Update 18th August 2009

As you can see I have spent all day today cleaning and taking paint off lots of parts. As I've been cleaning I have been evaluating each part to see if it needs repairs / replacing or just cleaning and painting. I have the wheels and tender back today after being sandblasted (Thanks to Rob Yelland).

I plan to do more work during this week and also leading to Dorset.

Talking to our friends John and Steve at Bridport Foundry on our stand at the Dorset steam fair, they have agreed to help me with sponsorship for some of castings for my engine, I would like to thank them very much for this.

Further updates on my progress will be posted onto the web site soon

4th September

Today I have managed to fit in another days working on my Plastow. I have carried on cleaning up all of the parts including the reverse lever and the chimney.

The more I am doing the more I am finding needs repairing or replacing. I am beginning to wonder whether I have taken on an endless task!

But I am determined to complete it although it may take longer than I first thought as I am back to school soon.

I am off to Dorset tomorrow night armed with money to buy a chimney base and also a gear selector so at least I can look like I am making progress

Update 12th October 2009

I have had the boiler checked by Farncare and they say the boiler is no good and needs to be replaced.

After extensive phone calls and a plea on traction talk, I have now given AJB Engineering the job but we haven't decided between copper or steel which will be down to the price. Steel was chosen. It should be ready Sept 2010.

Also I need a new tender as the old one is beyond repair, the copper is now with me and the tender will be underway shortly with guidance from Mark Bool who works part time for Berrybrook.

Lastly to add insult to injury I've now had to have a new cylinder block cast with heads, these are going to be machined by a top model maker who has had experience in this scale of engine named Bob.

As I am doing this project it is great the amount of people who have volunteered to help out, as without these friends there is no way I would have been able to take this project on.

My next update should be soon when I know more about the boiler.

More news added 15th November

I have recently been informed that the boiler plans have been okayed and the making of it is now underway. The cylinder block is also being machined, after us having to return the first one due to a blow hole inside the bore.

I will update you next once the block is ready and there will also be a photo of it ready to be fixed to the boiler when it arrives.

Report added 26th February 2010

I'm still waiting for the boiler to be made so I can start reassembling my engine. Unfortunately I've ground to a halt as I'm waiting for certain components to be made and returned to me for the assembly. I will keep you informed as to when the boiler is to be finished and I start work once again.

All Change!

See also the latest news under 'New Restoration Project' along with some pictures from events in 2010