Not long after making my last post on here another engine came my way at a sensible price, considering the level of work required to the Manor to get it back in tip top condition, and with the modifications I would like to make to it, the Manor has been set to one side for a couple of months whilst a quick re-paint and light 'bottom end overhaul' take place to the new engine. Much of this work is now done, so work on the Manor shall resume shortly. The new purchase is a 32XX, I have only ever seen one other in 5" gauge which was one of the main reasons for purchasing it, the second reason was that it would be a much quicker job than the Manor thus giving me a GW engine to enjoy alongside the O2 this coming season.
Couple of pics of the 32 below:
As purchased, a little worn, engine and tender two different shades of green applied with a 3" brush, in need of a 'freshen up'
The cab as purchased, regulator seized in open position, horrid horrid horrid fittings!! The red line on the pressure gauge, don't ask, it will have pulled well at that pressure though! The regulator is now freed off, the manifold modified to take GW type fittings, the blower valve is now in the correct location on the backhead and a new more scale like regulator handle that will be in the right position when 'shut', rather than vertical as current, is under construction.
The coupling rod bearings were somewhat worn....
The knuckle joints in particular were very heavily worn, upon dismantling the reason soon became clear, there was no bearing within the joint, just running steel to steel... The worn holes in the rods were reamed out and a bronze bush made and pressed into the inner part of the joint, a new pin was then made to suit as a press fit into the outer section of the knuckle. One of the old pins is in the middle of the photo where a ridge can be seen where the wear has taken place.
Completed new bearing and knuckle joint.
The tender has now been repainted into BR green, just awaiting painting of the buffer beam and the application of a nice big early crest!
As things stand at the moment (poor picture, sorry!) New cabside plates are on order, the present ones make no attempt at replicating the distinctive GW plates. Boiler is awaiting hydraulic test this weekend then hopefully I should be able to re-fit cladding, paint, plumb up new cab fittings and throw a fire in it, well, that is the plan anyway........!
The only other work that has taken place on the Manor was to have nearly completed the eccentric straps and to drop the boiler back in the frames to save space as the loco rack was a little full. If I can get the 32 finished before the end of March then it will give me 4-5 months to really press on with the Manor to see if I can complete it in time for Gilling at the end of August, I find it easier to press on in the warmer/lighter months when popping into the workshop seems a little more inviting than on a dark cold winter evening when it is all too easy to end up watching tv.......!
Cheers,
Mike
