Fabrication
Trailing Hornblocks
Our long-awaited Trailing Hornblocks arrived this morning. We look forward to carrying out their trial fit, which may be a week or two off due to diary commitments. Another significant step towards building this magnificent locomotive, thanks to all our donors.
Read MoreDeliveries – at Last
Today I was informed that our cab corner brackets are completed. These seem to have had a hex on them since they were first made for our display at Crewe Heritage Centre in 2023. As well as manufacturing faults, in the hurry to get the display ready we failed to give the clearance required for…
Read MoreMaking the Swan Neck Vacuum Pipe
Boro Foundry have posted a video of their manufacture of our vacuum pipe swan neck that fits on the front buffer beam. As made by the LNWR this was an iron casting, requiring a wooden pattern and core box. By using 3D printing instead of traditional methods they saved hundreds of pounds. Keyte Smith machined…
Read MoreReady for Permanent Frame Assembly
Thursday 27th April 2025 was another important milestone for our locomotive. The locomotive as exhibited at Crewe Heritage Centre in 2023-4 (above) was stripped down to the bare main frame assembly and the front frame plates were trial fitted (below). Everything removed was saved for possible re-use, including the plinth that was incorporated to support…
Read MoreNew works underway!
With the recent completion of the smokebox door and the obtainment of secure space in which to store the components, we are now proceeding with the next stage of fabrication. We are therefore delighted to announce that the Trust has signed an agreement and mailed a cheque to Tata Steel Plate Solutions in Wolverhampton for…
Read MoreMay news roundup
Given that it has been over a month since the last update this post will cover a number of recent developments and upcoming events in one go. The auction at Crewe Heritage Centre Founding member Bruce Nixon attended the auction held at Crewe Heritage Centre on Saturday 26th April where we successfully sold the whistle once…
Read MoreA new smokebox door for a new LNWR George the Fifth!
Well here is it and I’m sure you’ll agree that even with a temporary coat of paint, the result is fantastic and it’s worth noting that this is the first large LNWR smokebox door with original fittings seen since the 1920’s. The work is a credit to Jamie and his team at Keyte Smith Ltd.…
Read MoreSmokebox door on display this Easter!
At last, the newly fabricated smokebox door will be on public display at the Great Central Railway’s ‘Easter Vintage Festival’, with the festivities taking place across the Easter long weekend from the 18th to 21st April and centred at Quorn Station. There’ll be plenty for everyone – from steam-powered gallopers and a big wheel, traction…
Read MoreMatched funding and Legacies
In addition to the steady progress being made with fabrication, we are also making steady progress on the fundraising side of things. Your continued support now means that we have recently met the conditions to secure our next tranche of matched funding from our anonymous benefactor. In addition to your generous and indispensable support, these…
Read MoreStage 3 progress of the Smokebox door.
While it’s been relatively quiet here on the announcement front, work has nonetheless continued on the smokebox door as this post will testify. The Trust has also been working to establish the foundation for future progress; a task that has occupied us considerably of late. Our supplier, Keyte Smith has commenced stage three of the…
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