Chassis 
 
Progress on the suspension has been good. The springs and spring hangers have now all been reamed out. The lower pins have been refitted to the frames, brand new top pins have also been machined and all four springs have been re-assembled to the frames. 

 
The new spring push rod guides are nearly completed as can be seen below... and will be fitted shortly!!!

Four new steel plates were purchased for the replacement bufferbeams, and these have been cut and drilled. Prior to the timber being purchased, the plates have been assembled using 6 inch spacers in place of the wood, and these 'mocked-up' bufferbeams are being trial fitted to the chassis. Some minor rework is required to the front end, but by and large they are looking good.

 

New steel has also been purchased and delivered for the footplating. The left hand valance was very badly damaged and a new one has been cut. The old footplating was very badly worn and has been modified so many times over the years that there were more holes than metal!!!

The footplating, new left hand valance and the original (repaired) right hand valance have now been fitted to the chassis. There is still some drilling to do, and of course a LOT of rivitting, but at least the chassis is starting to look recognisable!!!

The reversing rod and quadrant have been also repaired and now the footplating has been re-fitted, these have been replaced inorder to hold the valve gear wayshaft in place without the need for ropes everywhere!

 

The horn guides are now all on and most of the holes have been reamed ready for new fitted bolts to be fitted. In order to facilitate this work, both valve rods have now been removed and at first inspection the valves appear to be in good condition.

There seems to have been a lot changed over the winter but I think that's a fairly good quick summary.

Look out for the next update.. hopefully fairly soon!