More Preparation for Completion of Frame Assembly

After a Scottish break including a trip on the Jacobite from Fort William to Mallaig and back and a very wet (Scotch Mist?) cruise on the paddle steamer Waverley, it’s been time to get back to our locomotive.

Yesterday I had a meeting with Alasdair Hibberd, son of our late chairman Paul Hibberd. We caught up with each others’ news and he handed over two number plates that he had been storing for us. We will keep in touch, and hopefully he may be able to visit our locomotive one day.

This morning was spent revising drawings for frame assembly in line with what has actually been done. During assembly we changed the sequence, putting the front buffer beam on as part of the front frame alignment process. The buffer beam and its brackets bring the frame plates to true vertical, giving greater accuracy. This afternoon was spent drilling extra holes and modifying others ready for the final assembly, when we fit over 100 Huckbolts. We will probably have another half day, then two days fitting Huckbolts.

The day when we declare Frame Assembly complete is getting near!

Terry McMenamin
Engineer