Latest News

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Sandpipe Filler Chutes
15/05/2025
	Unlike the original Class 6 and 7 designs, the 2nd batch of Clans were designed to have 3 sandboxes instead of 2. In the original design, the front coupled wheel sand ejector was fed by a long horizontal pipe from one of the sand boxes. This must have been prone to clogging up; hence the development of the lot 242 design with an extra sandbox to service the leading wheels. These are the sandpipe filler chute plates recently delivered from ESP Laser Cutting in Rotherham. The next stage will be to get the top and bottom plates bent to the match the shape of the side plates. The small plates at the top of photo on the bag are example of the brackets that fasten the chute to the running plate. These, too, will need to be bent as they need to form a 90 degree bracket with two 45 degree bends. Finally, the cross pieces at the bottom are the sandpipe caps which will also need bending. After bending, the chutes will be assembled by welding.
Leading Coupled Wheels
12/05/2025
	Our leading coupled wheels were delivered today from William Cook Cast Products who have kindly sponsored the manufacture of all 6 coupled wheels. No sooner than they had arrived then Ashley set about applying a coat of primer. Next week they will be turned over for the underneath to be painted.