Brit Progress: a parting shot!

[Deleted]

I haven't got to the boat yet (we go on Saturday) as there have been a number of domestic and dental issues, but I've done a bit on the Brit, mainly cosmetics. The replacement smokebox is finished, complete with a regulator boss that look something like the original. I'm very happy at using 20g steel instead of the 16g specified, it seems to look more lifelike. The paint is Halfords HT, stoved in my pottery kiln at 160c.




The barrell cladding has been remade in galv steel because I made the mistake of drilling the clack apertures before bending and they were badly aligned. It has two coats of 2-pack deep brunswick green satin, over some Awlgrip etch epoxy primer, but it is still patchy and needs another two coats. I also remade the firebox wrapper - it looks too sloped but I've just slapped it on for the picture- as the washout plugs were too high, and I really wanted six on one side and five on the other.....



I've been playing with the firebox doors: they too now look something like the original. I've procured some blacking solution which seems to work well so I will replace the socket screws when I've made some some small bolts.



I'm quite looking forward to getting back in September!
JB

[welshy]

Looks excellent JB enjoy the break and hurry up back to finish it.
Mike

[ace]

Hi JB

Looks fantastic, the smoke box is brilliant.

how long did you bake the smoke box for if you don't mind me asking.


Steve

[Deleted]

Great to see an update JB, looking very good. Top marks to you for remaking the boiler wrapper with the correct amount of washout plugs. I would never have known the mistake like many others I suspect but once it's been pointed out it would always be on your mind so good for you in re-doing them. The loco is looking great and I look forward to further updates when you return.

Happy boating..

Pete

[Deleted]

May 19, 2011 20:07:52 GMT ace said:

Hi JB

how long did you bake the smoke box for if you don't mind me asking.
Steve

Hi Steve

The kiln retains heat so I suspect it soaked for about 10 minutes at the top temperature and then gradually cooled off. Sufficient to say that the thumbnail test on the hardened paint surface was passed!
JB

[ace]

Thanks JB, I am looking at re-doing my smoke box on my G1 Project because the stuff I put on it has bubbled where oil has settled on it. Only small bubbles on the top of the chimney but I haven't even run properly yet.

Thanks I will have ago this weekend now that I've cleaned it up and prepped it ready for painting again, plus SWMBO is away this weekend so the cookers free. ;D ;D


steve

[Shawki Shlemon]

Nice work JB , I was wondering why you were not posting anything for a while , hope all your issues are fixed and have good Holiday and I will be looking forward to see your progress .