News, 28 July 2026
News, 28 July 2026
Sandboxes. Not the made-up, computer-speak testing environment which allows isolated programmes to run safely, actual sandboxes for sand. Drawn on a computer, emailed to a laser cutter, cut from 3mm mild steel sheet and delivered to site, then held in place by magnets whilst being welded together by a sweaty man.
In the first photo, the component parts of the sandbox are laid out 'flat pattern' style. This is just for the photo, I knew that they fitted together and I'd already done a trial assembly.
Next, the side was added and tacked on. The side is the bit which is flat on the bench, it's at 90 degrees to give better stability whilst it was tacked.
One by one the other base part and the other sides were tacked on.
The sloping front and the small horizontal top next...
...and finally, the filler aperture.
The process was repeated for the other three boxes (two are handed, they are different Driver's side and Secondman's side) and all the sides seamed up. The eagle-eyed will see that two of the boxes have had the welds ground back flush and two haven't - the enthusiasm ran out.
As the loco reassembly gathers pace, the preparation of component parts continues. This is one of two stands for the 'fire' bottles. A misnomer of course because they don't contain fire - that would be dangerous and unhelpful. The bottles contain CO2, which is the opposite of fire. The same stand is seen in the three images below in as-removed condition, in primer and in undercoat.
Also receiving attention are the radiator shutters. The ones in the photo below are ex-Class 37. They come apart quickly enough but are filthy and the incorrect length.
