THE North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group (NELPG) has confirmed the damaged cylinder for its‘Q6’No. 63395 is to be replaced rather than repaired.
As reported in RM June 2023, the 0-8-0’s right-hand cylinder failed at Grosmont station on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on May 16, resulting in the loco being withdrawn from traffic.
The old cylinder has been sent to a contractor, where the component has been 3D scanned, which along with a copy of the original LNER drawing has enabled the production of a brand-new cylinder drawing. The next stage will be to examine and snag the new drawing and iron out any issues before placing the order for the new cylinder.
Meanwhile, the overhaul of ‘J72’0-6-0T No. 69023 reached a milestone in early December when both halves of the new cylinder castings were joined together. While other components remain to be machined, it is expected that the cylinder will be fitted to the frames in the coming weeks.
The boiler continues to progress at contractor Northern Steam Engineering Limited. The firebox and new boiler barrel were put together for the first time in mid-November. Excellent progress was subsequently made drilling and fastening everything together.