Doug and Richard have turned their attention to the Mink A van in recent months. Current progress is as follows:
Removal of everything under the frame that can be unbolted except for the drawgear which cannot be removed until the van has been removed to a final resting place for restoration. There is a slight twist in the frame which was unforeseen and will add additional time onto the restoration. The vacuum cylinder is currently being overhauled ready for rebuilding onto the van. Progress is weather permitting at present, with 9681 utilising the shed for the final part of its overhaul.
After several years of hard work by Richard and Doug as well as other dedicated volunteers, the Mink G van is now completed. A before and after comparison has been shown below. The van has had all new wood, and roofing completed as well as new metalwork in places. The van is expected to be out and about on the line as part of a special service on Sunday 26th September. Send in your photos!
The Mink G has been undergoing signwriting, after its superb restoration by Richard and Doug. Look out for the full article and photographs shortly, but for now, here’s a sneak peak!
We are currently working on the overhaul of ex BR 57xx Pannier Tank No.9681 at Norchard. In order to help us raise vital funds to bring this historic locomotive back to steam, we are appealing for donations to support the DFLG. We have set up a PayPal page which can be accessed here:
Norchard has been quieter than normal lately, but a small band of volunteers have been hard at work under strict social distancing measures in order to carry out vital maintenance on Prairie No.5541 and a push on with Pannier No.9681 to ensure we have a replacement for 5541 when she is withdrawn for overhaul.
Prairie No.5541 has received a new brick arch and sprinkler system. Pannier No.9681’s new cab is progressing very well. The two spectacle plates, gutters, coal bars, cab shutters and various handrails and fittings have been put back onto the loco. Western Steam Engineering have been working on the new cab floor which is looking excellent.
The pistons and crossheads have returned from Tyseley and will have been fitted by the time this article goes out, all being well. Work has been progressing well on the boiler with the last of the staying being completed in March. The foundation ring will then be removed, repaired and refitted.
The Mink G is progressing very well indeed. The door locking bar guides have had the recesses cut in the first door and everything trial fitted to make sure everything works O/K [it does]. It has been removed to enable the ongoing painting to proceed. Sometime in the next two weeks it is hoped that we can meet the signwriter to arrange getting the lettering done. Progress at the moment looks a bit slow, but we are into the time consuming fiddly bits now.
We are all gearing up for a return to steam in the near future and are always looking for new members to help us on our way. Please consider checking out the membership page for more details. Photos T.Halford/C.Bayliss.
We have recently set up a Youtube channel to share with you visual updates of our locomotives and rolling stock. Due to national lockdown restrictions, content may not be uploaded until the Spring time, however, we are keen for you to join us, spread the word and click the ‘subscribe’ button so that you will be first in line to see our videos when we begin to upload.
Norchard has seen a hive of (Covid safe!) activity over the Autumn, with excellent progress made on the Mink G by Doug and Richard, as well as with Pannier 9681. Tom has been coordinating works on 9681 and is currently concentrating on the cab. During November, the new roof has been drilled ready for riveting. A new front spectacle plate has been cut and fitted up. The attached photograph will illustrate the sterling work that has been put in so far. Work is set to continue on 9681 throughout the winter and in to 2021.
Our iconic ex-GWR 4575 Prairie Class No.5541 has re-entered traffic at the DFR and has been handling October’s services.
Here are a selection of photographs taken by volunteers:
5541 prepares to depart Lydney Junction. Photo by A.Dickinson.Stunning scene at Lydney Junction as 5541 departs after dark. Photo C.Walker.5541 on the approach to Norchard High Level. Photo K.Copley5541 in the platform at Norchard Low Level. Photo K.Copley
The latest update on the Mink G by D.Phelps. Pictures supplied by R.Thacker.
At last, the rest of the timber to complete the wagon has arrived. As we had to have the roof beading and rainstrips specially made, we took the opportunity to have enough made for all our vans, including the Toad brake van, so that we only had to pay for the machine setting up time once [ the rainstrips are quite an odd shape].
Anyway, now we have the wood, we have made and painted the top boards for the ends and made the quarter boards as well. We are amazed at the amount of cutting, rebating, drilling and trial fitting we had to do around the various roof beams, angle irons, rivets etc. With the pace of progress increasing, thoughts are turning to our other wagons, probably a Mink A and an open.
Some of our wagons are pre 1920 so over a hundred years old. With the Fruit D and Mink G costing around £ 15,000 each and very little income from loco hire this year, lack of funds as well as labour will curtail our activities, so if you can help, in either department, please do. Just to illustrate the costs involved, as an example I include a breakdown for the machined wood that we have been waiting for, as follows:
Today, BR 57xx Pannier Tank No.9681 had its new cab roof dropped on for fitting and drilling. Once drilled, the cab roof will be rivetted on to its angles. New cab spectacle plates will be ordered and fitted in due course. This is a great step forward in the restoration of this loco which is continuing at Norchard.
Photo T.Halford
Photo T.Halford
Whilst the Pannier was being shunted into the ‘tin tunnel,’ DFLG volunteer Richard Thacker snapped a rare photograph which we must share with our followers. All three DFLG locos together in one photo. 5541 was in use as yard shunter.
All three DFLG locos in one photo. Left Pannier 9682, Centre Pannier 9681 and Right, Prairie 5541. Photo R.Thacker.
