Update April 26

Sunday, 19th April, 2026

Hi again.

80097:

Piston and Valve inspections continue. Boxing up operations progressing, we are waiting for components to arrive to complete the rebuild then the loco can resume operation. Work has also been done to the backhead metal casing. This has now been painted and fitted. We have also received two brand new leaf springs which have gone into store. Due to the long lead time on replacements, 8 to 12 weeks, the board decided to invest and ensure any downtime for replacements would be kept to a minimum. These were delivered in 10 weeks. Also recently we had notification that a full set of tyres has arrived from South Africa. They are now in store and their fitting will be planned for a suitable opportunity in the future.

46428:

We're there, the foundation ring is out. Using hydraulic jacks loaned from Fleet Engineering Services the ring was eased out and is now on the welding bench being prepped for an MPI test.  After NDT and liaison with the Boiler Inspector to discuss the next stage. We will then be looking at removal of the outer wrapper platework. Just how much is to be determined from reference to the survey and visual.

Cylinders

Our cylinder and steam chest boring is being progressed by Fleet Engineering Services. They are specialists in on-site machining. We are very fortunate to have such generous supporters. This part of the restoration is being sponsored by Dave Cousins who has been a member of the group since 97 was brought to Bury from Barry scrapyard in 1985. He has been a staunch supporter particularly of the Ivatt 46428. So much of the progress made on the loco is down to Dave, thank you Dave from us all. 

Slide Bars

The purchase of four billets of heat treated EN8 has been sponsored by Dave Cousins. The "roughing out" of the first two slide bars has been completed and the final machining to high tolerances will commence soon at Adelaide Engineering in Bury. A large portion of the cost of machining has been sponsored by Keith and Susan Savory. Thank you both so much.

Reverser bearing surfaces

The components, a base and two caps, required to complete the reverser mechanism have been received from Boro Foundry of Stourbridge. There is some work to be done. They need machine finishing and white metaling of the bearing surfaces. Thank you to Alan Bibby for sponsoring this part of the restoration.