It’s been a while since the last update. The delays have been for several reasons including longer than expected lead times for supplies, other work and the impact of the February storms.
Words by Mike Johns and photos by Ryan Pope.
Having decided to replace piston rods and heads orders were placed in December 2021. They were then subject to extended delivery periods and have only just arrived. This has meant only minor jobs could be progressed on 4561.
The two piston rod blanks have also been delivered and are fit for purpose as seen in this photo.
This photo. shows one of the piston heads being proof machined to confirm its suitability for use. It is not – the small marks you can see are voids indicating that the casting is porous and not fit both having to be replaced by our suppliers with fault free castings – and a further delay waiting delivery.
A close up shows the defects exposed which may well extend sideways below the machined surface and the next photo. shows that the other piston head is similarly defective.
Amongst the jobs that have been progressed the new cylinder cladding sheets have been cut and rolled for fitting. This photo. shows the right hand one fitted in position having been given a coat of priming paint.
The opportunity has also been taken to fit part of the front platform as seen here.
Originally the front of 4561’s frames had been subject to collision damage and were bent. The last platform had been cut to fit hence the curved section on the LHS of the photo. does not reach the top of the angle it is to be bolted to as can just be seen.