On Tuesday the 3rd of October the frames were despatched to Tipton Mill to be put through a rolling mill in order to remove what is known as a 'crossbow' in the drivers side frame. Despite contacting them the week before and agreeing the time and date for this job it had not crossed their minds to tell us that their big rolling mill that was needed for the job was now in the process of being sold to India, and, despite the fact the job would of only taken a couple of hours, they had now no interest in helping us.
It is no wonder that manufacturing in the UK is going downhill, or that they have to sell off equipment to India!

Frames loaded and ready to go. (W. Naylor)

Quick thinking by Ian, Chaz the driver and myself saved the day. A couple of calls revealed Ballachree Ltd in Bradford who owned a suitable set of rollers. They were able to help us in our hour of need, so it was off over the Pennines now.

Thanks go to George and his team at Ballachree for helping us out, they could not have been more helpful. They saved the day for British engineering and showed us what northern hospitality is all about.

On the rolling mill at Ballachree. (W.Naylor)

I believe this is the first time a Grange has been to Bradford too!

The frames are now back at Llangollen awaiting final assembly. The 'crossbow' was corrected by more than 75%, but with a couple more minor tweaks at Llangollen they will be within tolerance and fully fit for use.

They would have been put back on the frame stands and ready for assembly on the 7th & 8th October working weekend, but someone decided to take the front wheels out of 5643 and left the road blocked with a 50ton crane on the weekend. So thats the job for next time then!

6880 is put through the mill. (W Naylor)

AGM REPORT

The AGM took place on the 8th of October in the function room at Llangollen Station, attendance was good with some new faces seen. Some of the main changes were:

Ian Massey is now the engineering Liaison officer and is in charge of liaising with Llangollen Engineering on the build process.

Richard Gadge is the new membership secretary and has a misson to increase the membership and boost income further. Looking back on last year we have now effectively doubled our income, largely due to the Express Scheme, details of which will be included in the website very soon.

Discussion took place regarding the assembly of the frames and the possibility of contracting the work to Llangollen Engineering. This will guarantee the job is done in time for our Gala Steel Steam & Stars, making 6880 herself the centerpiece exhibit.

Written by Will Naylor
Last Updated ( Sunday, 15 October 2006 )