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Post by Deleted on May 2, 2019 9:03:03 GMT
Although this is an off-topic post, I did want to thank Pete for allowing me to visit the new "Doncaster Works" now hidden away in a quiet corner of Harrow. Seeing Flying Scotsman up close confirmed what we have all seen on the build postings: to set yourself the exacting requirement of a totally faithful time-period (date stamped?) build, and to not waver from that requirement means that you are now undertaking a technical challenge that goes well beyond Don Young's words and music. Pete is building an exhibition class locomotive that, when finished, could serve as a film double for the real thing (which, given Pete's background in special effects would be most appropriate). Pete's workshop machines are modest but kept in great shape and all equipped with DRO's. Even so, I would be pushed to do what he does on his machines. The fact that he has almost no scrapped parts tells you that he knows how to repeatedly produce tight tolerance on-the-money parts by attention to detail, good fixturing and work holding and by getting the most out of his machines. And he plans everything meticulously too. If you get a chance, swing by the new Doncaster Works, you'll enjoy it (and get a good cup of tea too). Thank you Tony, that's very kind of you to say so. I very much enjoyed your company for those couple of hours and thanks again for the nice gift. I have said before that members of this forum are very welcome to pay a visit, I'm not so sure about how good the tea is though... On the boiler front, Paul is making two together, one for my A1 and another for a V2, he plans to bring the shell for a trial fit next Thursday. Interestinhly he will also be taking the V2 shell for it's trial fitting at the same time as the owner lives just 12 miles from me? I must find out who it is, perhaps a member of either Harrow SME or my own North London club? Needless to say, I'm very much looking forward to next week.... Pete
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2019 15:25:12 GMT
Hi everyone I'm still deep in Kitchen land but do as hoped have a small update for you all. Today was a very important day and that was due to the boiler shell being test fitted to 4472's frames for the first time. It was a great day, Paul (Southern Boilers) spent a good few hours with me discussing the various requirements for the boiler and checking for it's fit which I have to say is very good. I do have a couple of pictures to show how things look and just for today have left them in their full size, I believe that she's finally looking like a steam locomotive and with Paul's boiler she is not only going to look the part but will steam like the prototype too. Even without the cleading she looks like a Gresley locomotive, yes I am a very happy man and getting very excited about receiving the finished boiler in due course. The rear splasher has been removed as I still need to cut out a segment to clear the boiler barrel and I also need to remove a little material from the running board inner edge around the firebox, both of these were a known fact and have been mentioned in previous updates. The first picture show's her from the rear quarter, or at least as close as I could get to the rear. And here's a view from the front, doesn't she look the part?.. ok I'm a little bias, or perhaps a lot?.. So there she is, I hope to get back on her very soon. For anyone out there who's in the market for a boiler, I can highly recommend Paul Tompkins of Southern Boilers, IMHO, the best out there, both in quality and customer service.., is was great seeing you again sir.... cheers Pete
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mbrown
Elder Statesman
Posts: 1,720
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Post by mbrown on May 9, 2019 17:49:41 GMT
Wonderful!
I agree, it's a very emotional moment when one's work begins to look like a real locomotive. All of a sudden, the massive amount of work still to be done feels achievable....
Congratulations on a splendid looking machine!
Malcolm
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Post by simon6200 on May 9, 2019 21:08:01 GMT
I've been waiting for this. Very exciting to wake up to. I note with great interest that the front and middle section appear to be tig welded. This will make it easier to get the correct line with the cladding compared to the overlapping joint shown on the plan. I am committed to the latter as I have rolled the middle section although I could rethink this if a major problem. I note also the close fit of firebox to cab spectacle plate, which I knew must be the case. Not much room for cladding here; it will have to be almost wall papered onto the outer firebox! Like you I am amazed how good, how correct it looks in the bare copper. You must be a happy man.
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2019 22:10:59 GMT
Hi Simon
Yes, Paul uses Tig where it's appropiate and the resulting outline speaks for itself. Yes I am very happy, not just with the current shell but also with the plans discussed today. Such things as supports in the firebox to support the planned firearch, blind bushes added for such things as supporting points to fix the back of the boiler down, for firmly securing the backhead cleading to the boiler so that the regulator shaft mounts can be secured to the cleading as will the fire hole door. Cleading will be in more than one part. Also, washout plugd will be fitted to the two lowest corners of the firebox crown where scale can settle. There was lots discussed today I have touched on just some.
Pete
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pault
Elder Statesman
Posts: 1,497
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Post by pault on May 9, 2019 22:22:41 GMT
I've been waiting for this. Very exciting to wake up to. I note with great interest that the front and middle section appear to be tig welded. This will make it easier to get the correct line with the cladding compared to the overlapping joint shown on the plan. I am committed to the latter as I have rolled the middle section although I could rethink this if a major problem. I note also the close fit of firebox to cab spectacle plate, which I knew must be the case. Not much room for cladding here; it will have to be almost wall papered onto the outer firebox! Like you I am amazed how good, how correct it looks in the bare copper. You must be a happy man. I must admit I was looking at the gap between boiler and cab, and thinking that looks rather snug to get the cladding under.
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Post by Deleted on May 9, 2019 22:35:07 GMT
I've been waiting for this. Very exciting to wake up to. I note with great interest that the front and middle section appear to be tig welded. This will make it easier to get the correct line with the cladding compared to the overlapping joint shown on the plan. I am committed to the latter as I have rolled the middle section although I could rethink this if a major problem. I note also the close fit of firebox to cab spectacle plate, which I knew must be the case. Not much room for cladding here; it will have to be almost wall papered onto the outer firebox! Like you I am amazed how good, how correct it looks in the bare copper. You must be a happy man. I must admit I was looking at the gap between boiler and cab, and thinking that looks rather snug to get the cladding under. As Paul said to me, it needs a little 'finishing', there is nothing currently on the back which will pull things in a little when attached. Looking at the full size there's a 'right-angled' section that goes around the front face of the spectacle plate to hold the lagging/cleading in place, I'm not sure if the lagging/cladding actually go under the cab front? just one of a number of small things to look into later. cheers Pete
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Post by David on May 9, 2019 23:28:31 GMT
That looks great! There's a lot of copper in that already.
Ending the cladding at the spectacle plate seems to be a common method down here. You may need to file some relief for the boiler stays depending on where they end up.
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dave f
Active Member
Must focus on the Princess, resist temptation to tinker with new toy...
Posts: 45
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Post by dave f on May 10, 2019 5:10:51 GMT
Hi Pete. Good for you. Bet you were stoked today. It looks incredible. The light is indeed visible at the end of tunnel. Dave
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2019 5:26:33 GMT
Hi Pete. Good for you. Bet you were stoked today. It looks incredible. The light is indeed visible at the end of tunnel. Dave Thanks, Dave, there is certainly 'light ahead' but it sure is a 'long tunnel'.. we are getting there though...soon I can get stuck into the real detail, this will tick all of my boxes for some time ahead, as I just love that stuff... cheers Pete
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mbrown
Elder Statesman
Posts: 1,720
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Post by mbrown on May 10, 2019 6:30:53 GMT
UK practice was usually to continue the cladding up to the backplate - and if the latter is cladded, as on the Gresley Pacifics, it would all join up. Given the amount the firebox protrudes into the cab, the cab would get unbearably hot if those plates were not lagged.
So I think the cab front may need adjusting to sit nicely around the cladded boiler.
Malcolm
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2019 8:48:10 GMT
UK practice was usually to continue the cladding up to the backplate - and if the latter is cladded, as on the Gresley Pacifics, it would all join up. Given the amount the firebox protrudes into the cab, the cab would get unbearably hot if those plates were not lagged. So I think the cab front may need adjusting to sit nicely around the cladded boiler. Malcolm Thanks, Malcolm, Paul is aware that it needs some dressing in, I did suggest that I could probably take a little off the cab front face if it's a problem but Paul is confident all will be well after a little fettling and after the backplate is on.....yes, it makes sense that all of the boiler was lagged...cheers Pete
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JohnF
Active Member
Looking for lost Mojo
Posts: 22
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Post by JohnF on May 10, 2019 10:40:15 GMT
Absolutely Fantastic, Hurry up with that kitchen and get back on 4472 please
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Post by a3lner on May 10, 2019 18:33:38 GMT
hi pete
one word FANTASTIC
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Post by Deleted on May 11, 2019 21:40:35 GMT
good evening chaps As you know, I'm busy doing some DIY but want to keep you guys in touch with what's going on behind the scenes and so I have asked Paul and have been granted permission to show some of the progress being made on the boiler. No pictures for tonight but I can share a modified drawing showing the planned layout for the crown stays. For those familiar with Don's design, you'll know that there are 4 rows of crown stays, Paul will be fitting 6 into 4472's boiler as can be seen here. There will be a number of changes to the design as I'm sure was clear to some with the barrel shell, other visible differences will mostly be on the backhead and these will be explained later. To begin with, the two holes low down in the throat plate corners are wash out plugs to remove scale from the lowest points in the boiler. cheers Pete
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Post by David on May 12, 2019 5:09:42 GMT
It's exciting the boiler is happening and should be a good spur when it's done. Not that you're hanging around anyway, the cylinders are really bringing it to life.
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barlowworks
Statesman
Now finished my other projects, Britannia here I come
Posts: 874
Member is Online
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Post by barlowworks on May 12, 2019 8:48:57 GMT
And suddenly it's an engine, brilliant.
Mike
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Post by Deleted on May 13, 2019 13:54:49 GMT
Continuing with the 'behind the scenes' theme, this time it's from Adam (Cro Fittings), the good sir was up very late last night drawing up this beautiful scale manifold for me as Paul will need it very soon to machine up a matching bush. so here you are chaps, a first look at the Cro Fittings 'manifold' for Gresley pacific's and I suspect some other large Gresley designs too. Pure art I say... Pete
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Post by a3lner on May 13, 2019 17:13:37 GMT
Hi Pete 100% i will be in touch with Adam for a larger one.. work he does is great Tom
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2019 18:28:13 GMT
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