Build Diary entries for December 2022

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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Bogie Frame Assembly
05/12/2022
	Apologies for the lack of photos today but it's been a busy day. Main work has been on the left hand bogie frame installing some of the fitted bolts that secure the frame plates to the central stretcher. At this stage we can fit 4 hexagonal head fitted bolts on each side. We will need to fit 13 countersunk head bolts on each side of the frame. The heads need to be countersunk flush with the frames to avoid fouling the bogie spring cradles which lie on the outside of the frames. Because of the size of the heads, the countersunk holes in the frame plates will need to be formed on a machine. Next week we hope to start fitting the axlebox guides - the final machining of the guides will take place with them fitted to the frames
Drilling Bogie Bolsters
12/12/2022
	Today we started on drilling the fastening holes for the bogie bolsters. The 1 inch diameter bolts go through the bogie bolsters, the main frames and the bogie pivot stretcher. Whereas the holes in the main frames and the bolsters had been predrilled with 15/16th inch holes, the holes in the stretcher needed drilling. So Mike started by centring the magnetic drill with a 15/16" drill bit. Then he fitted a 3/8" drill to drill a pilot hole in the stretcher. This was followed by a 25mm drill bit (effectively 63/64 inch) and then finished off with a 1" reamer. We finished 3 holes today, 2 more on this side next week and then the bolster on the other side.
Bogie Spring Cradles set up for assembly at Heritage Rail Traction.
19/12/2022
	The bogie spring cradles are at Heritage Rail Traction in NE Manchester for assembly. First they will confirm that everything is lined up correctly and square - as you can see in the photo. Next the bolt holes at the end s of the cradles will be drilled and reamed to final size. Light Drive Fitted bolts will be manufactured and will be installed. The bolts will ensure everything is held in position so that the spring cradle brackets can be riveted in place. Photo by John Hind
Bogie Bolster Drilling
19/12/2022
	Meanwhile, back in Sheffield, Mike continues the drilling and reaming of bolt holes for the bogie bolsters. Here Mike is at work on the right hand side of the frames.