it is fitted after the boiler installation.

Motion – The refurbishment of the X heads is now complete. Work on the installation of the slide bars and pistons is now being carried out Valve gear – Refitting the eccentrics has been completed, refurbishment continues with the left hand side quadrant and making and fitting a new die block. The valve faces having been machined in situ have been ground and lapped with their respective valves. Work is now being carried out to repair the corroded areas of the valve chest flange faces. The valve rods are presently being built up by welding and turned to their original size by courtesy of Rotech, Aberdeen.

Cab – basic construction was completed June 2005. New brass window spectacle rings for the cab were purchased and have been prepared for fitting. Vent hole now being cut in cab roof. Doors prepared ready for hanging.

Other work – fitting of the brake linkages has been completed, we now have a braked rolling chassis. The chimney and steam dome cover were sent to Forsyth’s of Rothes for repairs. However, due to cost, the dome cover has been returned and will be repaired in house. If any members are a dab hand at panel beating and would like to have a go at repairing the dome, we would like to hear from them. The chimney has now been completed and received. Various parts such as the connecting and coupling rods and other small items such as linkages, brackets and valves are being cleaned, overhauled and primed ready for installation.

Progress plans – with the engine back on its wheels, the return of the boiler will be the next big event. Work will continue on the valve gear, motion and the cab. The completion of the project was estimated for December 2005, but due to delays with the return of the boiler from Chatham Steam, a new completion date will be set in 2006.

Now the bad news... The weep in the boiler appeared from two cracks 9”and 6” are just above the foundation ring and below the water line. Our insurers were called to look at the problem and requested the area be cut out. This was done and the cracking was more extensive than first thought. Insures say that the whole of the bottom section above the foundation ring will need to be replaced this will now cost an extra £17,500.00 and we only have £6,500.00 in the bank. The lottery are currently withholding £5000 until completion of the project and will release some of that money say £2,500.00 which still leaves us with a £8,500.00 shortfall.

Working parties are on Monday and Wednesday evenings from approximately 6.45pm to 10pm and during the day on Thursday approximately 10.30am to 4pm. Visits to the project at any other time is possible by arrangement by calling either John Foulkes on 01224 743449 or Jim Bramwell on 01224 317530