Racking plate angles ordered

As part of the assembly of the front end of 3840 along with the cylinders, extension frames and racking plate we also need the racking plate angles which join all the above components together. In GWR days these would have been forged from 5” angles but the capabilities to do this sort of work these days is non existent so we are having to manufacture from solid bar 5.25” square and, like the extension frames, machine most of the metal away. We have placed an order with CMS to source and machine the angles and, as they have the extension frames already, can ensure that the angle fits the extension frame snuggly. With the extension frames, cylinders and the angles at CMS it just leaves us to get the racking plate, which was cut at TATA as part of the original order for all the frame plates, to CMS to enable them to assemble the front end late 2024 early 2025.

CAD model of the Left hand racking plate angle. Image CCT