19 April 08 - GWS, Didcot

The last major work on the loco is the removal of the bogie and front tender axle for axlebox work and probably tyre turning. The GWS pulled out all the stops to come to the society's aid in this task completing the job in less than 6 hours including all the shunting and movement of their own stock to get 6024 in and out of the lifting shop. Our grateful thanks go to them for their continued support of 6024 during this maintenance period.

So, the loco was shunted out of road 4, turned and then split before moving the tender under the crane. This was then lifted and the front axle removed to be replaced with a spare axle before lowering back down again. Then it was the turn of the engine, again hoisted up at the front until the bogie became clear of the frame and wheeled out. A bogie trolley was then placed under the front of the loco and the engine lowered onto its wheels and the trolley before being shunted back outside to be paired up again with its tender and moved back into road 4 where other tasks can be continued with. The removed parts will be delivered this week to Bridgnorth where they'll be worked on as necessary.

• The loco hangs awaiting the bogie trolley
• The tender is lifted
• The loco on the way up

12 April 08 - Ramparts, Derby

With no work going on at Didcot this weekend, there was a chance to pay a visit to Ramparts carriage works in Derby to see progress on the support coach.

All the bodywork repairs have been completed and painting is currently underway on the exterior. The new torsion springs are due shortly while the braking equipment has returned from overhaul and will be refitted. The seats have their new springing to be fitted as well as their new upholstry. No more dirty overalls from now on.!

Here's a couple of pictures...

• Newly painted coach
• New seat springs

5 & 6 April 08 - GWS, Didcot

Working continues on the fitting of the eccentric strap to the loco but it's found to be taking longer than expected. It had been hoped to steam test the loco prior to moving to the Severn Valley Railway for bogie axle repairs and tyre turning, but as the loco is not fit to move under it's own power the Great Western Society have kindled agreed to work out a plan to assist us by lifting the loco at Didcot and removing the bogie and front tender axle to be sent away for machining & re-profiling while we then continue with the eccentric. We're still on track to make our commitments in June so basically we've just moved our plans around slightly. Meanwhile, work in the smokebox was completed by Roger & Peter and the brick arch was sealed up with refractory cement.