King
Edward II Project
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24.01.2012
The team has been working hard to rectify the snags identified during the running-in on the Mid Norfolk Railway. The repairs to the firebox are well under way under a contract.
It is anticipated that all will be complete by the middle of March.
The oil filler pipe on the middle left driver axlebox underkeep (a large oil bath) rotated in its tapered gas-thread during operation on the MNR, and struck the spokes of the driver. This ground away the end of the filler (see comparison, below). We were very fortunate that the problem was spotted promptly due to the continuing diligence of the support crew, and that there was no complete breakage. We made a safe temporary fix that allowed us to complete the trials.
The project has decided that as many other 4-cylinder engines in preservation have suffered similar problems with this hard-to-reach filler (squeezed in between the back of the wheel and the frames), it would be worth our while to modify all six underkeeps to a design originally undertaken on 6024 King Edward 1 in preservation. This modification blanks off the hole where the outer oil-filler pipe went, and introduces a fixed and permanent filler integral with the structure of the underkeep. This has to be filled with lubricating oil from between the frames whilst the crew are oiling up.
After jacking the engine's weight off of its springs and wheels, work has gone on over the past month to install these modified keeps. The left and right rear two drivers have now had this modification after a very successful day's work on the 21st Jan. See the pipes with the corks in, below.
29.12.2011
A new collection of shots from the Mid Norfolk Railway running-in during June & July has been added to this site. The tab is top right.
23.12.2011
A way forward has been agreed for rectifying the boiler for running on the main line.
16.12.2011
The first of the modified axle box underkeeps have been fitted to the right and left sides of the middle driver.
The project team is actively seeking a non-intrusive solution to the repairs needed on the boiler.
10.11.2011
The now widely-known issues with 6023's boiler are being addressed, and a way forward for the project will be agreed in coming weeks. 6023 will remain at Didcot whilst remedial work takes place.
10.8.2011
6023 has now completed its running in on the Mid Norfolk Railway and is back at Didcot.
Supported by a joint group from the MNR and the 6023 restoration team, it operated for 22 days and ran 1822 miles. Although the mechanical work of the volunteers on the restoration team has been of a very high quality, inevitable 'on the road' snags have shown themselves which need rectification before 6023 can re-enter traffic. One of these is a small oil pipe into the centre driving wheel axle box underkeep which has rotated in its thread then been fouled by being hit by wheel spokes. This will necessitate the centre driving wheel set having to be dropped out to achieve the repair. Of greater concern, and extremely disappointing for the volunteer team is the fact that some of the expert contracted work on the boiler restoration has been done to a questionable standard. This work is being investigated by the GWS and some rectification work has already been undertaken. We are sure our supporters can understand our disappointment over this, but we hope to have all the work complete for going out on the main line in 2012
As a result it will not be possible for 6023 to attend the Severn Valley and Great Central galas this autumn. The team is sorry for the disappointment this will cause although it is hoped that attendance at similar events can still be arranged in due course
6023 will be on show at Didcot for the GWS 50th Anniversary Gala in September. Work will continue to allow 6023 to debut on the main line during 2012.
This website will be updated properly when folk have stopped rioting & I can get some time off duty...webmaster
10.7.2011
6023 is now getting into her stride with 6 or 7 carriage trains over the undulating 11 miles between Dereham and Wymondham, with the running-in target of 1000 miles easily within reach. Coal consumption at these low (25mph limit) speeds has been high at around 22-25 miles per ton - but then it is unnatural for an express engine like this to pull a train tender first for half of its round trip.
The restoration team members have been delighted by the welcome they have received at the MNR, and the very friendly and supportive help we have received from volunteers there (from all departments).
3.6.2011 - STOP PRESS! - On her journey to the MNR, 6023 had her bonnet knocked off (possibly by a tree), and it is probably sitting in a ditch somewhere between Didcot and Dereham. We are currently using a borrowed one.
For reference, the bonnet is the brass thing that looks like a cotton spool half way along the top of the boiler, and has two blue 'shoulders' (see photos of the complete engine, below). It has low scrap value as it is thin and decorative, but has to be made by hand, so is worth a lot in time and effort. Please contact the webmaster (see links) or the Mid Norfolk Railway if you have any information on its location.
1.6.2011
6023 has now been sent to the Mid Norfolk Railway at Dereham, by low-loader (as she is not yet certificated for main-line running). A final Saturday working party at Didcot saw work on the cab windows, the restoration of the higher roof and higher fittings, the installation of the tender water scoop and myriad other jobs before the move.
Waterscoop down ! (Sounds like a story about rabbits) The tender water scoop fitted 28.5.2011. This would be lowered (as shown) into water troughs sited on the main line to collect water for the tender, when supplies were running low and the loco was hauling a non-stop express.
4.4.2011
There was an official public first steaming of 6023 King Edward II on Saturday 2nd April at the Great Western Society, Didcot Railway Centre, Oxfordshire at 1pm, in the presence of Mr Steve Davies MBE, Head of the National Railway Museum.
It was a doubly special event with Vintage Trains stopping their double-headed steam tour from Birmingham at Didcot Parkway at 12.10pm in order for passengers to join us in Didcot Railway Centre. Locos were 4965 “Rood Ashton Hall” and 5043 “Earl of Mount Edgcumbe” Both engines used the facilities at the GWS.
6023 was also in steam on Sunday 3rd April, and is planned to be in steam with 6024 King Edward 1st on Easter Saturday.
In June 6023 will move to the Mid Norfolk Railway for running-in, and where she will be based until 17th July.
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5.3.2011 The King sits among other working engines in the Didcot engine shed, the fresh BR blue paint contrasting with the dark green or black of the other engines. Only 4 weeks to go!
- 20.12011. After many extra hours of work over much of January, a fire was lit, the pressure rose in the boiler, and she moved under her own steam for the first time since her last fire was dropped in 1962.
- 11.12.2010. A lot of work has brought 6023 close to moving under her own steam. All the cladding is on, the backhead is largely complete, all the work in the smokebox is done and the main things we are waiting to fit are the cab roof, cab floor and brick arch, as well as many smaller finishing jobs on paint and pipes.
- Lots more photographs are on the Gallery pages at Fire in the boiler , Boiler lift , Superheater, backhead cladding & chimney & Finishing the smokebox and cab fittings . As you will see, the weeks are counting down to that first 'chuff' since she was condemned in June 1962.
- 18.9.2010. Another cracking day of work that saw the main steam pipes installed in the smokebox, and many of the pipes and fittings installed on the backhead.
- 21.8.2010. Following the installation of the superheater header on 7th August and the mighty regulator rod, four rows of superheater elements have been installed. Another magnificent day of heavy work (in hot and humid conditions) by the team.
- 24th July 2010. The boiler was lifted onto the frames and after mating with the ashpan, lowered carefully into its final position
- The cylinders have been lagged.
- The boiler steam test was passed to 260psi on the 12th April
2010.
- At 1700 on the 28th March 2010 we lit a fire in the water-filled boiler and smoke went up the chimney for the first time in 48 years!
- The boiler passed its hydraulic test on the 15th March. This is a critical test on its way to certification and ensures that it has no leaks.
- The firebox brick arch segments have been delivered and await installation.
- The TPWS is being wired up.
- The ash pan is in the final stages of fabrication and fit, and has benefitted from a comprehensive reworking of the space over the rear axle..
- The last runs of the mechanical lubricator copper pipework have been installed.
- *The team has received the David Muirhead Award 2008 from the Transport Trust. The certificate was awarded at RAF Hendon by HRH Prince Michael of Kent, on 24th June 2009.*
Additional Resources
As the workshop is now closed to visitors during working, live work on 6023 can only be viewed from behind the safety barriers. This is to protect members of the public from the various hazards in the workshop from which the volunteers are well protected by proper kit.