Current happenings

1638 went back into traffic, fully restored as of Feb 06

Previous "news updates" archive prior to February 2006

Previous "news updates" archive since the launch of 1638 in February 2006

29th June 2009

"Wheels meet again... !

Yes its true, after months of anticipation, the next big step on the way back for 847 has been taken. 847’s frames were re-wheeled on Thursday 21st May after much hard work by Tony Funnell, assisted by Ray Bellingham, working on overhauling the locomotive’s axleboxes and horn guides.  The bogie axle boxes were also overhauled, which did add time to the job, but has ensured a “very thorough” job has been done.
The re-wheeling was as ever a bit of a fiddly job,  but was all completed by 12.00 on the day, so all were quite pleased with that!  For a change the day was dry too; all to often it seems to rain when the crane comes in for work at Sheffield Park.
The next few weeks will involve getting components back on the frames.  The first job on Sunday 24th May was to re-fit the axlebox underkeeps (keeps everything in place now she is rewheeled).  Soon after we will tackle fitting up the springs, these can not be fitted on at the time of re-wheeling, due to the design of the fixing arrangements on the frames.
Hopefully in the not too distant future there will be some space in the workshop, hand then the frames can go inside and work start on fitting on the motion components. One of the best things about an overhaul as opposed to a restoration like 1638 was, is that we have all the bits so the major hurdles of making new parts for the missing ones are not there... just replacing the worn out ones! This continues apace as we make 847's overhaul a truly comprehensive one that will last her well. Her frames rewheeled are shown here. The identity of the person who seems to have adopted the late George Nicksons role of getting "in shot" is unknown!

Boiler
At the time of writing, the workshop staff had been able to make a start on riveting up the foundation ring, as and when it was appropriate in between jobs on the E4 boiler and the P class boiler.  Once this is completed Melvyn Frohnsdorff and Frank Glue can start tapping out stay holes to the required sizes for new stays. Expect to hear more about this in future; there are a lot of stays!
 
We have been able to access a small quantity of suitable tubing for 847 superheater elements and the volunteer gang have done a good job of cleaning up the tubing.  It is hoped that it may be possible to arrange for the elements to be fabricated this summer.

And finally, the new blastpipe pattern is now complete.  A big “thank-you” is due to Roy Stirling (shown in the picture here) and  Sid Prentice  for the long and time consuming work put into making the pattern and core boxes.  We look forward to seeing the finished item in due course.

1638
1638 has been in regular service this Spring, and is booked for use in the remainder of the year. A resounding success and a credit to the society. Get to the Park if you can this summer and enjoy her time in "active service"!

PMV

You will be pleased to know that we have won the Rail Category in the Eastbourne Historic Vehicle Club 2009 Awards Scheme for the restoration of our PMV. A well done to all involved in this work. The van does look splendid but we weren't over confident as a van isn't as instantly impressive as an engine or coach. The hard work and quality o final product was recognised though we are pleased to say. Another feather in the cap for the society!

We will be receiving a cheque for £100, and will go forward into the 'Overall Winner' competition (which we won when we entered No.1638), when we will be up against other Category winners such as historic cars, tractors, etc.. The overall winner is selected by EHVC members after presentations by all the category winners on the evening of June 25, for which a prize of £400 and a plaque is won.

...Fundraising 847

Now that 847’s frames are re-wheeled we need to continue to be able to progress the overhaul and fundraising is as ever an issue for us.

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