It's going blue!

Picture by Phil Neale

Another view

Although only partly in BR blue, this shot shows the general effect. Note the absent red buffer beam, taken away to give access to the inside cylinders.

The firebox cladding and gantry crane.

The middle left hand of the boiler is yet to be painted.

The controls with the left cab side off.

The left cab side hanging from the gantry.

The right hand side of the engine.

The splashers have been painted blue, but the boiler tube and firebox here still await some steelwork and painting.

The final cylinder.

Middle right cylinder awaiting cleaning before the final piston goes in.

The right hand inside cylinder (from the front), greased up and ready to receive its piston.

This magnificent piece of kit was designed by a member of the team to apply 12 tons of pressure the piston so we can drive the gudgeon pin in.

The piston goes in successfully!

Another view of the two middle pistons, with valves above.

The hydraulic jack used to compress the piston.

The piston compression device with red jack just visible

A volunteer pumping the jack.

Another volunteer drives the pin home.

The piston rod is in the left foreground, and the inside cylinders are behind the camera.

The final pin safely in place.

A slice from the front of the cab.

This 4" slice of metal from the top of the cab 'spectacle plate' will help make the difference between a 6023 being a GWR 13'5" tall engine, and a 13'1" engine useable on Network Rail routes.

Right hand side of the cab off.

Detail of the reverser pedestal, without the cab side.