Above: Drilling underway on the smokebox of Swanscombe No.6to allow fitting of vacuum pipes and lubricators.
MR
THE Middleton Railway’s Hawthorn Leslie 0-4-0ST Swanscombe No.6(3860/1935) is on the last lap of an extensive overhaul that will see it return to steam for the first time since 1975.
The former Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers (APCM) loco is being reassembled following the fitting of the overhauled boiler in mid-September.
Prior to the November lockdown the new tank was trial fitted,which resulted in a few minor modifications being made to the tank in order forittosit correctly.The tank now needs drilling for various bolts to be fitted,to permanently secure it.