EX-GWR LOCOMOTIVE No 6695 IS REWHEELED AT THE WILLITON WORKSHOPS - AND BOILER TEST SUCCESS ON 18th SEPTEMBER 2008

Photo Report from Nigel Clark - dated 17th Sept 2008, updated 19th September
6695 Locomotive Group
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Rewheeled Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 stands outside the workshops at Williton with full boiler pressure having successfully passed its test on 18th September.

Nigel Clark writes:

Good news at last, Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 has been rewheeled over the last few days and final assembly is now taking place. Best of all, the boiler test was successful yesterday, 18th September 2008.

The safety valves lifted at full pressure, and 6695 now once again has a boiler ticket. We have another 3 or 4 days of reassembly plus some attention to minor leaks from fittings, and hope to commence running-in the refurbished axleboxes next week.

The following photos show the rewheeling activities leading up to the test, and see the foot of the page for some photos of the steam test itself.

Individual captions best explain the photos.

Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 is lowered onto its driving wheelset in the workshops at Williton. Accuracy with this first set was vital and the most critical.

If all goes well, 6695 should be working trains on all four days of the West Somerset Railway Autumn Steam Gala between 2nd and 5th October and is likely to remain at WSR for the remainder of October although this is yet to be confirmed.

1. Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695's axleboxes being trial fitted in frames with measuring equipment to determine axle centres
2. Right-trailing axlebox during trial fitting

1. Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695's left-driving box being trial fitted.
2. Driving and leading wheelsets ready for placing under engine

1. Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695's right-trailing 'box in place on journal
2. Left driving box in place and new oil filler for underkeep
3. 6695 in the air waiting for leading and trailing wheelsets

1. Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 up on the jacks waiting for wheelsets.
2. Driving wheelset in place and engine being lifted again to get other wheelsets in.

1. Leading and trailing wheels waiting for the engine to be lowered onto them.
2. 6695 with all wheels now under.

WSRA staff secure ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695's radial truck in position. 6695 once again rests entirely on her own wheels. Now for the steam test!

Rewheeled Ex-GWR 0-6-2T locomotive No. 6695 stands outside the workshops at Williton with full boiler pressure having successfully passed its test on 18th September.

Swanage Railway's 6695 Locomotive Group always welcomes help and support. For further details of how to join us and to see further information on the specification and history of 6695, please visit our dedicated homepage at http://swanagerailway.co.uk/6695/index.htm by clicking here. You will find background information on the locomotive and links to all 6695 news items.

Nigel Clark
6695 Locomotive Group