Small Prairie 4561 GWR 45XX class 2-6-2 tank · West Somerset Railway Association

Restoration diary Cylinder cladding finished and pony truck straightened

4561: Cylinder cladding finished and pony truck straightened (photo 1)

The festive season was rather busy and the blog was a little sidelined, so here’s an update for the end of last year and the start of this year..

Words and pictures by Harry Spencer

4561: Cylinder cladding finished and pony truck straightened (photo 1)

During December work on the front end of 4561 was on the final straight, and the image shows the last pieces of cladding around the cylinders being sorted.

4561: Cylinder cladding finished and pony truck straightened (photo 2)

Just needs is a coat of paint before it goes rusty. If anyone would like to volunteer for this and similar tasks please contact the team at Williton.

4561: Cylinder cladding finished and pony truck straightened (photo 3)

Meanwhile with the front pony truck assembly, New bolts have now been made where needed and most of the bends heated and straightened.

4561: Cylinder cladding finished and pony truck straightened (photo 4)

Also the pony truck arm was heated and straightened before going back on.

4561: Cylinder cladding finished and pony truck straightened (photo 5)

Whilst the 1st Axle Box was being finished it up on the borer, it was trial fitted on the pony truck wheelset

4561: Cylinder cladding finished and pony truck straightened (photo 6)

Meanwhile, another axle box was being prepped for white metal.

4561: Cylinder cladding finished and pony truck straightened (photo 7)

Regarding wheelsets, the 1st coat of gloss paint was applied to the 1st set of wheels.

First published on the WSRA 4561 restoration blog.

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