Cleaning loco firebox

[manofkent]

I would welcome any advice on how to clean my loco firebox grate after a run.
The loco is LBSC's Bantam Cock in 3.1/2 gauge.
The firebox is wide as with LNER engines.
The grate is in 3 parts. From left to right, a "ledge" of about 1/2 inches of grate, then a section about 2" wide that swings down to the back of the engine to dump the fire, and finally the third part is a fixed ledge grate like the first part.
The ledges do not swing down, and the grate overall cannot be completely removed from the firebox.
Looking at the drawings this seems to be how LBSC designed it.

To clean the centre grate is easy, just push it down and brush or rake it as needed. 
It is the side "ledges" that cause me problems as it is almost impossible to de clinker them, fixed as they are in the firebox. I especially can't get at the bits right behind the backhead.
Result - on starting a run with a "clean" loco probably 1/3 of the grate may still have some bits stuck between the firebars.

Does anyone have any suggestions apart from build a different grate and ashpan please?

Many thanks 

John

[bodrage]

Hi Man of Kent.I wouldUse a Air Line with a suitable nozzle to gain access from the firehole door. On Main line loco,s we used a Bent splice to get under neath th fire hole door It was like a pricker but with a chisel type head .Iam certain you will get some better advice in the future posts .Good Luck.

[flyingfox]

Greetings,
Is it possible that the grate sections can be removed via the firehole?
That's how it is often done on 71/4 gauge wide firebox locos.
also I would suggest a vacuum cleaner nozzle suitable modified to go through the door, perhaps with an extension is better to use than compressed air, since the mess is contained and not spread about.

I have owned two "bantam Cocks", a 3.5 inch gauge one, and a 71/4 one, and both behaved in exactly the same way. Both were good locos and ran well.

Regards
Brian

[chris vine]

Hi John,

I would make a copper tube extension for the vacuum. Just the last few inches would be made of 1/2 or 3/4 inch copper tube, bent to a suitable shape.

then you can put it in through the fire hole and scratch about while sucking all the dust and muck out of the way. Blowing all over the place makes a real mess and gets right into all the bearings!

All best
Chris.

[manofkent]

Thanks Bodrage, Brian and Chris.
I do have a vacuum cleaner in the garage. Perhaps a bent suction pipe plus a pricker might do the job..
I'll have a go and a good run at the weekend and report back.

John