Work in Progress - 62-521/30076 - 16th June 2007

Following many weeks of fund raising, conservation, planning and application of dismantling oil, work is now proceding at Ropley on the Mid-Hants Railway beyond loosening of nuts and bolts in preparing to split 62-521 into pieces, thus beginning the heavy overhaul work required to create 30076.

On Saturday 16th June, a team headed by Project 62's Locomotive Liaison Officer, Dave Brown, removed the under cab lockers and moved the cab steps inward 150mm. This will reduce the loading gauge of the locomotive sufficiently to enable her to be moved around Mid-Hants infrastructure more freely.

Whilst this work was going on, a second team freed off the steam dome top plate nuts so the cover could be released to access the regulator valve assembly. The sanders were also emptied of their remarkably dry contents in preparation for removal with the boiler cladding.

The team also managed a few moments to be photographed alongside LNER A4 number 60019 "Bittern" recently out-shopped from Ropley works and undergoing minor adjustments before coming fully into operation.

A pleasant June day for work on 62-521

Dave Brown tackles the fireman's side under cab locker

Jeff Duke and John Drew release the steam dome nuts

Tea-time? A photo call with "Bittern" then!

All photos are copyright of Richard White unless otherwise credited