Latest Progress
Published 10 April 2019 | 
The following pictures illustrate the latest progress from both Tyseley and Llangollen.
At Tyseley the coupling rods have been fitted to the wheels, whilst preparation of the connecting rods has taken place adding paint to the rear of the rods. The boiler is edging ever nearer to completion with the fire hole inner and outer sheets riveted. At Llangollen the further painting of the tender is ongoing.
Latest Progress 2nd February 2019
Published 5 February 2019 | The first weekend in February also saw the first Volunteer working day of the year on Betton at Tyseley Locomotive Works. TLW staff have carried out work on the frames and re-wheeling, then it was our turn to put the springs back on. Also delighted to see that the Boiler has now been fully riveted, and just awaiting some final stays before it is to be tubed, very shortly, TLW staff have also been placed the pistons into the cylinders. Thankyou, as ever, to all our volunteers for their hardwork to Chris, Quentin, Barry, Paul 1, Paul2, Mick, Colin, Bill, RichS and Lynn for the well needed refreshments!
Boiler Front Taper section
Published 6 November 2018 | The front taper section with the front tube plate has been fitted to the rest of the boiler and firebox at Tyseley.
The next job will be to fit the tubes
Progress at Tyseley
Published 15 August 2018 | Much of the firebox is complete now with a large number of the stays added. The reamainder will be fitted within the next week or so. These views show the quality of workmanship being achieved. It’s easy to see where the money goes in refurbishing the boiler to such a high standard.
The smoke box awaits fitting.
the locomotive sits outside temporarily whilst awaiting the wheel drop to sort out a few issues with frame rivets.
Work starts on the Tender
Published 16 July 2018 | with agreement in place to hire the 4,000 gallon tender belonging to the owner of 2-8-0 No. 3814, our team started sanding down the metalwork in preparation for painting into BR Western green.
TENDER HIRE FROM 3814
Published 10 April 2018 | When 6880 steams within the next 12 months it will run with a 4000 gallon Collet tender hired from 2-8-0 No. 3814. A deal has been struck with the owner of the tender to use it until such time as 3814 itelf has been overhauled. The tender is currently at Llangollen nearing the end of a restoration and will be available to us later this year.
Boiler update at Tyseley
Published 9 March 2018 | work continues at Tyseley where the rivet holes for connecting the back plate to the foundation ring were being drilled. We also saw an unusual view of the firebox rear with both inner and outer back plates removed. The new front boiler ring has now arrived on site and is available for fitting when required.
Cylinder Draincocks Fitted
Published 9 February 2018 | at the beginning February our team fitted the cylinder draincocks during the recent working weekend
Progress on boiler work at Tyseley
Published 13 January 2018 | work on the boiler continues on schedule for completion this Spring. The new firebox lower outer sheets are ready to be welded in. Meanwhile two new throat plates have been made for both 4936 and 6880, ready to be riveted in once the outer sheets are finished. Outside the new smoke box barrel has arrived ready to be fitted once the new front boiler barrel arrives. Also on site is the metalwork for the new ashpan.
Member’s Day
Published 8 November 2017 | on 29th October the Society held the annual Member’s Day at Llangollen,
addressing the meeting was our ambassador Mark Evans visiting us to see for himself the progress on the locomotive.
work on completing the ‘bottom end’ of the locomotive continues whilst work on the boiler continues at Tyseley. The Boiler Fund has now reached the amazing total of £219,000 a remarkable achievement. Les than 10 Granges remain to be adopted raising £70,000 through this initiative.
