Build Diary entries for December 2015

Here are the diary entries for this month. You can use the forward and backward links to see the next or previous months. Most photos taken before 2018 are small size. From 2018 onwards, most photos you see below will have a link to a full size image by clicking on the photo.

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Frame Components
07/12/2015
	We are pleased to announce that we have now ordered the next FIVE components for the frame assembly. This order comprises the following components: Frame Stretcher (SL/DE/19618) Left Motion Bracket (SL/DE/19735) Right Motion Bracket (SL/DE/19760) Frame stretcher and boiler carrier (SL/DE/19832) Smoke box saddle (SL/DE/19864) This represents substantial progress towards our aim of erecting the frames in 2016 50 years since the last BR Standard Class 6 `Clan` was scrapped. Exhaust Steam Spider We have started receiving quotes for the casting of the exhaust steam spider. This is a complex casting and to allow for improvements in performance the existing pattern we had in stock was, unfortunately, not suitable. New manufacturing techniques have given us several options on how to have this component cast. * Traditional wooden pattern - expensive to create and extremely complex due to the combined curvature from the cylinder ports to the blast pipe * Polystyrene pattern * Sand printing The last option is looking very promising and is a new technique suggested to us by AMRC (Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre) and consists of 3D printing the sand mould just as you would using a plastic 3D printer for making a model or prototype.
Right hand motion bracket update (1)
16/12/2015
	The right hand motion bracket is now being assembled. The image below shows the 3D model of the completed motion bracket. The 3D model that has gone to the engineering company has each plate colour coded to the specifications document to show each plate and how the fabrication fits together. This component carries the weight of the Expansion link and radius rod along with the associated forces involved. The top right view shows the bearing at the top where the reverser shaft comes across the frames to the right hand (firemans) side of the locomotive. The expansion link is supported between the two parallel bearings. The BR Standard Class 6 has the radius rod lifted and lowered by the lifting arm which projects out towards the front of the loco which can be seen in the second photo of Evening Star. The model was produced by Keith Greenhow, a relatively new member of the Engineering Committee. Keith is already modelling various components using 3D software which will save the project a lot of money over the loco build process. Many thanks Keith and welcome!
Right hand motion bracket update (2)
16/12/2015
	Evening star showing the Left Hand motion bracket (above the display board and over the second driving wheelset).