Delivery Frustrations

It has been one of those times when getting deliveries is hard.  Cast iron elbows for smokebox sides and for the front end vacuum pipe await our inspection, so at least one job is reasonably near promised schedule.   The cab corner support brackets are expected back within a few days now.  Our contractors purchased a new tool to machine out some bolt holes, but sadly it could only take very light cuts so was unviable.  We have now agreed to the manufacture of inserts to be welded into enlarged holes.  These will take countersunk bolts, giving the all-important clearance to the rear driving wheels.   We d expect to fit them early next week, then fit the coupling rod splashers and start modifications to the main splasher.

On another front, long-term supporters will remember that some years ago we had coupling rod forgings made.  These were made of an pretty good grade of engineering steel.  We had to buy a ingot, and we have now received a cost for producing forgings for the connecting rods from that ingot.  Suffice it to say that the cost is staggering, reflecting the calamitous imposed cost of gas over the last few years.  The Trustees will consider the options next week.

Hopefully our trailing hornblocks will be delivered this month, several months late.