An Engine is Wheeled

On Thursday 1st December a major milestone in the restoration of 31874 was passed when it was lowered on to its wheels.

In an image reminiscent of the well known Terence Cuneo poster, the restored frames of N Class 31874 have been reunited its wheels and axleboxes. In the same lift the front truck was removed allowing it to be fully overhauled.  All work is being carried out to a high standard to allow main line operation of the locomotive. The engine was lifted by a set of four hydraulic jacks which support a pair of beams from which the engine is suspended allowing the wheels to be rolled in underneath. The work of completing the assembly of the brake rigging and suspension can now move forward.

Elsewhere in the works the tender frames are progressing well and remedial work to the tender tank has been completed allowing it to go away for shot blasting and painting. In Stockton the boiler is slowly progressing and we hope to reunite this with the frames in another milestone lift in the new year.