There is still some way to go to complete the rolling chassis, but we are progressing towards wheeling 4709 in the foreseeable future and so, the time has come to start making plans for the motion.
In many respects, 4709 is unique amongst new/re-builds, as it has acquired many GWR-standard components, which puts 4709 into the enviable position of already having most of the motion it will require. Saved from the scrapyard, much of this vital resource has already been cleaned up, primed and stored, to await final restoration and refurbishment.
To put together the motion for 4709, we are setting up the 4709 Motion Club to acquire the necessary coupling and connecting rods and a small number of missing items (2 x piston rods, new valve heads, 1 x eccentric strap, the expansion links and die block as well as the reversing rod). Once done, we can complete the refurbishment and restoration of the motion already in our possession.
At the beginning of the summer whilst costing materials for the 8 rods, we received an extremely competitive quote for the steel and quite by chance, an unexpected donation, sufficient to acquire the rod blanks without adversely affecting the work on progressing the rolling chassis.
One coupling rod has already been sponsored and we are now inviting sponsors for the remaining 5 coupling rods @ £4500 each and the two connecting rods @ £5500 each. With further machining, bearings and crank pin collars to be made and fitted, the overall cost for the rods will be a high five figure sum.
With the current supply/delivery market turmoil, it is not possible to give a precise price for the refurbishment of the remaining motion and other missing items but it is hoped to be within a 6-figure sum.
In the meantime, work is being concentrated on fitting all those brackets where it is easier so to do without the wheels in the chassis, a number of which are motion related. The spring hangers, brake hangers and running plate brackets are now either fitted or under way. Next will be the new boiler holding down and reversing shaft balance spring brackets, as well as new leading left and right sand boxes.
Restoration work on the horn guides has turned out to be more complex and taken longer than expected but the end is now in sight, which will allow work to restart on the axle boxes. Meantimes, work to complete the front end continues.
Whilst all or any donations of whatever denomination are always welcome, we are seeking the help of up to 200 supporters to join the 4709 Motion Club giving £1000 (or more) in one amount or in multiples (e.g. 8 x £125, 10x £100, 20 X £50) over a 2/3 year timescale to acquire the new items required and provide a regular income to undertake the restoration and refurbishment of the motion already in the possession of 4709, over a similar period.
4709 Motion Club supporters will become Friends of 4709 and have their names recorded on a plaque at Didcot, receive a private invitation to view 4709 as a rolling chassis at Tyseley as well as having the opportunity to drive a completed 4709, under supervision at Didcot.
Finally, there are still a small number of Simon Bowditch’s ‘fine line pen and ink’ drawing of 4709 leaving Taunton with the down milk empties available to anyone who supports 4709 with a donation of £1000 or more.
Thank you for your continuing interest.