Burner

Having had a couple of people take a look at the boiler I have for the Britannia, I have decided not to go for closed flue firing and instead use the Stephenson's approach with a blower. Seeing as no-one else has the same boiler and firing method I am somewhat starting from scratch here, however, I have effectively made a much larger version of the Dee burner, with two secondary air holes. Copper sheet and tube, silver soldered throughout. Ceramic grate at the top. Finished this evening and yet to test it!

Tender side frames and dragbox

Tender side frames - these are the third set! I drew these in a CAD program and included holes for brass rivets. They are bolted to the dragbox and buffer beam to allow for easy removal/maintenance

Smokebox attempt 2

Was looking at this morning's attempt and scratching my head trying to work out why it looked wrong.... Then realised the chimney drilling is in the wrong place! I drilled it as per the MEL drawings but holding it up against the Skinley drawing or a photo shows it is wrong. Have started on attempt 2!

A start on the smokebox

Made a start on the smokebox, turned a piece of 2 1/4 to length and started the drilling. Will leave the lubricator drilling for now whilst I ponder where to put it.

Back on track

Britannia building has been on pause until now as I have had to move the workshop. Getting back up to speed now and thanks to a kind soul in Australia I have a mass of photos and drawings to assist in progressing the Britannia. Furthermore, I have decided to go for the 'cheat' option on the cylinders and axle pump and bought these from MEL.

A lesson learned is that parts need to be preserved carefully... thankfully a small ultrasonic cleaner from Maplin does a fine job of dealing with surface rust.