West Somerset Railway Association

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Progress update on 4561’s side tanks

container Shelving
container Shelving
container Shelving

Before the top sheet was finally put in position the fixing bolts for the air vent, feed pipe bracket and top inspection cover were welded in place. These items cannot be accessed internally once the tank is complete, so the bolts are held captive to allow the parts to be subsequently removed if required. All of the other items on the top of the tanks will be rivetted in place.

 

The top sheet was then put in position for the final time and bolted up through every other hole to await riveting.

 

The tank filler was checked in place, and installation of the beading to the top edge has since been completed. Both of these items will be riveted in place once the riveting of the top and side sheets has been completed.

 

With the top sheet secured in place we have made the tube that carries the feed water pipe through the middle of the tanks, and also the two drain pipes that keep the top of the tank clear of water.

 

 

The Manufacture of New Side Tanks for 4561 are Progressing Well

Further Progress is being made on 4561’s at Minehead

All of the 10mm holes that were laser cut in the inside platework have now been drilled through and transferred into the angle iron frame.
These holes in the frame have now all been drilled out to 10.3mm and tapped 12mm, to take the stainless steel bolts that will secure the inside platework in position.
Work has started started on drilling out the 10mm laser cut holes in the inside platework to 12.5mm to provide a clearance around the 12mm bolts, with approximately 60% holes enlarged so far.
As always a huge thank you to the “Tank Team”



 

 

November 2025

More Progress on the Side Tanks

Paul Orrells reports more good progress at Minehead, all of the fixing holes for the outside sheets have been drilled.

 The sheets were then tack welded together at the front, and the combined sheet was then laid down to weld from the seam from the back.

The front and rear welds were then all completed and the welds now awaiting dressing.

October 2025

Work continues on the Side Tanks

Work has proceeded extremely well on the right hand tank over the last few weeks as per the attached pictures.

7/10/2025 – The photos below show that the two bottom halves of the tank have been welded together, with the curved front section of the tank with its 8 inch radius bend temporarily mounted, along with the baffles and stays in place welded to the bottom of the tank.

 

9/10/2025 – The next two photos show the front curved section being drilled and attached to the angle iron frame above the front splasher.

We have also ordered the first of the inside sheets that supports the reverser stand, which should also be with us in about 10 days.