Sandstone Heritage Trust - News

WN20 - Penultimate Flugel for the year

14th December 2006

Let's start with the picture I missed last week. Webmaster Ian in a boiler suit at last. Ian is going great guns and has proved to be very capable in a great number of ways. We keep drawing in more members from the fringe by leaving them to their own devices and allowing the sheer magic of the place weave its spell. As you see, it works wonders.



Seen here, is the front footplate for 'F13'. In this case, it is the original as fitted at the time we received it. In relatively good condition, it is worth refitting. Roger has it on stands here, to enable the dressing and cleaning to be carried out.



Steve is beavering away on the cab and doing a really good job of it.



Mike Webb and I spent some time removing the top cylinder end cover from the air compressor for the 'F' and checking its condition. As seen here, Mike is working on the sleeve for the shuttle valve.



There were quite a few on deck today and I took the opportunity to get this shot during the meal break. There are about another four not showing in this picture.



Gently does it. Bringing out the coal bunkers and the lower portion of the 'F' in one careful easy lesson. Time to fit the bunkers in position for keeps.



With the load transferred, Steve is man handling the bunkers into the approximate positions.



Meanwhile, the first of the gateposts is being placed in the postholes we saw being dug a week or two ago. I took this picture to show that this crane is in fact a six wheeler. We are using this crane, as the other one has the jib raised and will interfere with the overhead wiring.



Mirthful Max in the early stages of guiding the post into position.



Keith and Graham provided the lifting power, but at this point, Keith is lowering the post using the brake.



The final push and shove to get the post positioned accurately.