Major components for the front end ready for assembly

We are pleased to announce that the major components for the assembly of the front end of 3840 are now ready to be fitted to the main frames. The cylinders, extension frames and racking plate angles are all complete and are just waiting for the production of the many bolts, nuts and studs to be finished to allow the assembly to be performed.

The completed cylinders posed for the first time in the position that they will be fixed to the main frames. Photo: CCT Archive

The extension frames and racking plate angles positioned together to check the alignment matches. Photo: CCT Archive

When assembled the above items will be assembled upside down to make it easier to fix the other components in this area. These include the racking plate itself, the bogie pivot pin and the bogie support bearings all of which are difficult to assemble when the cylinders are the correct way around. The pivot pin is completed and there is a small amount of machining to complete the racking plate and the bogie bearing brackets.

Bogie pivot pin ready for installation. Photo: CCT Archive

Bogie support brackets waiting final machining. Photo: CCT Archive