Wadebridge Locomotive
 

News about the locomotive:

On 19 December 2009, the Wadebridge board agreed with MHR to carry out the completion of the partly constructed tender, hopefully within the next 2 years. The board is now researching spring suppliers and axle box designers.

On 19 January 2010 Work on the speedometer fitting started, with the 'wheelbox' bracket on the lower left of the casing just in front of the rear driving wheel which will take the junction box and adjuster for the speedometer in due course.

The engine was then out of service for the following:

  1. The injectors were removed - the outer one to get at the inner one which is still not right; with reports of wasting water (not running clean), and is to be investigated by Gambles
  2. The piston valves and gear are to be dismantled sufficiently to see if the valve timing and positioning and free play are within limits. I confirm reports that one exhaust beat is 'off'. There are no adjustments as such but if bushes in the motion are worn the effect is magnified at the valves.
  3. Atomisers to be examined and/or changed to hopefully stop once and for all the blowing back of steam which causes water to collect in the cylinder lubricator.
  4. Examination and refitting of glands to the steam reverser which has developed oil and steam leaks. The water leak lets water run into the rear left driver bearing; the oil leak lets the reverser move when it should be locked.
  5. The front left tender spring has a broken leaf.
  6. To try to check and repair the leak on the tender water tank into the coal space.