Shed47 Railway Restoration Group

05/11/2023

https://youtu.be/y_h9_bFlExA?si=iWyJqHY3Rcr1nydg

05/11/2023

Good evening everyone.
Here we go again with another Sunday jam packed update.

Seen as the weather was mild and dry it was time to get the finger out and get the block work finished in the signalbox.
A couple of mixes later and all is done 👏🏻

Over at the NG line Big Dave was out the shed getting warmed up for steam test after the tube repair. It didn't take long until he was up to pressure. There were a few bolts and nuts needing a tweek but we knew this would need done.
I wasn't over for the final verdict bud did see him moving so I'm assuming all is good ?
Their standalone Genny was getting fitted out with a radiator sourced from an old Rover P6 and an electric fan.

Back to the standard gauge shed our joiner was working on the new door blank for the station. The clashes were fitted and glued and then one side was sanded down nice and smooth before getting a coat of primer.

More wood was being processed and it was beginning to look like wood shop 😂

More work on Jinty with the rear end getting primed on Saturday.
It was then out with the wire wheel again today cleaning up the front of the loco and treating with rust eater.
The wee flap for the rear has been primed along with the bonnet spacers and hinges sourced for the flap.
More cleaning up of the engine cover doors too.

All the locos were fired up today also as they have been sitting dormant for a couple of weeks now. Need to keep those batteries topped up.

And I think finally the museum walkway extension saw the beginnings of the handrails being installed.

Cheers the Shed47 team 👍🏻

01/11/2023

Good evening all and welcome to a very wet Wednesday update,

the weather didnt stop us but most of todays work was indoors due to the inclement weather, so here you are in no particular order...

the fire was roaring away to keep the damp off and give ut just enough heat to keep going, but it is to be noted the wood burner is now wayyyy past its best...

A donation of signaling wire rope for the semaphores was brought in this morning along with some lamp brackets and a couple of pairs of fish plates with bolts, these have been tucked away but the wire will be getting fitted to the new signals in due course.

work continues on jinty with a good bit done today, more paint stripping and prep along with rust treatment where needed was the order of the day, the handles were removed from one of the engine covers to be cleaned and lubed as they were very stiff. wire wheels were in use and the guys made short work of the rusty rivets etc.

Andy brought i a van full of fire wood so this was decanted straight into the shed for processing into boxes ready for the fire. we get through a fair bit in the colder months.

The joiners shop was busy making door clashes for the staion, the single door that faces east hasn't weatherd very well and is being replaced and to save a few quid we opted for a slightly smaller door, we are talking a few MM but saved about £70.

whilst planing the clashes Tony noticed the planer wasn't feeding and it turns out the belt had jumped, after a bit of tlc he had it back up and running.

Following on from the sad news about our wood burner being life expired we sourced a suitable bottle to create a new one, the valve has been removed from this and the bottle is now sitting full of water which flushes any residual gas and makes it safe to start work on. we are thinking pie oven and hot plate on the new burner maybe even a rotisery or is that going a bit far???

over at the narrow gauge the guys were busy sorting out big daves pipework and getting the blower etc reconnected, fingers crossed for good weather on Sunday for a test steaming.

The rest of my afternoon was spent filing away the running seasons paper work in the relevant folders and ensurin g it was all in order, got to keep on top of the back room duties too.

Thats yer lot for tonight folks so fill your boots with the photos and we will see you on Sunday for the next one...

Cheers, The Shed 47 Team.

29/10/2023

Early one tonight.
Due to the horrendous rain today we decided to call it quits a bit earlier today.

We still managed a few wee jobs though.
Over at the NG shed Big Dave's firebox was slid back into position and all the ancillaries were connected back up.
The tank has been filled with water and is ready for testing.

Back in the standard gauge shed work continues on Jinty with old paintwork being removed from engine covers.
The top bonnet cover was also removed and lowered to the ground ready for being stripped and painted. All the bolts were then treated to a thread clean and the spacers getting a rub on the wire wheel to clean them up.
More paint prep was taking place on the rear of the loco too.

Painting of the roof bars for the bogey wagon was also on the cards with a nice coat of black gloss.

Outside one of the lever frames for the signal box was stripped of excess metal which made its way into the skip.

Robins cement mixer was away off site and got stripped of its old paint and a nice new coat put on before being brought back and having the new ring gear fitted today and now works as good as new.

The museum walkway saw a bit more wood being cut but is too wet for painting so will stay inside till it has dried out.

Well I believe that's it for today. Hopefully mother nature will be a bit kinder to us next Sunday so we can progress the block work on the. Signal box.

Cheers the Shed47 team 👍🏻

25/10/2023

How Do you lovely lot, its that time again so here we go in no particular order.....

the timbers that will help hold the felt on the tram roof were given some water channels using the router then taken over to the main workshop for painting, another job ticked off Tonys list.

The tram seating timber was delivered today courtesy of MGM Timbers along with a new station door and a handrail for the extended decking outside the talgo coach, joiners going to be a busy boy.

Jintys radiator is now holding water after some new gaskets and a bit of tlc by the workshop guys, the radiator cap was then treated to a rub down on the wire wheel and a coat of grey the wing nuts were also buffed and painted.

Sandra the NG loco was givenb a service today with oil and filter changes done and the injectors sorted she is now in good health and ready for all the upcomming p-way duties during the closed season.

Big Dave is now being rebuilt after having a boiler tube replaced, we had to wait on the correct expanders for the job which arrived on Sunday and so the work was completed today and the new tube is in and holding pressure, the loco will now be put back together and we can do a test steaming before signing him off as fit again.

the 4 jaw chuck for our workshop lathe was stripped down and cleaned today, it had been needing a good clean for a while and today was the day, the jaws were removed and the worm screws etc everything was cleaned and it was then oiled and rebuilt with some small burs etc removed from the jaws key ways it is now 100 times better, we also fabbed up a new T key for the chuck to make life easier.

The joiner had one of the planes stripped as the blade had hit a screw head whilst in use, this was initially dressed on the bench grinder before being finished on the whet stone, the plane is now back in service.

The new water treatment for the steam locos arrived today along with the new testing kits, this should help sort out the ph etc in Big Dave and on No 29's boiler when it comes online. the manufacturer is going to send a rep up to show us the ins and out of the test kits and how to best use the product to get maximum benefit from it.

And last but not least the saga continued with the hole for the first NG signal post getting ever nearer it's depth, the blue whinstone that pollutes the site makes life very difficult for anyone wishing to plant a post in the ground but we will get there, there will be four posts in total each sporting their own finial which are silouettes cut from ally plate and mounted on timber blocks but they have the desired effect...

Well thats it for now folks, see you all Sunday for the next installment....

Cheers, The Shed 47 Team.

24/10/2023

A year gone by already, but he will forever be in our thoughts.
Rest easy Jim.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10229206219956905&id=1137996212

Please feel free to share on behalf of the Paterson family.

It is with deep sadness, the family are announcing the passing away of a very special, well respected and much loved gentleman, Mr James Paterson, also known fondly as Jim or JP of Redwells Joinery Glenrothes.

James, aged 79 years of Kinglassie, passed peacefully, at home, on Wednesday, 19th October, 2022. He was a cherished and devoted husband of Elizabeth, a much loved father of Linda and Sandra, a dear brother of May, a doting grandad, great grandad, and a good friend to so many. James will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Funeral Service to be held on Tuesday, 1st November, at 12.30 pm., at Kinglassie Parish Church, thereafter on to Kinglassie Cemetery for the committal service, at 1.30 p.m., to which all family and friends are respectfully invited. Donations may be given to Prostate Cancer UK, if so desired. Anyone wishing to send a floral tribute in memory of James, please arrange delivery to Ian Johnston Funeral Directors, 142n St Clair Street, Kirkcaldy by 11 a.m on Tuesday 1st November.

The family would also like to invite you all back to the Dean Park Hotel after the service for some refreshments, and to share stories and fond memories of James.

www.ianjohnstonfuneraldirectors.co.uk

22/10/2023

Good evening one and all.

A bit colder again this morning some frost kicking about.

Nice clear skies and no wind which meant it was a great day to make some progress.

Over at the narrow gauge line the guys were working on installing a signal post and prepping ground ready for the cross over the burn. The JCB was out and moved a length of track from the west yard to the end of the station to plan out the formation.

Our Woodworker was busy making a jig thingamabob for cutting rain channels for the bogey wagon. And he unmasked Jintys control panel.

Sticking with Jinty. The radiator was filled but there was still a wee leak so some of the elements have been moved around to fit better.
One of the engine covers has been painted in primer along with half of the cab rear.

We received a few donation items today and also the new tube expanders for Big Dave arrived.

Work started on the block work for the signal box which should hopefully be finished next week. Also a big hunk of wood was sourced to bridge the gap for the point rodding.

Well I think that's about it for tonight,join us again on Wednesday for the midweek update.

Cheers the Shed47 team 👍🏻

18/10/2023

Good evening all, it's Wednesday night once more which means update time again....

Another load of scrap donated today which was quickly sorted into the skip, this adds yet more weight to the scrap pile which means more pennies in the bank.

The concrete blocks for part two of the signal box wall were moved from the car park to the build site, the first lot were hand balled then the second load were dropped onto a trolley so they could be unloaded next to the signal box site this made for very happy backs as the blocks are most definatley not light weight. they are now all neatly stacked and ready for use.

The NG guys are working on some lineside dressing in the form of miniature semaphore signals complete with cut out finials, these will be for display purposes but should add a bit more interest to the line. we looking forward to seeing them installed.

our big orbital sander failed its pat test on sunday as the flex was damaged, so today it had a nice new flex fitted and passed its pat test with flying colours, it will soon be in use on the big Barclay.

The Big Barclay Jinty had a bit more tlc today, sme more of the cab has been stripped and treated before being primed, and the first of the engine bay covers was being cleaned on the inside face and then had the paint stripped off the outside face, this uncovered the old green livery it would have been in during it's ICI days.

And last but not least the NG guys were back at it with the strimmer and sprayer today getting the line cleared for the forth comming works, it is amazing just how quickly mother nature will take back ground if you dont stay on top of w**d control etc.

Well that is your lot folks, see you all on Sunday for the next installment of railway preservation goings on.

Cheers, The Shed 47 Team.

17/10/2023

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/collision-at-aviemore-station-strathspey-railway?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=aa792802-5e8e-4341-8bab-1e94c2a6253e&utm_content=daily

Investigation into a collision at Aviemore station on the Strathspey Railway, Highland, 29 September 2023.

15/10/2023

The bubble doesn't lie 😉

15/10/2023

Good evening all.

Autumn is well and truly here now. That's a couple of early morning frosts now and I'm sure there will be more to come.
The day warmed up not too bad so it was ideal to get moving on the brickwork.
This is all finished now so hopefully we get a good day next weekend to get all the block work done then the job can be handed over to the joiner.
One of the cribs got cleared out so a pipe could be put in position to carry all the electrical cables. A bit of the trunking was cut to accept the pipe then it was all covered over.

The undercarriage of the bogey wagon saw some action with the bogeys getting painted.

In the workshop, work continues on Jinty with the control panel getting its first coat of black paint.
The radiator elements have now also been refitted with the new rubber gaskets in place.
PAT testing was done on all our plug in devices.

The museum walkway saw an extension being added to reach along to the Talgo coach to make access a lot easier and safer.

Some finials have been made from some sheet metal for the narrow gauge guys. Speaking of whom, have been working on the branch line clearing the overgrowth.

Finally we received a donation of books and magazines from Mr Tam Docherty.

Well that's it for today have a great night
Cheers the Shed47 team 👍🏻

11/10/2023

Well hello again you lovely lot and thanks for looking in, another busy day so lets get into it.

Big Daves boiler treatment was being looked at today and with some adhoc sciency maths type business going on we think we may have cracked it, the dose rate has now been measured and we have the ph up where we want it at around 10 to 10.5, we will now be making up measured doses that are ready to use as it were to cut down on the time it takes to add the right ammount when taking on water.

No29's hand brake tube was attended to in the workshop, the base that was riveted to the floor was damaged when we burned the rivets off to remove it, this was made good by filling with weld and dressing back with the grinder. now it needs the paint removed and a good coat of primer.

Jinty's cab is being stripped back to bare metal and will be getting some rust renovator applied to any bad bit before she is treated to a coat of grey primer, this is probably going to take a few weeks to get her completly stripped but we have plenty of time to do it. the consul and dashboard in the cab have been cleaned back and primed and will be getting painted Black in due course.

The narrow gauge extention was getting some of the jungle removed today, Jan braved the wildlife and vetured into the bush with his trusty strimmer in hand and made short work of the task. we hope to be starting work on the second bridge structure just as soon as the metal work guys are finished with No29's flooring and cab.

Timber strips were cut from some decking planks and are to be used on the roof of the tram body to help secure the joints in the felt, these were cut then plained through the thicknesser before being put into storage for the meantime.

The access door to the crawl space / storage under the station was treated to a fresh coat of white paint, the door was remade earlier in the season and coated with primer and today was the first dry day to get the white applied.

And that as they say is that for the moment, join us on Sunday for yet more fun from the shed.

Cheers, The Shed 47 Team.

08/10/2023

Well that was a mixed bag of weather today 🤔

Our first weekend of no public running meant we had a couple of extra hands on deck for other jobs.

Heavy drizzle first thing meant no brickwork straight away but it did clear up in the afternoon to at least get started. A random heavy shower got things wet again but managed to push on. Then right at the end of the day the almightyist rain moved in but luckily we managed to get the work covered so should be ok.

More work done on No29s flooring with metal getting marked out and the plasma cutter doing it's thing, it was sized out in no time. Another piece was also cut out to fit. The brake handle stanchion was then tested in place.
Not long now and the frames will be ready to take the boiler again.

In the workshop work on Jinty was progressing with the studs being refitted for mounting the radiator elements.
The elements were also getting a lick of grey paint just to help protect them a wee bit.
More masking and painting inside the cab on the control panel this time. This will definitely make it a more pleasant place to be.

The 'City of Dunfermline' plaque was removed from D2650 for a polish up to keep it looking good.

I'm pretty sure something else was done to do with No29s cap for the xmas tree but not entirely sure of the progression.

Over at the narrow gauge shed work continues on Big Dave and the boiler tubes but there seems to be some problems with equipment and other issues.
Sandras injectors were cleaned and refitted, then she was taken for a test run down the line (sorry no pics) but everything seems to be OK.

Work outside the museum extending the decking along towards the Talgo coach started but again unfortunately no pics.

I've probably forgotten something that's been done but that pretty much covers it for this evening.
Just us again next time for the midweek update.

Cheers the Shed47 team 👍🏻

04/10/2023

Good evening all and welcome back to the midweek update,

No29's floor progressed today with the first new plate cut and placed, the rest will follow as soon as the weather permits but its moving in the right direction. the fl**ge for the top of the fire box that holds the xmas tree was worked on today, this is the origional fl**ge but the tree is a replacement and so we are having to adapt, the studs for the old tree were removed and the blind holes filled and the fl**ge was then skimmed in the lathe to face it off. next will be marking out for new studs.

The big tool box that holds our flogging spanners and podgers was repaired after the lid cracked, the joiner filled the crack with glue and then clamped it before fitting a lenghth of ply inside the lid for additional strength.

New studs for Jintys radiator were made as a couple had seen better days and had a lot of wasteage, suitable bolts were used and the heads machined off in the lathe, off site Callum has laser cut new rubber gasckets for the rads to replace the very brittle origionals.

Sandras injectors were removed for cleaning after it was noted she was running a bit rough, they were found to be pretty dirty but after a spa day and a soak in a hot sonic bath they would appear to be looking a bit better. they will be refitted in due course and the engine tested.

Big dave has had a new tube fitted to replace the failed one, he will be getting a hydraulic test to ensure all is well before they reassemble the fire box and refit the blast pipes. fingers crossed it will see him back in steam.

Jinty the big barclay was getting some love in the cab department as the consul was cleaned off prior to it being repainted, the rest of the loco will be stripped of paint over the comming weeks so we can get busy sorting the tin work and prepping her for next year.

The bogi wagon / tram project saw the supports for the roof ends receive their final coat of black gloss, once dry these will be fitted to the coach ends and the roof can then be felted, the closure peices were fitted on the floor ends which tidy the look of the flooring and tick another job off the list.

Thats your lot for tonight, we will see you all again on Sunday for the next installment,

Cheers, The Shed 47 Team.

01/10/2023

Good evening everyone.
Well that's it folks.
The end of a very busy 2023 season.

We would just like to say a huge thank you to all the visitors, guests, vendors, attendees to events etc etc. It's a long list and we have enjoyed having you and being a part of our small family.

THANK YOU.

Right on with today. Unfortunately won't be super detailed as I was laying bricks most of the day.

And that's where I will start.
The signal box is slowly progressing and hopefully next Sunday the brickwork will be complete, then it's time for the blocks to go on the inside.

Another tarp was pulled over the tram bodied wagon to help protect it coming into the cooler months.

In the workshop the radiator elements have been removed from Jinty.
Apparently though according to Barclay enthusiasts the weeping elements are quite common if the loco has been sitting for a while not being run and is nothing to worry about.
Now they are off though new seals will be made and then reassembled.
The mounting bolts are also being cleaned up and a couple of studs will need redone.

Over at the narrow gauge shed things were happening with Big Dave's boiler but I'm not exactly sure of the details.
Hopefully one of the guys can comment and fill us in.

Eloise was out doing the last runs on the NG line and D2650 was once again running the standard gauge line.

Well I think that's it for today.
And remember even though we have finished our running days for the year the weekly updates will keep coming thick and strong.

Cheers the Shed47 team 👍🏻

27/09/2023

Well hello again you lovely lot and welcome to the midweek update,

Big Daves water was tested today, we took 3 samples one from the source, one from the saddle tank, and one from the boiler. all three test strips show the results we knew they would, no acidity in the water at all, we now have to have the material of the failed boiler tube looked at to see why it failed so soon. more to follow on this.

No29's safety valve fl**ge plate had a new spring anchor fitted, the replacement we had in stock required us to tidy up the area around its seat to allow the best fir, this is now done and the anchor is jointed and fitted.

The blanking plate for Big Daves boiler crown was modified and we have welded a boss onto it which will carry the release valve, this should make life a bit simpler in future for testing etc.

The bogie wagon cannopy stays were sanded down and are now awaiting their final coat of black paint, these will then be fitted and work can beging on the tram body roof. we fitted a new tarp over the tram body today but it is somewhat perforated and so a second cover will be added.

And a bit of an update on Jinty the Big Barclay, unfortunatley we have discovered she has weeping form the botton of two of the radiator s, this will be investigated further as soon as time allows,

And thats your lot for tonigh, See you all on Sunday night for the next update.

Cheers, The Shed 47 Team,

24/09/2023

Good evening everyone.

Both narrow and standard gauge lines running the usual passenger services today.
Not long now till the end of the 2023 running season so if your making plans to visit, it better be soon.
We had a good amount of visitors across our doorstep today and also some good purchases from the shop.

The tram body wagon saw some more painting getting done from our woodwork team.

In the workshop, work was continuing on No29s safety valve setup.
After some cleanup and seal making parts were assembled.
On fitting and tightening the part sheared and broke 😲
Luckily we have a spare and this was soon in place of the broken item.

Outside more brickwork was being built up. That's all four corners done so just a case of closing these together and then the block work can be started.

Right I think that's about it for tonight so please join us again on Wednesday for the midweek update.

Cheers the Shed47 team 👍🏻

20/09/2023

Good afternoon everyone, it is time once again for the midweek update,

the bogie wagons bogies are slowly getting there with the black being applied to No2 end whilst No1 end is being cleaned of grease and oil before the needle gun comes out, the supports for the cannopys of the tram body were fabricated and test fitted before being taken into the workshop for a coat of paint.

The big barclays floor was given a sand down to remove all the paint marks etc and has now been treated to a coat of creosote, another coat will be applied and this should see it completed internally.

No29's safety valve plate is back from being machined and is looking much better for it, the regulator is now refitted to the loco and would apear to be working as intended mechanicaly although a steam test will be required to ensure it is working in that respect.

An extention was made for the tube expander that will be used to fit the replacement tube into big daves boiler, the fire box end is a rather tight space so this will make life a lot easier for the guys.

and the welders hammer got a new shaft made for it today, this one is oak so should last a while, we can have the welder going without his favourite hammer...

And that is your lot for tonight, see you all on Sunday for the next one.

Cheers, The Shed 47 Team,.

17/09/2023

Good evening everyone,I hope you've all had a good weekend.

First thing this morning we had a group of local kids from Dunfermline visit the railway.
Unfortunately I didn't catch the name of the group so hopefully they will comment on the post.
The feedback I heard was that they all really enjoyed themselves and left being very happy with their run on the railway. 👍🏻

D2650 was doing the honours on the standard gauge while Sandra was out pulling the narrow gauge passengers.
It was pretty steady all day even when the wet stuff appeared after lunch.

Autumn is now here and today was the first time in a while the fire has been lit to keep us going.

Our woodworker was keeping busy on the tram wagon until it had to be covered again,and he also got paint on the station cubby hole door.

Good news on the JCB front. With another starter fitted after tracing all the suspect wires she fired right up without any issues.

The brickwork continued on the signal box but unfortunately it started to get to wet to continue laying so the ground frames were moved about and brick stacks moved into position for next time.

In the shed work continues getting no29s parts ready for installing to the boiler ready for the next test.

Sticking with boilers the narrow gauge guys got the blanking plate to seal and pressurised the boiler. It managed to hold pressure for well over an hour.
We shall get a better look at the other tubes on Wednesday with a borescope.

Well I think that's about it for today.
Catch up again with us Wednesday evening for the next update.

13/09/2023

Good Evening all and welcome to your midweek update from the shed,

Another productive day today with plenty going on so lets get into it,

No29's frames have had the last of the rotten floor cut away and the rivets that were holding it cut and drifted out, the new steel for the floor was hauled out of storage and after some measuring was deemed to be of the correct pattern and thickness for the job. this will be getting cut on Sunday and we should see a new floor in the loco frames soon after.

the bogie wagons No2 end bogie has been primed and is looking much better already, the oil pads have been removed from the rest of the axle boxes and were treated to a good cleaning in the parts washer, the oil wells in the axle boxes has rags added to assist the removal of the old oil and water.

Big Daves boiler had a blanking plate fabricated and fitted to allow the guys to test the rest of the tubes with a hydraulic test, unfortunatley the blanking device fitted to the tube plate started leaking and so the test was abandoned until this is fixed.

No29's fl**ge for her safety valves was stripped of its studs and taken down to our friends at Geyers to have a new face machined, this will remove the pitting and wasteage from the area of the plate that sits on the mating face and should provide a far better seal.

The Jcb is still poorly with the starter motor seeming to be the main issue, although we cannot find anything wrong with it, it refuses to turn under load, one ofd the members may have a spare, if not we may have to purchase a new one.

Thats the lot for tonight folks, see you all sunday for the next one.

Cheers, The Shed 47 Team.

10/09/2023

Good evening all. A quiet one today.

Still a good few visitors for runs on the standard and narrow gauge lines though which was nice to see.

Work on the narrow gauge mainly consisted of boiler checking Big Dave.
The borescope was inserted and shows there is some more pitting on the other tubes. How bad we don't know yet.
A blanking plate has been made and a hydraulic test will be carried out on the remaining tubes to see if there are any more leaks.

The bogie/tram wagon saw some more work today with window frames and other bits of wood being offered Into position. Hopefully our joiner will comment on the pics

No29s boiler also saw more prep work getting done although I'm not sure what as I was too busy on another project today.
Which leads perfectly to the work starting on the brickwork for the base of the signal box.
Everything was dry laid,squared up and measured before the mixer was fired up.
Two corners have been lifted to finished floor level and a stretcher course on the west wall.

The JCB also has some starting issues which are being investigated.
Well I think that is it for today.
Like I say I was quite busy today so didn't get as many pictures as normal.
Thanks to a couple of the other guys for snapping a few and passing them over.
😎

Cheers the Shed47 team 👍🏻