Further significant progress is being made on the locomotive's motion. All the heavy motion components have now been ordered from Stephenson (Engineering) Ltd of Atherton and work started on machining the four coupling rods with the first pair delivered to Darlington Locomotive Works in September. The updated poppet valve gear design is almost complete with the first components in manufacture.
To date the intermediate coupling rods (between second and third coupled wheelsets) have been delivered and fettling has started to create a high standard of finish, white metal lined bronze rod bushes have been ordered and machining of one of the leading coupling rods is nearing completion.
The next steps will include the completion of machining of leading coupling rods and the forging of the trailing rods.
To finance all this progress The Motion Club was founded in May 2018 to fund forging and machining of the heavy motion, with a target of raising over £210,000 including Gift Aid, from 175 supporters each donating £1,000 in up to eight payments of £125. As of today, The Motion Club has reached the initial target of 175 members, who have generously donated over £200,000. For further information on how to become a member click
here.
The following photos show the various stages of machining involved in finishing the coupling rods and the latest one being forged.
